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.

AUGUST

Wednesday, August 6: Poestenkill Community Forest B-

We will explore this Hudson Taconic Lands property on the central Rensselaer Plateau. Starting on the Saphouse Trail we will hike many of the perimeter trails, including Hemlock, Moose Meadow, Moose, Barred Owl – if it is dry, Old Albany Rd, Truancy, etc. We will see some beautiful hemlocks, hardwoods, wetlands, brooks, and rock walls along the way. The hike will be 5+ miles, 600-700 feet gain at a moderate pace.

Contact the leader for meeting time and location. Note 8/3: hike full, wait list available

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

Wednesday, August 13: Stony Ledge via Haley Farm Trail, B+

This hike begins at the Haley Farm trail head in Williamstown, MA, gains 1,475 ft. in the first 2 miles up to Stony Ledge, then heads down Sperry Road and completes the loop back to the trail head on the Hopper Trail. The hike is about 5.5 miles and is mostly downhill after reaching the Stony Ledge Summit. Once there, you are rewarded with a scenic panorama of the nearby mountains. Besides Greylock, which looks close enough to touch, the range includes Mounts Prospect, Williams, Fitch and Saddleball.

The hike should take about 3.5 hours.

Please contact leader for meeting time and directions.

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

Friday, August 22: Pine Lake – Biking Trip B

Bring your mountain or gravel bike as we explore an old logging road on our way to Pine Lake. At more than 90 acres, it is one of the larger lakes in the region (Adirondacks), with a beautiful evergreen shoreline. Starting from the site of the Outer Gooley Club, it is about an 8-mile round trip. On the way, we can visit the Cedar River lookout along with Clear Pond and Mud Lake.

Leader: David Pisaneschi, email: dapadk@gmail.com

Monday, August 25: Cat Mountain - Bolton Landing B

This hike will be approximately 7 miles with 1200 feet of elevation gain. There is a beautiful view of Lake George from the open summit. Bring lunch, water and poles if you use them. Contact leader for meeting time and location.

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

Monday, August 25. Ashuwillticook Bike Trail, Adams to Pittsfield B

The original trail is 22 miles RT. There are optional extensions on both ends.  Moderate (10-12 mph) pace. Plan for snacks on the trail, with lunch at the end - cafe or bring your lunch to eat at Adams Visitor Center Park.
Leader: Sharon Bonk, scbonk@gmail.com

SEPTEMBER

Wednesday, September 3: Lulu Brook to Parker Brook Loop Hike - Pittsfield State Forest  B

We will hike up the Lulu Brook trail, which is along the side of the Lulu Brook ravine, then continue over Berry Hill and enjoy the view towards the Catskills from Berry Hill overlook. We will walk down Circuit Rd, along Berry Pond, then take the Taconic Crest Trail to Tower Mountain, where there used to be a fire tower. After a break we will take Pine trail down to Tilden Swamp, which is actually a beautiful pond. (Depending on conditions, we may bypass Tower Mountain and take the Tilden Swamp Trail to Tilden Swamp.)  From there we will hike down the picturesque Parker Trail, then make our way back to the cars on the Vosburg trail. Bring lunch, snacks, water.

The hike is 6 miles with 1200 feet of gain. Contact leader for meeting time and location.

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

Wednesday, September 17: 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. Please bring lunch and sufficient water. The hike should take about 3 hours.

Please contact leader for meeting time and directions.

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

OCTOBER

Wednesday, October 1: Rounds Rock Loop Greylock B

The leaves should be just starting to change to show off their fall colors in time for this hike. Starting at the Greylock Visitor Center (30 Rockwell Rd, Lanesborough, MA) we will hike up the Bradley Farm and Northrup Trails to the Rounds Rock Trail. We will stop and enjoy the views from a vista on Rounds Rock and go past the remains of a plane crash. Then we will hike back on the Woodson Spring Trail. Note that we might do the hike in the opposite direction: going up Woodson Spring and back on Northrup and Bradley Farm trails rather than the way described. Either way, there are a few short, steep sections. Bring lunch, snacks, plenty of water and poles if you use them.

Total distance 7+ miles with about 1000 feet of gain, moderate pace. Contact leader for meeting time and location.

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