April Newsletter 2024
END-TO-END CHALLENGE UPDATE
The End-to-End Challenge roster is filled. It took less than a day and one half for it to fill; the waiting list is also full. We have most of the volunteers in place and trail crews are diligently working to clear the trail. Now we are keeping our fingers crossed for dry weather!
For those of us that are not up to a 30 mile - one day hike, the next article is for you. Lace up those boots and check out all the TCT access trails!
THE LONG AND SHORT OF THE TACONIC CREST ACCESS TRAILS
The Taconic Crest Trail (TCT) runs 37 miles from Rt. 20 in Pittsfield, MA to Rt. 346 in North Petersburg, NY. It has become a sought-after long trek, an iconic local trail, and a beloved path for locals and visitors. Unlike many other trails, it is primarily on a ridge with an average elevation of 2200’. People often ask, “How and where can I access the TCT?” Here is our answer to that question.
In a few cases (Rt. 20, Petersburg Pass, and Rt. 346) you can drive right to the trailhead and start onto the TCT. For the rest of the trail and for some of the most beautiful stretches, you need to hike in on an access trail. In most cases, these access trails offer their own wonderful hiking experience, with wooded glades, waterfalls, views, and varied terrain and distances. Note that none are flat!
There are numerous ways to access the trail, both from the east and the west. In the past there were several more access trails from the east, in Massachusetts. Over the years, many of these, like Rathbun Road and Bradley Hollow, were closed off by housing developments or owner postings. And in the west in the past, Lebanon Springs Road, Tower Mountain Road, and others used to traverse the ridge but now are either private or grown over.
Here is an overview of the access trails, starting from the south, working north, and including both westerly and easterly approaches.
Route 20, Lebanon Mountain—This one is short and easy. Just hop out of your car at the top of the mountain in a long, paved parking area, which runs parallel to the road, just east of the big hairpin turn, and start on the trail, heading north! This is the southern terminus. This trailhead is about 2 miles west of Hancock Shaker Village and 2 miles east of the Rte. 20/22 intersection in New Lebanon, NY. The TCT trial north is up on the ridge, has some nice little climbs, and is picturesque all the way to Twin Ponds and beyond.
Pittsfield State Forest (PSF)—Here is the first access from the east via the main entrance into PSF and then the seasonally open Circuit Road that brings you to the top of the ridge at Berry Pond. You can park at Berry Pond and begin a hike north to Madden Road and Rt. 43 in Hancock or go south over Tower Mountain to Rt. 20. Alternative access trails from PSF include Lulu Brook Trail, Turner Trail, and Parker Trail. Many of these trails coming up and over the mountain continued in the past to connector roads to Pittsfield through which wagons could pass to bring goods to markets there.
Madden Road—Drive up Madden Road in Hancock, MA, off Rt. 43 (opposite Potter Mountain Road) and park on the left at the end of the paved road. It’s then a very nice 5-mile hike north to the next access on Robinson Hollow.
Robinson Hollow—Located in North Stephentown, NY, the Robinson Hollow access trail is an easy .85-mile hike from the parking area at the end of Robinson Hollow Way which is off Giles Road and is 1.6 miles from Rte. 22. Don’t bet on winter maintenance though. Not too far south of the TCT junction is the Phil Fountain Memorial Bench, and if you go north, watch for moose scat all the way through the ridgeline expanse of Misery Mountain. We’re not sure why it’s called that, but it’s remote, winding, turns back on itself and must have caused great misery to early settlers and travelers.
Mattison Hollow—This access trail is located in Cherry Plain, NY and may have the alternate spelling Mattson Hollow Rd. on road signs. Drive 1.0 mile from the road sign in the village to the trailhead. Limited parking is available along the road, beyond the trailhead. The access trail starts on the right (south) side of the road. This is our longest access trail at 2.75 miles with almost 1000’ of elevation. The trail design avoids local posted properties. You will be to the right and parallel to Kronk Brook and then cross it on a small wooden bridge at about 1.2 miles. At about 1.8 miles there is a stone state boundary marker dated 1898. There are some steep sections, but overall, this is a dramatically beautiful trail, especially as it passes close to the Kronk Brook Waterfalls.
Southeast Hollow Road—You start with a lovely drive through rolling farmland on Southeast Hollow Rd. from Rt. 22 just south of the town of Berlin. Again, your access is from the west. You’ll pass other Hollows--like Cowdry and Comstock—before arriving at the trailhead 3.2 miles from Rt. 22. The Southeast Hollow Trail is 1.8 miles long--so not short--and again, you have 800’ of vertical. For a through hike, many decide to start at Petersburg Pass in the north, after spotting a car here, and hiking down SE Hollow, a much easier trek than going north to Petersburg Pass. This trail runs along a stream and near the top makes a sharp turn to the right, heading south. You quickly reach the TCT junction in a saddle where there is a tall state boundary marker. If you cross the TCT and continue east, you’ll be on the Mills Hollow Trail.
Kronk Brook
Mills Hollow and the Phelps Trail—These access trails, maintained by the Williamstown Rural Land and Williams Outing Club and coming in from the east off Rt. 43 and Oblong Road in Williamstown, offer quick but steep access to the TCT. This whole steep hillside was once completely clear and used for grazing, as the large old stone walls confirm. The parking area is at the start of the Phelps Trail, approximately one mile from Rt 43. The Phelps Trail climbs 1300’ over 1.9 miles to the TCT, the Mills Hollow Trail is somewhat gentler. Doing these two together with the TCT between (another 1.0 mile) offers a nice and vigorous outing of almost 5 miles and about 1400 feet of gain. For more of a challenge, use the Phelps trail and turn right at the TCT and hike to the summit of Berlin Mtn. and back, for a 7 mile, 2100 feet gain hike. Afterward, on the east side just off Rt. 43 visit Field Farm (a Trustees of Reservations property) for some nice easy trail walking (https://thetrustees.org/place/field-farm-guest-house/) or stop in at Sheep Hill (home of Williamstown Rural Lands).
Berlin Pass—This was once a main stage route through northern Berkshire County. Berlin Pass Trail is at the end of Berlin Road off Rt. 2 in Williamstown. It was once the site of a ski area for Williams College but now is the jumping off point for several trails that wind through the woods and up to the TCT. A few years ago, Williams College, Williamstown Rural Lands, and the town of Williamstown renovated the parking area and improved the Berlin Pass Trail to correct years of erosion and added a large kiosk at the parking area showing all the trails in the area. With a distance of 1 mile and 660’ vertical, Berlin Pass trail is a mid-range access trail for length and difficulty and provides an easier access for Berlin Mtn.
Green Hollow –On the west side of the TCT, Green Hollow is the extension of the Berlin Pass Trail. Take Elm Street west out of the center of Berlin off Rt. 22, and this becomes Greene Hollow Road (County Rt. 36) for 3.5 miles to the trailhead. It joins the TCT after 1.25 miles and is a short way to get to Berlin Mountain, which is south of the TCT junction.
Petersburg Pass—This is an eye-popping junction of the TCT and Rt. 2, which runs between Williamstown, MA and Petersburg, NY. With its huge parking area, created for the downhill ski area that existed here on Mt. Raimer, it attracts many hikers, bikers, and skiers. Head south from Petersburg Pass and climb steadily past Mt. Raimer and then through undulating terrain past the Berlin Pass access to arrive at the open (and now growing in) summit of Berlin Mountain, with its views of Greylock. Alternatively, cross Rt. 2 for a short but steep climb up the opposite (north side) to travel along the White Rocks for the 3 miles it takes to reach The Snow Hole, a cleft in the rock just off the trail that holds snow well into the summer. From here north there are excellent views over the Pownal Valley, especially in the winter.
RRR Brooks, Shepherds Well & Sara Tenney Trails – From a pull-off on the south side of Rt. 2, 1.9 miles east (down) from Petersburg Pass you can start a loop hike involving the TCT. Cross Rt. 2 at the top of the pull-off. As you enter the woods you will see a large kiosk with a map of all the trails in that area. Head left and hike up the RRR Brooks Trail to the Shepherd’s Well Trail and check out the beautiful views to the south on your way up the Sara Tenney. When you get to the TCT, turn south (left) and head down the TCT to Petersburg Pass. In the southeast corner of the parking lot, you will find the Sara Tenney Trail. Hike this down to Rt. 2. It comes out about 50 feet down from the pull-off where your car is parked. This is an invigorating 5 mile, 1200 feet gain loop, which can be done in either direction.
Birch Brook Trail and Hopkins Memorial State Forest – Wholly owned by Williams College and often used for research, this forest features 12 miles of trails over 2600 acres and offers access to the Crest Trail from the east. The Birch Brook Trail is 1.5 miles long and is steep, but you must add on the 1.6 miles on The Loop Trail you have to do from the parking at the Rosenburg Center to meet it. You will get in a good 1500+ feet of gain.
Raimer and Berlin Mtn.
Prosser Hollow –It’s now back to the west side and to the last and northernmost of the TCT access trails. Take 22 North beyond Rt. 2 for 2.4 miles and between the towns of Petersburg and North Petersburg turn east onto Prosser Hollow Road (County 283). Continue 1.5 miles and park just before the road turns sharply to the right. The trail follows a dirt road for 100 yards and then turns right into the woods where it is bordered by a series of stone walls. At .36 miles you start to climb steeply but you quickly come to the TCT and can turn left (north) to its northern terminus at Rt. 346 in 2.1 miles or turn right to go to an overlook of Vermont or the Snow Hole.
Rt. 346 – It’s the end of the road here for the TCT at a parking area just west of the Vermont border and before crossing the Hoosic River. The Club has had a lot of trouble with ATV damage to the trail and to bog bridging that the Club in collaboration with DEC has put in over the wet sections here. However recent enforcement efforts by DEC have significantly reduced ATV use here and a short reroute provides more pleasant trail conditions.
Congratulations if you’ve now tried out all the access trails to the Taconic Crest Trail. You will have hiked many beautiful miles!
TCT Map: If you would like a “Taconic Crest Trail Map and Guide” check the Map page of Taconic Hiking Club website for how to purchase one.
COLIN CAMPBELL – In Memory
We regret to report that Colin passed away on March 12, 2024. See the Times Union obit: https://www.legacy.com/Link.asp?I=LS000206591846
Colin was a member of the Club since 1989, he was very active for the initial 25+ years. He was Trails Chair for several years. We remember his dedication and enthusiasm for the Club and maintenance of the trail. He always showed up in his army fatigues and black army boots. He was strong and capable and provided a trove of historical information about the trail. Beneath his long mustaches resided a ready smile. He was a great supporter and advocate for THC's work and will be missed.
SPRING GATHERING - 2024
Save the date! The THC Spring Gathering will be at Grafton Lakes State Park at the Deerfield Pavilion, on Saturday, June 1. Come for all or part of the event. We will have a group hike in the morning, and will meet at the Deerfield Pavilion for a BYO picnic lunch. Afterwards you can paddle in one of the lakes, take another hike, or relax and hang out at the pavilion. More details will be posted on the Outings page as we get closer to the date of the event.
OUTINGS: Refer to the THC website outings page for details about the outings and how to register. We schedule on a monthly and short-term basis, so check the website periodically.
First week - rain out! Second week - dry out!
Wednesday April 17: Overlook Mountain B
Tuesday April 23: Thatcher Park trails B-
Wednesday, April 24: Brothers, Charcoal, & Stevens Glen trails, C+
Monday, April 29: Kinderhook Preserve C
Wednesday, May 1: Valentino Family Community Forest B-
“Walking is a man’s best medicine.” Hippocrates
Albany Pine Bush, purple trail
Graphite Range Community Forest, wetland bridge, pic by M Waldman
Berlin summit, pic by M Waldman
Graphite Range Community Forest, towards a notch, pic by M Waldman
Albany Pine Bush, purple trail through DiCaprio Park to the Hunger Kill
Graphite Range Community Forest, old mine shaft