**View from Mother Loop Trail. Alford Springs Reserve, pic by M Waldman**

PLACES TO PADDLE & STAY COOL!

With the warm days of summer upon us, many of us find ourselves thinking of putting a boat in the water. Here are some lakes, ponds and easy streams to paddle that surround the Taconics. Most of these also have good fishing.

In Pittsfield, MA try out Onota Lake, a medium size lake with an 8-mile perimeter with the beautiful Taconic Range and Pittsfield State Forest serving as a backdrop. It’s a fine place to observe waterfowl, especially down on the northern end near the Dan Casey Causeway. There can be many motorized boats in the summer season. Williams College holds their regattas here in the spring and fall, and a community rowing group is often out practicing. The public boat access and swimming area is at Burbank Park on Lakeway Dr.

Stockbridge, MA offers the famous Stockbridge Bowl, the site of the Josh Billings canoe/kayak race and a favorite for locals and tourists alike. Here there is a 4.8-mile perimeter. Tanglewood is not far, and if you time it right you can hear the concerts while on the lake. With a wide paved boat ramp, motorized boats are common. The public boat access is at 106 Interlaken Road Stockbridge.

Lee, MA has Laurel Lake, another small lake with a 3-mile perimeter and two beaches for swimming. The public boat launch is easily accessible off Route 20 from a large, paved parking area.

Goose Pond, located in Lee and Tyringham in Massachusetts, has two lakes, a lower one with some shoreline development and an upper one that feels like wilderness. Access is by a concrete pad boat ramp located on the western shore just north of the pond’s outlet at the end of Ridge St.

Head to Vermont to the Somerset Reservoir, a very large lake in Shaftsbury VT. As with all large lakes (it has a 17-mile perimeter) be prepared for a difficult paddle when it’s windy and adjust your timing and route. Wildlife such as moose and eagles can be seen there. The public boat access is off Route 9 on Somerset Road at the south shore of the reservoir.

Grafton Lakes State Park in Grafton, NY has four lakes and ponds to paddle, Long Pond and Second Pond both have two boat launches; Long Pond, the largest with a 2.4-mile perimeter, also has a wonderful beach for swimming. Long Pond, Second Pond and Shaver Pond can all be accessed from the main area inside the park. The far end of Long Pond, Second Pond and Mill Pond can be accessed from Long Pond Rd. See the park map. The park also has many hiking trails.

Round Lake in Round Lake, NY is not large, but it is a nice little paddle before the weeds grow. You can paddle up into the Anthony Kill until you come to an obstruction. Access is at the State boat launch on US 9.

Many of the rivers in this area have white water and therefore will not be listed here.

The 6-mile section of the Housatonic in Lenox, MA is excellent for easy paddling. It is possible to go up and down stream. If you choose to go downstream first, realize going upstream will be somewhat more strenuous. This section puts in at the John F Decker boat launch on New Lenox Rd in Lenox. The takeout is at Woods Pond on Willow Creek Rd. by the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum. The river meanders through a lovely landscape.

For those interested in NY and the Hudson, try Big Boom in Glens Falls where you’ll find a good boat launch with a pavilion for a picnic after paddling. Paddle upstream or downstream until you come to a dam or have decided you’ve done enough. Access is at Big Boom Road off Main St. at Exit 18 of the Northway.

Hudson Mohawk Convergence on Waterford, NY offers an interesting paddle at the convergence of these two rivers. While you can’t circumnavigate Peebles Island due to the rapids, you can go a good way around. And you get an interesting view of the Erie Canal Lock E-2. Access is at the Waterford Boad Launch Front & First St. Waterford.

So, stay cool, hit the water, and stay safe this August!

BLANCHE NELSON REMEMBERED

We regret to report that long term member Blanche Nelson passed away unexpectedly at her home on Monday July 14, 2025. Blanche joined the Club in 1994. She was an active hiker, biker, and hike leader. She had recently led a hike at Hand Hollow, her favorite Columbia County preserve, and she had two more hikes posted for July. She was a skilled hike leader and was always enjoyable to talk to.

Blanche also loved the cultural events involving music and theatre offered in the Berkshires every summer. She spent the winters in Florida, where she was active with a Wednesday hiking group. She was always up for a trip; she recently traveled to the Florida Keys as well as Mexico and had plans to travel in Alaska in August. Not too many people were aware that Blanche was an accomplished photographer and entered the New Smyrna Beach Artists Workshop, Inc. gallery contest each year.

We have no information yet regarding a memorial service or obituary.

Blanche will be sorely missed by her friends and the THC community!

**American cancer root, on the TCT in Pittsfield State Forest, pic M Waldman**

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.

Wednesday, August 6: Poestenkill Community Forest B-
Wednesday, August 13: Stony Ledge via Haley Farm Trail, B+
Monday, August 25: Cat Mountain - Bolton Landing B
Monday, August 25. Ashuwillticook Bike Trail, Adams to Pittsfield B

Quote: “We don’t stop hiking because we grow old, we grow old because we stop hiking.” Finis Mitchel

August Newsletter 2025