Mount Marcy, the highest peak in New York. (Petersent/Wikimedia Photo)
Anyone planning to hike in the Adirondack High Peaks region this weekend needs to be prepared for challenging winter conditions.
Officials with the New York Department of Environmental Conservation say significant amounts of rain, sleet and snow are expected in the High Peaks through the weekend. They say snow will be present on the summits, and hikers should expect cold temperatures and strong winds.
They also say sight distance will be limited, sometimes significantly, when clouds cover the summits.
Trail conditions are expected to be wet and muddy in the lower elevations and be covered in snow and ice in the higher elevations, with mixed conditions in between. Wet leaves, snow and ice will make for a slippery surface on trails, and hikers are encouraged to wear proper footwear and traction devices. Snowshoes may even be warranted in the higher elevations.
DEC officials say hikers should check the current National Weather Service Forecast and the National Weather Service NERFC Snow Page for the latest snow conditions.