HIGH PEAKS Report June 9-18, 2025

After one of the wettest springs in nearly a century — with 78 of the past 90 days reporting precipitation — it finally feels like the tide is turning. Trails are drying out across the Adirondacks. Unfortunately, as the rain pulls back, the wildfire smoke has pushed in. Canadian smoke descended hard on the region last week, dropping visibility under 3 miles at times and blanketing summits in thick haze. As of Monday, June 9, most of that smoke has cleared, and air quality readings have dropped back below 40 in many areas.

At the same time, black flies are peaking. Expect full swarms at lower elevations and on windless summits. June has also been colder than average, with overnight temps in the upper 40s and low 50s — a welcome buffer against bugs for early risers.

This week, trail reports reflect generally improving conditions: less standing water, firmer footing, but ample mud in low-lying areas. Hikers are reminded to stay on trail even when it's wet to avoid widening paths. -Current Conditions by Mountain or Range

Marcy, Skylight, Gray

Trails are wet but improving. Van Hoevenberg remains muddy above 4,000 feet, but gaiters make it manageable. Backside approaches to Skylight and Gray remain soft and occasionally slick. Views excellent with minor haze. Bugs light with pre-treated clothing.

Cascade and Porter

Classic spring mix: some mud, mostly rock-hopping. Trail to Porter has wetter sections, but no serious obstacles. One hiker noted persistent rain during their climb despite a “clearing” forecast — be prepared regardless of reports. No views due to haze.

Phelps and Tabletop

Tabletop herd path is messy at the base, trench-like in the middle, and swampy near the top. Views were better than expected despite smoke. Phelps trail shows widening around obstacles and needs attention, but summit views were excellent. Black flies mild on Table Top, more intense on Phelps.

Lower Wolf Jaw, Upper Wolf Jaw, Armstrong

Wedge Brook approach is drying but buggy — full swarms when stopped. Summit views solid despite lingering haze. Trail between peaks is wet in cols and slick on slabs. Beaver Meadow ladder has two top rungs damaged — use caution.

Avalanche Lake and Mt. Colden

Colden’s trails are holding well post-spring. All bridges and ladders are in working order. Some mud persists, especially near Lake Colden. Wildlife active (loons seen on the lake). One hiker completed a massive Algonquin-Colden-Marcy loop, noting near-perfect temps and surprisingly few bugs until Marcy.

Whiteface (via ASRC & Marble Mtn)

Marble Mtn trail is steep with light blowdown near the Esther junction. Trail mostly dry. Bugs active on summit but manageable with breeze. Descent via the road offered a change of pace. Hazy conditions reduced visibility slightly.

Giant & Rocky Peak

Dry conditions overall. Rocky Peak had some slippery sections but no major issues. Bugs light. Great option for mixed-experience groups.

Seymour

Conditions much drier than two weeks ago, though some mud remains. Bugs overwhelming — mosquitoes, gnats, and horse flies persistent throughout. A long day.

Allen

Classic Allen — very muddy near Lake Sally and past the Opalescent. Slabs on the ascent were wet and slippery, with some blowdown. Bugs kept away by on-and-off rain. A small fire scar was reported near the summit sign. Descent was slick.

-Weather Outlook and Trail Impact (June 10–18)

Forecasts show a much-needed break from heavy rainfall. Between now and June 18, most days are expected to stay under 70°F, with lows in the mid-40s at base elevation. Tuesday, June 10 could bring moderate rain, and Saturday the 14th has a slight chance of showers. While precipitation will be lighter, any rainfall during this period — combined with colder temps — can trigger hypothermic conditions. Be prepared. Always pack a hard shell, even if skies look clear at the trailhead.

If you're hiking this week:

• Expect black flies and mosquitoes to be aggressive, especially mid-morning and around dusk.

• Trails are in much better shape than early June, but mud persists in shaded areas and drainage routes.

• Visibility is improving as wildfire smoke clears, but haze may return with shifting winds.

• Air quality is acceptable for now but monitor the AQI if you have respiratory sensitivity.

Snow and ice are officially gone. Microspikes and snowshoes are no longer necessary anywhere in the High Peaks — a clean start to summer hiking, at last.

Please continue to follow Leave No Trace principles, especially in recovering alpine zones. Stick to the trail, keep group sizes small, and pack out everything. We’ve made it through a brutal spring. Let’s give the mountains time to heal.