February Newsletter 2021
Kronk Brook, Mattison Hollow. Pic by M Waldman
End-to-End Challenge Postponed:
The Taconic Hiking Club (THC) is postponing the End-to-End Challenge until May, 2022 due to the Covid 19 pandemic. With the current high infection rate, uncertainty regarding the more contagious Covid variant, and the current vaccination schedule, we feel it is too great of a risk to participants, volunteers, and the club to hold the event this May. One of the factors in our decision to postpone under these circumstances is that we are not able to secure or even guess if the Berry Pond Campground will open at this time. Without our starting point, we can't proceed!
All registrants have been notified. The current roster of registrants and waiting list will be maintained. Participants that decide to withdraw are eligible for a refund, minus the original Eventbrite fees.
We look forward to holding the End-to-End event in May 2022, when we can relax and have fun, not having to wear masks, socially distance or otherwise worry about Covid 19! In the meantime, everyone can get out and maybe work on getting the winter or summer cumulative trail patches! Please, stay safe!
Explore the new Tenney Hill Trail
Another of our THC partners is the Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation (WRLF) based in Williamstown, MA. Since 1986 WRLF has worked to conserve the rural character of Williamstown and to connect the community to the region’s natural heritage. To do this they have, in partnership with other organizations, preserved more than 3,500 acres of prime agricultural, forest and habitat lands and work to maintain over 10 miles of trails. Their preservation efforts include the Petersburg Pass Scenic Area, the Haley Farm on Greylock’s slope, the Phelps Farm in South Williamstown, and their Sheep Hill headquarters where educational programs and events are offered.
Posted at the Bee Hill Rd Ext. end of trail.
We want to feature one of their new trails opened in 2019 and donated by the Tenney Family. The Tenney Preserve is accessed from a turnout on the south side of Rt. 2 about 1.8 miles east of Petersburg Pass and 2.3 miles west of Rt. 7. The lovely well-marked Tenney Hill Trail passes over a hill that gives winter views of Greylock and Berlin Mountains and descends to Bee Hill Rd. Ext. For a loop hike, turn right onto Bee Hill Rd Ext. and follow to Berlin Rd. Take a right onto Berlin Rd. From there, you can hike up the road to the Berlin Post Rd, Williams College Ski Trail, and other trailheads. For the loop hike just go approximately .7 miles on Berlin Rd and turn sharp right at a gate onto the old Turnpike Trail. Take the 0.9-mile Turnpike Trail to its end at the Sara Tenney Trail. If you feel energetic, the left leads up to Petersburg Pass via a length of the Sara Tenney Trail to arrive at the Taconic Crest Trail. For the shorter loop, turn right onto the Sara Tenney Trail to hike another .5 miles and return to your car on Rte. 2.
There is also a Sara Tenney Trail on the north side of Rt. 2 that offers wonderful, mowed paths through fields with open vistas that lead to a looping series of trails over hills, along a ravine and through beautiful woods.
You can find out more about WRLF and view an interactive map of conserved properties in the area AND see how connected they are to the Taconic Crest Trail by visiting their website at www.wrlf.org.
Tenney Hill Trail. Pic by K Ross
OUTINGS
Refer to the THC website outings page for details about the outings, how to register and social distancing protocols. Social distancing protocols, wearing face coverings when within 6 feet of others will be followed. We are scheduling on a short-term basis rather than seasonally, so check the website periodically.
Saturday, February 6: Rensselaer Tech Park Trails, North Greenbush NY: C+
There will probably be snow and ice, but to the right is a picture of the waterfalls at the Rensselaer Tech Park taken late fall.
Wednesday, February 10: Thacher State Park, South B-
A picture of one of the trails is posted on the lower right of this newsletter.
Waterfalls, Rensselaer Tech Park Trails. Pic by B Armao
Reminder: Renew your membership for 2021 now! (Thank you to all who have renewed!)
To renew a membership by credit card or PayPal, go to the membership page of the Taconic Hiking Club website, or click here https://taconichikingclub.org/membership
To renew by mail, make out a check payable to the “Taconic Hiking Club” in the amount of $10. (per person). Send completed check to:
Taconic Hiking Club
c/o Sue Jordan - Membership Chair
276 South Manning Blvd
Albany, NY 12208
Hollyhock Hollow Sanctuary. Pic by M Waldman
Photos: Do you have a beautiful, whimsical, dramatic, or otherwise interesting winter photograph taken on a local trail or preserve that you would like to see posted in the newsletter? Feel free to send a full resolution copy to taconichikingclb@gmail.com (reminder, no u in club). We will give credit to the person that took the picture! Thank you in advance!
Prospect Mountain, Lake George, XC skiing. Pic by L Siegard
View towards Long Pond from Dickson Fire tower, GLSP Cabin Fever hike. Pic by B Armao
View from Dickson Fire tower, GLSP Cabin Fever hike. Pic by B Armao
The trail to Berlin Mtn, with ice sparkling on the tree limbs.. Pic by L Nagengast
Black River, Cherry Plain State Park. Pic by M Waldman
Thacher State Park, Pic by M Waldman