The Future of Hike ADK

Life is a journey, and we literally don’t know how it can change, sometimes in twenty-four hours. I thought I’d sit down and share what the future of Hike ADK looks like, and what’s changing from here on out.

A couple months ago, my wife and I made a choice together--- one that was VERY difficult for me. We chose to leave New York indefinitely and move back to Ohio to be near family as we prepare to welcome our daughter into the world. It wasn’t easy. I’ve poured A LOT into building this brand, hiking thousands of miles, and creating something that represents my heart for the Adirondacks and the people who hike here. But this new season of life requires focus, and I want to be honest about what that means for the platform. Many of you have asked "What's going on with Hike ADK?" And so I want to bring clarification.

The Bradley Pond Trail in October with snow

Hike ADK isn’t going anywhere

Let’s get that out of the way first. The site will stay live, and the goal remains the same—to be a free, accessible resource for Adirondack hiking enthusiasts. Even if there aren’t plans right now to expand or update new trail data, everything that’s there will remain available for you to use, explore, and prepare well. That’s always been the purpose: to educate, equip, and inspire.

What’s changing

The biggest change is that the mobile app will be discontinued as of October 15. This isn’t a decision I made lightly. The app required maintenance, costs, and time that I simply no longer have. But here’s the good news—all the same features are still available through the website. The forum, blog, podcast, shop, and your account are all accessible there. The app was simply a convenient extension, not a replacement.

Mt. Adams

The podcast will continue, but it won’t follow a regular schedule. I’ll still create episodes when I can, but they’ll come out less frequently. The same goes for blog posts.

Another big change is the end of Pro memberships.

As of this post, paid memberships will no longer be available. Everything on the site will now be completely free. This decision reflects both where my life is headed and what I believe is best for the community right now.

The merchandise shop will stay open, and I still plan to keep creating and selling photography, prints, and calendars. We also hope to add a businesses page on the website featuring Adirondack shops, cafés, and local spots worth visiting—a small way to continue supporting the region that gave this platform life.

Looking Ahead/Why this is happening

Life changes, and this is one of those moments where honesty matters more than momentum. My focus is shifting toward family and a new season of life that doesn’t allow the same time or creative output as before. It wouldn’t be right to pretend otherwise.

Hike ADK has always been about community, not one person. So even if some things slow down, I hope you’ll continue using it as a trusted Adirondack resource. If you ever have hiking questions, reach out. I still love talking trails, helping people prepare, and sharing what I’ve learned from years in those mountains.

To everyone who supported this project from the start—thank you. You made it what it is. Hike ADK will always stand as a tribute to the place and people that shaped me. Keep hiking smart, keep exploring, and never lose your wonder for the mountains.

-- Jonathan Zaharek