Adirondack Trek suggestions

Mike V. wrote: To add to this: Only Lonesome Lake, Zealand, and Carter Notch are open in Winter. Nothing in the presies is open in Winter.

Ah, so then yes - practicing in the comparatively "tame" ADKs wouldn't be a bad idea. Just need to stay out of the alpine zones when tenting (technically the regulations state below 3500 feet - the spirit of the rule is it have hikers camp outside of the alpine terrain to minimize impact). There's also rules about tening in the Eastern High Peaks, typically only where designated with DEC tent discs (trail markers with tent symbols on them, usually yellow in color). Most lean-tos have tenting areas near them as a rule of thumb.

Fwiw, it can get really cold in the dead of winter in the high peaks. There's many days temps never get above 0F. Having a good sleeping bag would be a requirement (I rarely winter camp but have a zero degree, gortex bivy, and liner to add about 20 degrees extra warmth). If I was more serious I'd have a -20 for ADK treks.

Just to reiterate just how serious the weather is in the Whites, and how prepared you have to be: It's negative 4 degrees on Mt. Washington right now without wind chill, and negative 31 with wind chill! Badass!

mountwashington.org/weather/

Ha! I know man, it's gonna be gnarly.

One last question - I'll be taking the train up Friday to Westport and then taking a shuttle to Lake Placid. Was gonna stay at Tmax and Tops...can anyone recommend a good place for a beer and burger that might be within walking distance?

Hey! Cascade inn across the street has a nice bar, and is really the only option for walking from tmax and topos. Great food too...I recommend the chicken cascade.

Tmax and topos is awesome too, good call.

IMO staying at the Keene hostel more sense for those without a car since there's more eating options (and the bus stop is at the Noonmark across the street). [I don't have personal experience with any of the hostels since I live within day hike/climbing range or camp during warmer weather, so I'm not recommending based on any agenda for/against either of the lodging options mentioned, other than ease for the OP] Tmax and Topos is a bit far from Lake Placid/civilization. Fine with a car, not so useful without.

I assume someone in your group is picking you up to bring you to the trailhead for the hike?

I've bummed all over the 'dax without a car before. You just gotta know what's up.

Simon Thompson wrote:I've bummed all over the 'dax without a car before. You just gotta know what's up.

True that, really embrace the dirtbag lifestyle in the high peaks areas and you can get around and live easily. There is even a homeless contingent present in the high peaks...although it might just be the one dude carrying around all his possessions on a sled. Hitchhike from popular trailheads, or busy roads, and there are plenty of friendly people to pick you up.

Great camping, too...if you decide the hostel is a little too ritzy for your budget.

Not sure I would want to RELY on a free ride in the early Winter.

If you're not set on the High Peaks, Pharoah Lake and Mountain is an awesome place to spend a few days. Easy hike in, but there are lean to's all around the lake, all of them beautiful. Pharoah Mountain is a hell of a hike, short, but tough, and there's hiking all around the lake. It's a nice place to take a morning and hike in, set up camp, climb the next day, and take the 3rd day to hike out.