A blanket of pristine snow transforms the Adirondacks into a hushed wonderland, where frosted trees sparkle under the winter sun and the crisp air whispers tales of frozen lakes and hidden trails. It’s a season of quiet enchantment where you can easily reconnect with the wild beauty of the mountains with a stay at Johns Brook Lodge in winter.
Johns Brook Lodge is a rustic backcountry lodge nestled deep within the Adirondack High Peaks region of New York. It’s a popular destination bustling with excited hikers eating breakfast or buying snacks at the store throughout the summer months, but Johns Brook Lodge in winter is much more slow, offering a unique opportunity for remoteness, cozy wilderness accommodations. On our recent stay, we wren’t quite sure what to expect so we’re excited o share our packing list, provide a few travel tips, and respond to frequently asked questions.
Get to Know Johns Brook Lodge in Winter
Packing List
Travel Tips
FAQs
What Should I Hike from the JBL?
This all depends on how long you want your day hike to be, how early you’re willing to wake up, and if you want to travel by headlamp at any point. Hiking in the winter can be tough, especially if trail is unbroken – keep this in mind when choosing longer routes!
- Big Slide – 4.2 mi & 1,924 ft – An easier/shorter out and back or loop from the JBL.
- Saddleback & Basin– 11.3 mi & 3,194 ft – If you choose to complete this hike, please do so counter clockwise as to climb up the Saddleback cliffs instead of down.
- Mount Marcy – 10 mi & 3,937 ft – The shortest route to New York’s highest point!
- Mount Haystack – 12.8 mi & 3,000 ft – Check out the third highest peak in New York State on one of the more difficult Adirondack hiking trails around.
- Saddleback, Gothics, Armstrong, Upper & Lower Wolfjaw– 11.7 mi & 4,186 ft – Knock off 5 of the 46 4,000-footers with this epic ridge line trail!
Packing List for Winter at Johns Brook Lodge
Let’s gear up for backcountry winter glamping! Visiting and packing for Johns Brook Lodge in winter is very different from visiting in the summer months and it’s important you’re properly prepared. Here’s your essential JBL winter packing list.
Clothing
- baselayers x2
- midlayer/fleece
- puffy vest
- puffy jacket
- outer layer pants
- wool socks x2
- winter hat x2
- neck gaiter
- fleece glove liner
- waterproof mittens
Food & Drink
- dehydrated camp meals x3
- long spoon
- candy bars
- whiskey (in a can)
- pop tart
- protein bar
- peanut butter & jelly
- meat stick
- hot cocoa packet
- 3L water in Nalgene
- 1L in thermos
Footwear & Gear
- winter hiking boots
- warm camp slippers
- microspikes
- snowshoes
- trekking poles
- 15-degree sleeping bag
- sleeping bag liner
- headlamp
- camp lights
- goggles
- first aid kit
- personal locator beacon
- hand warmers
- pocket knife
Toiletries
- toothbrush
- toothpaste
- toilet paper
- deoderant
- wetwipes
- moisturizer
- chapstick
Have a question about our packing list? We’re happy to help. Leave a comment on this post.
Tips for Thriving at John’s Brook Lodge in Winter
We’ve shared 15 tips for winter hiking, but what about staying at Johns Brook Lodge in winter? Although some suggestions are universal, many are specific to this unique Adirondack stay!
- Reservations: Book early! You book your bed at Johns Brook Lodge in winter online. Select ‘Johns Brook Lodge’ as your desired location and then search for availability. You can only stay overnight Friday and Saturday during caretaker season (Sept-June).
- Transportation: The parking area is located up a winding, narrow road in the town of Keene. Payment is $10 per day to park. From the lot it is 3.5 miles and about 800 feet of elevation gain to Johns Brook Lodge.
- Trail Conditions: Make sure you check trail reports and weather forecasts before heading out so you can make educated decisions on what trails to hike and which you might want to save for another time.
- Keep Your Food Simple: The kitchen is available for use at Johns Brook Lodge in winter. Like, it’s a full kitchen! You can bring food to cook over the stove or in the oven but we kept it very simple with dehydrated meals that only required hot water. Don’t forget the snacks! And hot drinks in winter are a lifesaver so consider those as well…
- Safety: Make sure you’re packing essential safety gear into Johns Brook Lodge in winter (headlamp, first-aid kit, emergency bivvy etc.). Hypothermia and frostbite are great possibilities when you’re in the wilderness in the winter months. As always, leave a trip plan with someone back home you can trust and don’t be afraid to share that plan with the caretaker upon arrival.
- Lodge Etiquette: This is a wilderness lodge that is cuts back to bare bones from October through June. It’s important that you do your part when visiting Johns Brook Lodge in winter as the only person ending to the lodge’s needs is the caretaker. Be sure to respect quiet hours, clean up after yourself, and be a team player when it comes to replacing toilet paper, boiling water, and taking up space in the great room.
- Embrace the Experience: Disconnect from technology, enjoy the peace and quiet, take advantage of stargazing opportunities, and get to know the other people visiting the lodge. It’s quite nice to be truly connected.
- Warm Drinks: Pack warm beverages for your adventure! The caretaker makes an urn full of coffee in the morning (thank you Newt!) but don’t be afraid to bring hot cocoa, tea, or beverages that make you feel warm inside such as whiskey.
- Make Friends: This can be tough with the winter chill, but sitting around the fire in the Great Room is a great way to meet new, cool people! Additionally, there are a variety of games in the Great Room that you can borrow and enjoy.
- Plan and Epic Hike: As if staying in one of the most unique accommodations in New York State wasn’t cool enough, add to the fun by planning a hike of epic proportions. We’ve recommended some of the best winter hikes in the Adirondacks and you just might be able to access them with ease from John Brook Lodge in winter.
I0 Johns Brook Lodge in Winter FAQs
If you’re like us, we had a lot of questions about winter at Johns Brook Lodge. Unfortunately, we had no one to answer them for us, but we’re here to answer them for you!
1. Is there cell service at Johns Brook Lodge?
No, there is no cell service at Johns Brook Lodge in the Adirondacks; it is considered a remote location with limited connectivity, so guests should not expect to have cell phone reception there.
2. What kind of heating is available at the lodge?
The lodge is heated by a wood burning stove located in the Great Room. Only the caretaker is permitted to stoke the fire so it can get a bit chilly over night!
3. Do I need snowshoes?
Johns Brook Lodge is located in the Eastern High Peaks District which requires snowshoes or skis be worn or carried in 8″ of snow or more. Short answer, yes, you need snowshoes to visit Johns Brook Lodge in winter unless you plan on skiing instead!
Unsure of what other winter-specific gear you might need? Check out our favorite winter hiking clothing and gear options!
4. Can I bring my dog?
No! John’s Brook Lodge is not a place for our furry friends.
5. What are the bathroom facilities like in winter?
The bathroom at John’s Brook Lodge is located off the back of the 10-person bunk room. It is a pit toilet with toilet paper and a feminine product disposal can provided. There is a small mirror in the bathroom area but no running water is available at Johns Brook Lodge in winter.
6. Is there potable water available?
The caretaker fills large blue jugs with water from the brook and carries them to the kitchen. From here, it is your responsibility to purify any water you wish to use.
To ensure water is safe to drink, bring the water to a rolling boil for at least one minute. A rolling boil means there are large bubbles continuously rising to the surface.
7. What kind of activities are there to do in the winter?
Johns Brook Lodge in winter serves as a great overnight location to shorten some longer Adirondack High Peak trails. Hiking/snowshoeing and backcountry skiing are popular outdoor activities.
Inside the lodge, guests might choose to play a board game or read a book!
8. What is the kitchen setup like?
Johns Brook Lodge includes an industrial style kitchen with eight burners, two ovens, a shelf full of spices, and space to prepare your meals. All pots, cutting boards, pans, and utensils are provided as well.
There is a sink with a grey water catch for cleaning anything you borrow from the kitchen.
9. What do I do with my things?
Each group claimed one of the long tables in the Great Room as the sun started to set and daytime visitors left the area. I brought all valuables into my bunk and hung them on the hooks next to my head while my larger items remained out on the table for me to access in the morning.
10. How much does it cost to stay at the JBL?
TEN-PERSON BUNKROOM
Summer: Full Service: $79-$99 per person (all meals included)
Winter: Caretaker Service: $35-$60 per person
FOUR-PERSON BUNKROOM
Summer: Full Service: $89-$109 per person (all meals included)
Winter: Caretaker Service: $40-$65 per person
ADK members receive a 10% discount on all rates. Become a member!
Conclusion
Winter at Johns Brook Lodge is a truly magical experience. The stillness of the snow-covered landscape, the warmth of the lodge’s fireplace, and the challenge of navigating the winter trails create a unique and unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time visitor, Johns Brook Lodge offers a chance to connect with nature in a way that’s both exhilarating and peaceful.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your own winter adventure to Johns Brook Lodge via the Adirondack Mountain Club Website and discover the magic of the Adirondacks in the coldest months of the year. And don’t forget to share your stories and photos with us in the comments below! We’d love to hear about your experiences.