Summer Bulletin 2019
View from Brace Mountain, on South Taconic Trail…..our southern cousin
Annual Picnic, June 9
Reminder: The Taconic Hiking Club Annual Picnic will be at Grafton Lakes State Park, Deer Field Pavilion, on Sunday, June 9. Spend the afternoon catching up with old friends, meeting new members, eating, hiking, swimming and/or paddling. See the outings listings for more information.
Volunteers to be recognized and thanked
Join us as we show appreciation to our dedicated volunteers at the Taconic Hiking Club Annual Picnic at Grafton Lakes State Park, Deer Field Pavilion, on Sunday, June 9. Members that have made at least two volunteer efforts between January 1, 2018 and the June, 2019 picnic will receive a T-shirt. The T-shirts are polyester, wicking (great for hiking and trail work!), with “Taconic Hiking Club Volunteer” printed on the front upper left.
Are you too late to earn recognition as a volunteer this year? No problem! Next May or June we will be recognizing all volunteers who make at least two new volunteer efforts in 2019 and/or early 2020. Volunteer efforts include - but are not limited to - trail work, leading outings, active committee duties, special projects, and board duties.
Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation
I recently met with Eric White from The Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation (WRLF). There are some 85 miles of trails and informal paths in Northern Berkshire County, which are maintained by the WRLF. Many of these are side trails which provide access to the Taconic Crest Trail. Williams College contains an entire trail network within its Hopkins Memorial Forest. There are also prominent summits such as Pine Cobble and the Dome. This area begs to be explored. It’s close to the capital region and offers new outing opportunities. This is all highlighted in an excellent guidebook published by Williams College, “NORTH BERKSHIRE OUTDOOR GUIDE”. We will be leading joint hikes with the WRLF. The first will be to the Dome Summit on June 20, see the outings listings for more information on this hike. By: Dave Pisaneschi
Memorial weekend trifecta of pink wildflowers:
Lady slipper
Pink Corydalis
Azalea
Upcoming Outings
For the most up to date information and new outings check the Outings page of the Taconic Hiking Club website. Also check out the THC Facebook page to see pictures from past outings! Please take care to match your physical condition and abilities to the stated length and elevation gain of the outing you choose. It is your responsibility to have appropriate equipment and clothing for an outing. See you on the trail!
JUNE
Saturday, June 1: National Trails Day at Grafton Lakes State Park
Spend the morning of National Trails Day working on the trails at Grafton Lakes State Park. Help them get ready for the busy summer season! They will have a picnic lunch for all the volunteers and a chance to win prizes!
Check in time is 9:00 to 9:30 at the beautiful new Welcome Center. The project crews will head out a bit after 9:30.
Monday, June 3: Steepletop, New Marlborough, MA: Joint outing with BNRC
Hike 4.5 miles of easy to moderate trails at Steepletop, Berkshire Natural Resource Council’s largest reserve. With more than 1,200 acres, miles of wood road, and expanses of wetland, mature forest, and young forest, there’s a lot to explore. We’ll search for spring happenings like spring ephemeral wildflowers and birds arriving. Bring your thinking caps and we’ll bring the field guides! Please wear sturdy footwear, bring water and a snack or lunch. See https://www.bnrc.org/trails-and-maps/steepletop/ for a description and maps.
Contact: Karen Ross, 518 794-7474 or kcoyross@aol.com for meeting time and directions. Co-leader is Mariah Auman, Outreach Coordinator at BNRC-- mauman@bnrc.org or call 413-499-0596.
Sunday, June 9: Taconic Hiking Club Annual Pot- Luck Picnic at Grafton Lakes State Park
We will be at the Deerfield Pavilion, which is about 1 mile from the main entrance, on the left. Spend the afternoon catching up with old friends, meeting new members, eating, hiking and/or paddling!
• Noon to 1:00 PM POTLUCK appetizers.
• 1:00 PM POTLUCK salads, desserts and treats along with THC supplied hot dogs, hamburgers, cold drinks (lemonade and iced tea) and condiments. Please bring your own beverage.
• 2:00 PM short THC update meeting and a thank you and recognition of our wonderful volunteers!
• 2:20 (approx) to 5 or so - Hike the Shaver Pond loop or one of the other trails in the park, paddle across Long Pond (rentals available), swim or just relax at the pavilion and chat with friends.
Please note: There is a fee per vehicle to enter the park on weekends.
Reservations: Contact Margaret Parks at margaretparks123@gmail.com or 518-250-5452 to let her know how many people are coming and what your contribution to the POTLUCK will be (appetizer, salad or dessert).
Friday, June 14: Paddle from Coeymans Landing
We can put into the Hudson at the Coeymans Landing launch, paddle south a short distance, then up the Hannacroix Creek. We saw a good deal of wildlife when I did this last year. I'm judging the tide charts so that we can hopefully get up the creek a good distance. We can extend by paddling along the shoreline of the Hudson, depending on weather and tide. Length: 3+ miles. PFD required.
Contact: Bob Armao at 518 271-6512 or bob_armao@yahoo.com
June 20, Thursday: DOME SUMMIT
Following the Dome Trail, we’ll climb this 2,748’ summit. The birch, maple, beech, and oaks of the lower slops transition to a distinctly Laurentian plateau with boreal forest near the summit. The summit reportedly offers magnificent views of the entire north Berkshire region, including Pine Cobble, the Greylock Range and Taconic Range. This will be a round trip of 5.2 miles. So, there’s no need to hurry on this hike. Total elevation gain will be about 1,500 feet.
Leader & Reservations: David Pisaneschi, dapadk@gamil.com or 518 459-5969
Saturday, June 29 – TCT #2 - Petersburg Pass to Berlin Mountain to Southeast Hollow in Berlin, 7.3 miles.
*TCT in a Year, series hike #2. Jointly sponsored by Rensselaer Land Trust, Rensselaer Plateau Alliance, and the Taconic Hiking Club. Starting at Petersburg Pass and going south this time, the trail has some steep ascents on the way to the summit of Berlin Mountain, at 2,818 feet New York’s tallest peak outside of the Adirondacks and Catskills. Then through an uncommon spruce-fir forest and over some minor summits, and down Southeast Hollow. 7.3 miles
Leader: Peter Wood. Questions? Contact Peter at petermapleacres@gmail.com or Martha Waldman at martha829r@aol.com. Register online with the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance HERE
JULY
Monday, July 8: Taconic Crest Trail--Rt. 20 to Tower Mtn. loop
We'll start at Rt. 20 at the top of Lebanon Mountain and head north along the Crest Trail, passing Shaker ponds and checking in on the expanded beaver pond at the top of the ridge. Our destination is Tower Mtn., a high point that until recently had quite good views west to Albany. We'll return via a Lebanon Springs neighborhood woods road to our spotted cars and a swimming pond. If it’s really hot/humid &/or buggy, we’ll skip Tower (and those 2 miles) and expand the swimming. Bring a bathing suit if weather permits. It's about 7 miles of ups and downs with about 1000' of vertical.
Contact: Karen Ross, 518: 794-7474 kcoyross @aol.com, or Lori McCarron, 518 587-1957 mmccarr2@nycap.rr.com
Saturday, July 13: TCT #3 - Southeast Hollow to Mattison Hollow in Cherry Plain, 7.2 miles.
*TCT in a Year, series hike #3. Jointly sponsored by Rensselaer Land Trust, Rensselaer Plateau Alliance, and the Taconic Hiking Club. A scenic ascent up Southeast Hollow along a woodland stream to the Crest Trail, then ups and downs along the ridge of Misery Mountain and ending with a steep descent to Mattison Hollow and its waterfalls and streams.
Leader: Michael Jensen. Questions? contact Michael: JensenMK@gmail.com or Martha Waldman at martha829r@aol.com. Register online with the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance HERE
Tuesday, July 16: Paddle Kunjamuk River
Paddling the Kunjamuk has always been a challenge with its twisty-turny oxbows, shallow areas and beaver dams; but it has always been enjoyable. We will stop well short of Elm Lake. Consequently, this will be a paddle of less than 10 miles round trip. PFD’s required.
Registration required. We will meet at Northway Exit 9 Park and Ride at 0800.
Leader: Bill Valentino billvalentino113@yahoo.com (preferred contact) 518-366-4035 (mobile, secondary contact)
Wednesday, July 17: Beartown Mountain, Stockbridge (possible rain date 7/24)
A climb up to Laura's Tower and an optional climb up Laura's Tower to view the countryside, then across the ridge with an optional detour to view the top of one of the old ski trails of Beartown Ski Area and the location of the upper rope tow, down across two breathtaking ski trails to the remains of the old ski lodge, and then out to cars. Lunch on the trail. Bring water, snacks, lunch, bug-spray and poles if you use them. Total - 5.8 miles. Altitude gain - 1,000'
Registration required, let me know where you will be meeting. Carpooling possible from the East Schodack Park and Ride. Meet at Onyx Specialty Papers, Willow St, Lee, just off Route 102, at 9:30 AM, GPS 42-16-06N x 73-17-06W. We will then carpool 2 miles to the Laura's Tower trail-head.
Leader: Ginny Akabane email gakabane@hotmail.com (cell phone for day of is 413-449-4738)
Wednesday, July 31: Paddle Somerset Reservoir
Somerset Reservoir, situated approximately 15 miles east of Bennington VT, is a rare surprise. Located in the southern half of the Green Mountain National Forest it is a fairly large body of water and an integral part of a reservoir system utilizing the Deerfield River for electrical power. Surrounded by Vermont’s ski mountains it is largely unspoiled and one of the last lakes in Vermont with nesting loons. The lake is about five miles long so we can expect a flat-water paddle of less than ten miles to include a picnic lunch and a possible swim. PFD’s required.
Registration required. We will meet at Wal-Mart Plaza, Brunswick at 0800.
Leader: Bill Valentino billvalentino113@yahoo.com (preferred contact) 518-366-4035 (mobile, secondary contact)
Wednesday, July 31 (8/1 rain date) Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, Adams MA to Pittsfield (RT)
Starting at Adams Visitor Center on the trail we will cycle south 11 miles to the Pittsfield terminus and return to Adams where we will continue on the “new” extension (approx. 2+ mi RT) before going to a café for lunch. (Option bring your own lunch and eat in the park adjacent to the Visitor Center). 25 miles total with stops along the way. Rest rooms at both ends and one along the way.
Helmet required. Bring water, snacks, lunch (optional). Meet at Schodack Park and Ride Exit 11E off Rte 90 or at the Visitor Center parking lot in Adam. Contact leader for meet time.
Co-leaders: Peg Grogan (518 487-9064; peggy.grogan@gmail.com) and Sharon Bonk (674-0042; scbonk@gmail.com)
AUGUST
Saturday, August 3: South Taconic Trail (southern end)
We will hike on the new southern extension of the South Taconic Trail. The trail starts at the south end of Taconic State Park in Millerton. The new trail will take us by a couple pretty waterfalls, where we will cross the streams, and two open viewpoints. New, lightly trod trails are so refreshing!
Total 8 miles round trip with a cumulative gain of about 1700 feet. Contact leader with recent hiking experience and for meeting time and location.
Leader: Martha Waldman email: martha829r@aol.com or phone: 518 869 5109. Co-Leader: Cliff Prewencki: email: cprewencki@aol.com
Saturday, August 10: TCT #4 – Mattison Hollow to Robinson Hollow in Stephentown, 7 miles.
*TCT in a Year, series hike #4. Jointly sponsored by Rensselaer Land Trust, Rensselaer Plateau Alliance, and the Taconic Hiking Club. The ascent up Mattison Hollow is very scenic, with waterfalls and streams. After a final climb to the Crest Trail, the Trail goes up and down a series of heights known as Misery Mountain. We’ll descend steep Robinson Hollow.
Leader: Peter Wood. Questions? Contact Peter at petermapleacres@gmail.com. Register online with the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance HERE
Sunday, August 11* Albany County Helderberg Hudson Rail Trail and Corning Preserve to Watervliet Cycling
We start at the S. Pearl Street Trail Head in Albany, and head to Voorheesville. The trail is now completely paved so no more cinders! We reverse our direction and return, pass the Pearl St. trail head and take to the streets for about 1.5 miles to the Albany waterfront. From the USS Slater we cycle through the Corning Preserve to Watervliet to the trail’s end, and reverse back to South Pearl. Approximately 32 miles total RT. Riders will have the option of leaving the cycle at S. Pearl after completing the first 20 miles.
Helmet required. Bring water, snacks/lunch. We will stop several times for snacking, restrooms rather than a mid-ride full lunch stop.
Co-leaders: Peg Grogan (518 487-9064; peggy.grogan@gmail.com) and Sharon Bonk (674-0042; scbonk@gmail.com)
Friday, August 16: High Falls Conservation Area in Philmont
The High Falls Conservation Area includes 2 miles of moderate wooded trails along the Agawamuck Creek and a view of Columbia County's highest waterfall. We could optionally make an additional stop at Borden's Pond in Ghent.
I have 2 special reasons for visiting High Falls: Susan Roberts and Dot von Bieberstein. Susan introduced me to High Falls several years ago and it was one of Dot's favorite areas. I miss them both and I know others do too.
Contact: Bob Armao at bob_armao@yahoo.com or 518-271-6512 (home) or 518-322-6889 (mobile)
Wednesday August 21: Shaker Trail, Pittsfield State Forest, MA
We will do a loop hike over Shaker Mountain and Holy Mountain in the Pittsfield State Forest, near Hancock Shaker Village. Along the trail we will see many historical remains from the Shaker North Family site along the lower stream and the remains of the Shaker holy sites on both mountain summits. The distance is 6 miles with cumulative elevation gain of about 1200 feet.
Contact: Martha Waldman at martha829r@aol.com or 518 869 5109 for meeting time and location.
SEPTEMBER
Saturday, September 7: TCT #5 – Robinson Hollow in Stephentown, NY, to Madden Road in Hancock, MA, 6 miles.
*TCT in a Year, series hike #5. Jointly sponsored by Rensselaer Land Trust, Rensselaer Plateau Alliance, and the Taconic Hiking Club. This is our shortest section, but has a long steep ascent and descent at either end. The trail passes through hardwood forests, grassy knolls, and a bench along the trail.
For those aiming to complete the entire trail and receive the TCT cumulative summer trail patch, there is a 2.1 mile section along roads between the Madden Road and Potter Road trail-heads; this section can be hiked on your own, or before the following hike.
Leader: Nick Conrad. Questions? Contact Nick at NBconrad@.com Register online with the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance HERE
OCTOBER
Saturday, October 5: TCT #6 – Potter Road in Hancock, MA to south end (Route 20 near New Lebanon), 10.5 miles.
*TCT in a Year, series hike #6. Jointly sponsored by Rensselaer Land Trust, Rensselaer Plateau Alliance, and the Taconic Hiking Club. This is our longest section, starting with a long steep ascent, and passing through Pittsfield State Forest and by Berry and Twin Ponds, with great views.
Leader: Nick Conrad. Questions? Contact Nick at NBConrad@msn.com or Karen Ross at kcoyross@aol.com. Register online with the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance HERE
*TCT in a Year series: Taconic Crest Trail in One Year, 2019, is Sponsored by Rensselaer Land Trust (RLT), Rensselaer Plateau Alliance (RPA) and Taconic Hiking Club. We will hike the entire 37 miles of the Taconic Crest Trail in six separate hikes between May and October.
Join us for one, some or all of the sections! If you complete the entire trail (with us and/or on your own), you can receive a summer cumulative TCT patch from the Taconic Hiking Club. All hikes have long steep uphill and/or downhill sections over rocky ground. Wear boots or sturdy shoes. Bring lunch, snacks and plenty of water. Registration is required. There is a suggested donation of $5 per person to the RLT or RPA. All hikes are included within the outings listed above.
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