Adirondacks high peaks in early spring

Does anyone know of the conditions in the high peaks area in late March/early April? I'm looking to do a backpacking / climbing trip to panther gorge later this month but I'm worried there'll be too much ice and snow. 

I don't ice climb, so if that's the case my partner and I would stick to backpacking and ditch the climbing gear altogether. The area looks amazing and I'm excited to explore the wilderness area, but I don't want to haul climbing gear for 8 miles if the area is still covered in too much ice and snow.

It'll probably be pretty muddy, I doubt there will be much snow/ice left with how our winter has been. But if you call the High Peaks Information Center at the Adirondack Loj or the Mountaineer in Keene they should have up to date trail and climbing info!

Probably wet everywhere up high, ADK peaks seem to drain really slowly, and it could be surprisingly cool as well, definitely expect snow in shady corners. At least there are no bugs, however watch out for bears waking up hungry.

I work at John’s Brook Lodge, can confirm most snow down low will probably be gone (already is) but we will likely have some on the peaks still. It’s definitely muddy af right now, the DEC is telling people to stay off the peaks and where I’m at it’s pretty messy.

I’ll second the recommendation for the High Peaks Information Center and the Mountaineer. Both keep very up to date information. Have fun though it’s a great spot for hiking or climbing!

At the higher elevations of the High Peaks region, where Panther Gorge is located, there will be snow and ice until at least late April. Yes, even this year with the warm weather and low snow pack. During a typical year there is snow and ice at higher elevations in this region until at least May.

Panther Gorge as a rock climbing destination is typically a July, August, September venue.

If you must visit the High Peaks region during the late March/early April time frame be prepared weather/condition wise for everything; below freezing temps, mud, rain, snow (both on the ground and falling from the sky), ice and maybe a little sun.

There are places that you can rock climb in the High Peaks region during late March/early April. Search the forum. There are several posts about this.

The suggestions of using the High Peaks Information Center (HPIC) and the Mountaineer as resources for current conditions are spot on.

Enjoy your backpacking trip and please try and be as low impact as possible during the mud/shoulder season.