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.

I should add that I would prefer not to spend the money if I can get away with the existing tires.

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.

Carry a set of chains. Not that expensive.  Your tires should be OK in 4 wheel if you don't get on it and stay low speed and steady. I often  come up in a  tiny  2wd Chevy Aveo with studded tires on the front. I carry chains for emergency storms and don't have problems. Like r2 said, main lots are usually fine- don't go off-road. Carry a shovel and a bag of sand, too. Make your own parking spot works if you need to.

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 ;)
 

See that I didn't even think of having some sand and a shovel.  I was looking at chains so Fichy appreciate the ideas, because these are the things I'd overlook being in south-central PA especially given the recent mild winters here.  I felt like a rocket scientist when I put the snow brush/ice scraper with my bag and yes I'm already packed.  Sad since I have four weeks.  Perhaps this anxiety is due to a less than stellar end of October trip, the chrome just didn't seem to be there in any large numbers or perhaps they just weren't cooperating.  
 
Well at least I have some egg sack tying to keep me busy until black friday.

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

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.

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.
 

 

When I first bought my place there was a kids swing set in the backyard-on the flat bout 50 yards from the house.
Fella did the drive for me- with a bucket loader. I got in the house and looked out back to see only bout a foot of the top of the swing set frame sticking out. Fortunately it hasnt been like that since----yet.
 Ditto on the driving SLOW- especially at night when  it freezes up again.