Planning as Trip in May

[jessdrone]

I have been planning a trip for a while for May 10th and i have a few questions.

Will black fly season have started yet?

Is this still considered mud season still?

Do you think it will be hard to find a lean to near JBL?

[rdl]

Black Fly season -- In the High Peaks, No

Mud Season -- down low, yes.

Snow season -- up high, yes. Hiking the same weekend last year, snow started around 3300'. I had snowshoes on my hikes last year, but wished I had crampons in several spots.

Lean-to Availability -- anyone's guess, bring a tent anyway. You can always try to reserve a lean-to on the JBL property.

[adk-46r]

Black Fly season -- In the High Peaks, No

Mud Season -- down low, yes.

Snow season -- up high, yes. Hiking the same weekend last year, snow started around 3300'. I had snowshoes on my hikes last year, but wished I had crampons in several spots.

Lean-to Availability -- anyone's guess, bring a tent anyway. You can always try to reserver a lean-to on the JBL property.

I am not disagreeing with rdl but it all depends on the weather. the black fly hatch is driven by water volume and temperature. In a mild year I have seen black flies in March below 2500'. The chances of seeing them in the high peaks at that time is slim but I have ran into them on occasions in May and you will probably see them at lower elevations. So be prepared with head nets and repelants and a baseball bat for the big ones.
The mud again depends on snow melt and rain. the best bet is to check trail conditions at the D.E.C. website or http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9198.html
and check out trip reports on the hiking websites
Snow season yes come prepared, bring crampons and snow shoes to be safe.
Finding a lean-to is a crap shoot anytime of year. bring a tent .