Outings

If you do not feel well, please stay home!

Click Here to download printable PDF of the rating charts.

OUTINGS RATING CHART

IS THIS OUTING RIGHT FOR YOU?

Please take care to match your physical condition, abilities and limitations to the stated length and elevation gain of the outing you choose and refer to the ratings chart above. The “level of effort“ is not the same for everyone. If you are new to hiking or unconditioned, a hike listed as moderate would be very strenuous for you. The outing leader may ask questions in order to determine if you can complete the trip safely. Please cooperate for your safety and the safety of the group. It is your responsibility to have appropriate equipment and clothing for an outing. It is in your best interest to let someone know if you have limiting physical conditions or are taking a medication.

(updated) TRAIL CLOSURE - temporary

November 2, 2026: Mattison Hollow Trail to the TCT and the Taconic Crest Trail north from there to the junction with Southeast Hollow Trail are temporarily closed. NYS DEC Rangers and other fire cleanup crew are still putting out hot spots and evaluating the area from the wildfire that started on October 25. Avoid the area until the cleanup work is done. We will update this NYS DEC gives us the “all clear”.

October 26, 2026: There is a fire on the Taconic Crest, in Berlin, off of Mattison Hollow Road in Berlin State Forest. Update, October 28 - the fire has been contained but they are still putting out hot spots. On 10/29 - they are still working on hot spots and evaluating the area. Stay away from the area until we get the all-clear

SEE NOVEMBER OUTING LISTED AFTER THE LUNCHEON ANNOUNCEMENT

FALL LUNCHEON

FALL LUNCHEON: Registration closed

Join us at the annual Fall Luncheon! See old friends, make new friends, enjoy a nice meal and an interesting presentation on the Deadly World of Raptors in our area!

• Where and when: Moscatiello’s Italian Restaurant, 99 North Greenbush Rd (Rte. 4), Troy, Sunday, November 8, 12:00 to 3:00 PM

• Cost: $25 per person. The Club partly subsidizes the meal.

• Meal: The buffet includes salad, rolls, penne marinara, meatballs & sausage, and eggplant parmigiana, followed by mini cannoli.

• Meeting, Elections & Speaker: After the meal we will have a brief business meeting followed by our feature presentation.

• Speaker: Samantha Carouso-Peck, Head Ornithologist and Educator, Grassland Bird Trust

Presentation: The Deadly World of Raptors: Secrets of the New York Grasslands 

Forget everything you thought you knew about birds of prey - some of the most unusual, ingenious, and beautiful raptors live right here on the grasslands of Upstate New York. Meet the owl who hunts during the day, nests on the ground, and has the most peculiar courtship display. Learn about the hawk who hunts like a ghost, dances in the sky, and keeps a harem of females. See the world through the eyes of a tiny falcon who hovers like a helicopter, feasts on bugs, and can see in colors beyond human perception. Join Dr. Samantha Carouso-Peck for a fascinating inside look at the secretive lives of the birds of prey in our backyard.

Reservations: Closed November 1, at capacity.

Contacts: email martha829r@aol.com

NOVEMBER

Wednesday, November 4: Rounds Rock Loop - Greylock B

Starting at the Greylock Visitor Center (30 Rockwell Rd, Lanesborough, MA) we will hike up the Woodason Spring Trail to the Rounds Rock Trail. There is a site of a small plane crash on the summit of Rounds Rock which the trail goes near. We will stop and enjoy the nice views from a vista on Rounds Rock. We will return on the Northrup and Bradley Farm Trail. There are a few short, steep sections. Bring lunch, snacks, water, poles if you use them and it is getting chilly so don’t forget the gloves and hat.

Total distance 7+ miles with about 1000 feet of gain, moderate pace. Contact leader for meeting time and location. NOTE: 11/3 outing is full.

Leader: Martha Waldman, email: martha829r@aol.com

Wednesday, November 11: Alford Springs – Saddle to Father Loop trails,  B

This hike accesses the Father Loop trail via the Saddle trail at Alford Springs, a Berkshire Natural Resource Council reserve in Alford, MA.

Alford Springs - Berkshire Natural Resources Council (bnrc.org)

The hike is about 5 miles with an elevation gain of a little over 1,000 feet. Quite early in the hike there is a nice view of Tom Ball Mountain and on the west side of the Father Loop, a beautiful stand of birches arching over the trail, followed by a wonderful view of Greylock, with other more limited views along the way. The hike should take about 3 hours.

Please contact leader for meeting time and directions.

Leader: David Dutra, email: ddutra@nycap.rr.com

Friday November 13: Harvey Mountain and Pinnacle Point Loop, Austerlitz C+
Trailhead: East Hill Road (off NY Rt 22), Austerlitz, NY
Meet at 9:45 AM for a 10:00 AM start. The hike is expected to take 3+ hours. Please register with leader.

C. 4.5 miles; 700"+ elevation gain.
Our route will be  a loop: a steep uphill (approx. 1.6 miles) to a relatively flat and open peak, returning via a woods road and the Pinnacle Point Trail for a gradual descent.
Dress in layers with a blaze orange outer layer (it is hunting season). Bring water, trail snacks, hiking poles, hat, and gloves.
Leader:  Sharon Bonk, email: scbonk@gmail.com ; 917-864-7437

Monday, November 23: Overlook Mountain B

We will hike up an old carriage road, go past the remains of an old hotel and then to a fire tower and views of the Catskills and Hudson Valley. You earn the views - the hike is 5 miles RT with 1400 feet of elevation gain.

Bring lunch, water and layers as needed. Contact leader for meeting time and location.

Leader: Jim Gorman, email: jimgorman102@hotmail.com