September/October

[kurtteej]

I'm going to head up to the High Peaks area in either September or October to do a peak or 2. I'm leaning towards September. I've never been up there at that time of year -- what do I need to think about that I don't think about in July or August?

Also, when do leaves change there? According to NY State tourism, it's the last 2 weeks of September -- is that accurate? I'd like to get some photos if the weather is a little cooperative [a little rain actually helps the colors photograph, so that's not a real issue].

[sacco]

without a doubt, sept is the best month for the adirondacks IMO.

[Gandalf]

One thing I noticed last year is that the profusion of leaves on the ground can sometimes hide or confuse a narrow herd path. Probably nothing to worry about though if you have a little experience, or take a little extra time here and there.

I would agree that September hiking is the best, though May hiking comes in a close second for me.

[lumberzac]

I would agree with the above, September is probably my favorite month to hike (although I tend to get rained on more in September than any other month). Late September / early October, be ready for just about anything weather wise. I’ve seen snow, sleet, sun, and rain that time of year, sometime all in the same day. As for the color change, the last two weeks of September is probably pretty close, though it varies from year to year. Something to keep in mind is that the best color changes aren’t in the High Peaks, but in the Southern and Eastern Adirondacks or the Catskills. This is because there are more deciduous trees in those areas; the High Peaks have more conifers. But, in saying that, the High Peaks can offer some great photo ops. Some of the best fall pictures I’ve seen were taken in the High Peaks, where the summits were capped in snow in the valleys looked like they were set ablaze with reds and yellows.

[Dick]

One thing I noticed last year is that the profusion of leaves on the ground can sometimes hide or confuse a narrow herd path. Probably nothing to worry about though if you have a little experience, or take a little extra time here and there.

I agree with Gandalf about the leaves on the trail. There are places where "sameness" is the rule, save for a path. Cover that up, even momentarily, and you confusion can set in quickly. Also, weather can change more dramatically at that time of year, so I'd come prepared for that.

Dick

[redhawk]

Carry a bathing suit and snowshoes and you should be prepared.

That kinds of sums up what to be prepared for.

[kurtteej]

If anyone is up there in September, I'll see you there, you've all convinced me that that's the time to go.

When i got married, my wife and i went to the Canadian Rockies (Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper) on our honeymoon. We went canoeing one afternoon in 70 degree sunshine (sunburn included) and woke to 3 inches of fresh snow. I'll never venture into mountains again unprepared after September 1st, needless to say we didnt really expect the snow.

[kurtteej]

Hey Redhawk -- My favorite shot in your gallery is the Spirit Lake shot. Reflection shots are really my favorites.

http://www.pbase.com/kurtteej/image/32038412

[redhawk]

Hey Redhawk -- My favorite shot in your gallery is the Spirit Lake shot. Reflection shots are really my favorites.

http://www.pbase.com/kurtteej/image/32038412

download it and turn it 90 degrees in either direction and you will see a totem pole.

[search-rescue5-1]

high peaks in sept.

I once hiked in to the high peaks area with my son years ago and woke up to wet snow the weekend after labor day. After hiking out, and lower in elevation, it turned to rain. You never know! At one time DEC wouldn't let anyone in even in the moose river area with vehicles after labor day without snow tires. Things can turn fast, be prepared. Just a thought.

[Cold River Bob]

I agree Sept. is the best month to be in the High Peaks, For the last six or more years I have spent the last week in sept. in there just wondering and taking pictures.

Like Hawk say just be ready for the change in weather .Take lots of film.

[fvrwld]

September and October are the best months to be anywhere in the Adirondacks. The crowds, bugs, heat and humidity leave, the leaves come alive with color, the nights are cool and a fire actually feels good again, mornings are crisp and morning lakes are misty.

I can't wait

[kurtteej]

It sounds like this is a very typical northern mountain area. The Rockies just west of Calgary are even more extreme than this. Snowy mornings can yield a 70 degree day.

I was just up in the area with my family [no hiking though :-( ] and just before the heat broke a little the skeeters were killin me. We did enjoy a little military drumming at Fort Ticonderoga (my daugher got a real kick out of it) and got some nice photos at the fort.

I'll be up in mid September and at the Delaware Water Gap around mid October for some foliage photos. I'll let all know when I post those.