All season versus all terrain

Well I know this isn't a forum on radial choices, but I have been a fair weather fisherman up until this year essentially staying away once mid-November hit.  I'll be up in the north country on black friday for a 5 day stint.  Not knowing exactly what the weather will bring, I wonder weather my jeep grand cherokee will be capable of handling the likelihood of the white stuff falling from the sky.  So here's the question, would an all season highway tread tire suffice or would most suggest an all-terrain tire?  Sadly, I could probably get another 2-3 years out of my current tires (Hankook Dynapro HT- rated for light snow) but I do worry that they may not be able to handle a snowy day especially since I will be staying in the Tug Hill area.  Any help would be appreciated as I'm trying to be safe.

Am up on the main roads in Tug every winter going from my place near the Pineville Bridge to Osceola with family for their X country ski trips. They ski--I fish. Its bout 20 miles each way and I find the roads immediately cleared and heavily sanded.
 That said 4x4 seems essential to me but ya do see folks with regular cars buzzing through.
 The only real issue I have is the occasional whiteout snow - and it aint always predicted.
 Did have issues with a Tug hill dirt side road only plowed for one way and deep ditches on each side once- never again- not even with a Sherman Tank- they get tonsa Snowmobilers up there and they keep thing generally open for them.
 There are always better tires and other winter thingies but with proper caution and common sense- use what ya got.
 I would NOT go off road or even into unplowed roads and lots- Tried the Tressel North once and even with winter tires and 4x4 darned near didn't get out-only went in bout 1/4 the way too.
Never had much trouble getting to park here and there near the river- especially in the popular upper areas. Walking in can be an issue though.
 Good luck- its fun.

Thanks r2g2, I've heard from several folks that the Tug hill area can get interesting which I think is what has me freaking out.  Also I start to wonder how well the parking areas are taken care of and when I say that I mean on the SR and off ;)
 

Its a strange place weather wise.
 In four weeks will there be snow ???
 If there is how may feet-lol.
 Have been in snow storms during Deer season there and have seen the whole fall season without it too.
 Last week when I left  there was a half inch of sleet on my yard.
 The only place have ever been where ya wake up in the AM with several inches of new  fluffy on the truck roof and it isn't on the news or even talked about- just normal business as usual--
  Lake effect-----live it - love it- embrace it

pafisher
That Jeep Cherokee in 4 WD should get you around fine with all weather tires,I had one of those for years and it took me everywhere.However,don't go crazy and get in too deep because when your floating on the snow it does n't matter what rubber you're riding on.

I live here year round and a decent set of all season tires AND 4wd is all you need.   In fact I got around (and tons of folks still do) for years on an all season tires and FWD.  Like Charlie said Studded snows are a plus and I physically do not know of anyone around here that carries chains, but they could come in handy I guess,   I would go with the cable type
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Laclede-Cable-Tire-Snow-Chains-stock-1014-Never-Used-/251373056150?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a87007096&vxp=mtr
Here is what you have to remember.  
DRIVE SLOW  most cars  and trucks can get decent traction going they just cannot stop.   Especially with 4x4 many people get a false sense of security and go to fast.  Hit the brakes and in the ditch you go.
 
 
It's usually not the snow on the road usually it's all about visability.  During a lake effect storm you usually have more trouble with seeing than the actually driving through the snow.
 
LOW BEAMS at night in the snow/  fog lights.  High beams reflect.
 
Slush pulls.   A hard snow and then the sun comes out a bit and  makes slush and that $hit can pull you. 
 
Even in 4x4 you can get stuck.   If the snow looks to high in the lot it probably is.
 
Seriously though There usually is only 1 or 2 times a year that I have a tough time of it and then it is again DRIVE SLOW.   The plows do a great job of keeping the roads clean.   
 
Lake effect is weird 2 feet here and 2 inches 10 miles away.   I have driven with snow plowing over the top of my hood and literally with my brother walking beside me  with the window open so he could see the bank on the side of the road (yea could not see 5 feet).   These monsters are happening less and less though.   Don't sweat it.  Come up watch the weather the night before  and go for it.   Better yet check our weather thread, that's why it is there.
 

 

Yup, if you get a bright day or a warm day with a slight drizzle, you can get treacherous conditions come late afternoon/evening. Especially slightly snow covered drive ways or roads... but for the most part roads are fine. Even back roads. Some folks swear by front wheel drive foreign jobs commuting back and forth to Syracuse. I settle with a 4*4 and sometimes the tires aren't so good. You should be fine bud