Outings
If you do not feel well, please stay home!
Click Here to download printable PDF of the rating charts.
OUTINGS RATING CHART
HIKING
Rating Level of effort Elevation gain Miles
A+ Very Strenuous 4000’+ 10+
A Strenuous 3000’+ 5-10
B+ Moderate/strenuous 2000’+ 5-10
B Moderate 1000’+ 5-10
B- Moderately easy <1000’ 5-8
C Easy <1000’ <5
CYCLING
Rating Miles Terrain
A 30+ Moderate to steep
B 15 - 30 Moderate
C < 15 Flat to moderate
PADDLING
Rating Miles Portages Water Class
A 12+ Long (.5+ mile) II Whitewater
B 6-12 Short (<.5 mile) I Moving
C < 6 None Flat
Paddling: Personal Flotation Devices (PFD) must be properly worn. Paddlers must have a USCG approved white light and pea-less whistle.
Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian for any type outing.
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.
FEBRUARY
Wednesday, February 4: Plotterkill Preserve B-/B
Join me in exploring the Plotterkill Preserve. This 632-acre nature preserve in Rotterdam features many miles of great hiking trails, but the main highlight of the park is its three beautiful waterfalls that range from 40-60 feet in height. At this time of year there may not be much water, but the preserve is beautiful in any season.
We will not only be checking out the waterfalls but hiking the outside loop of the preserve for a total of around 6 miles and 900' elevation at a moderate pace.
The terrain is very rugged with steep slopes and ledges near the trails; make sure you are comfortable hiking with these conditions. Micro-spike or snowshoes will be needed.
Contact leader for meeting time and location.
Leader: Sue Jordan suej9999@yahoo.com
Friday, February 13: Thacher State Park, Pear Orchard to Hang Glider B-
Starting at the Pear Orchard parking lot we will hike on the Long Path along the escarpment where we will get good views. We will continue on the Long Path to Hang Glider Overlook. There we can enjoy the views of the Capital District and Adirondacks in the distance. From there we can go beyond Hang Glider and then loop back.
Depending on conditions, snowshoes or micro-spikes will be needed. Bring poles if you use them as well as warm beverage and snacks.
The distance is about 5.5 - 6 miles, relatively flat except for a couple of ravines. Contact leader for meeting time and location.
Leader: Jim Gorman, email: jimgorman102@hotmail.com
Wednesday, February 25: Grafton Lakes State Park, Mill Pond to Lily Pond B-/B
Starting at Mill Pond, we will hike along the Spruce Bog Trail to the Conklin Pass Trail then down the White Lily Trail to the pond. We will stop at White Lily Pond, enjoy the view, then return the same way. Bring warm beverage, lunch, and snacks; micro-spikes will be needed.
The hike will be 7.2 miles RT with about 500 feet gain at a moderate pace. Contact leader for meeting time and location.
Leader: Martha Waldman email: martha829r@aol.com