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.

JULY

Wednesday, July 2: Snow Hole, Petersburg Pass B-

We will hike to the popular Snow Hole from Petersburg Pass on the Taconic Crest Trail.  If you haven’t been there, the Snow Hole is a deep crevasse in the limestone, in which snow can often be found well into the summer. After the steep climb up off Rte. 2 we will be quickly rewarded with a viewpoint towards the Rensselear Plateau.  The trail will take us by the White Rocks viewpoint, with views towards Petersburg Pass and Berlin Mountain. Bring lunch, snacks, and plenty of water.

The hike is 6 miles round trip with 900 feet of gain at a moderate pace.  Contact the leader to register and for meeting time and location.

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

Monday, July 14 Burbank Preserve & Brothers Trails Lenox MA C+

Meet at Olivia's Outlook in Lenox for a rolling uphill with rocky descent followed by more rolling terrain. Loop hike of about 4 miles. Additional stop at Stevens Glen to see a cascade (trail & stairs).  Optional ice cream stop in W. Stockbridge.  Carpooling encouraged as paring is limited at these popular spots.
Leader: Sharon Bonk, scbonk@gmail.com 

Wednesday, July 16: Tom Ball Mt. Reserve (Gt. Barrington) & Alford Springs Mother Loop (Alford)  B

The hike begins on the Longview Loop, the first trail in the newest BNRC reserve, Tom Ball Mountain in Great Barrington, MA. The 3.4 mile loop is a beautiful combination of forest, fern, new and rustic stonework, and sustainably built trail work. To get a feel for the new trail, you may want to take a look at BNRC’s Spring report, which is entirely devoted to an in-depth look at the Tom Ball Reserve.  BNRC_Report_Spring_2025.pdf

After hiking the Longview Loop, we’ll take a short drive to the Mother Loop at Alford Springs Reserve. This 2.4 mile loop includes a forested trail, an open field with old apple trees, and a foundation that serves as a convenient place to sit and have lunch.

The two loops total just under 6 miles with a little less than 1,000 feet of elevation gain.

Please contact leader for meeting time and directions.

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

Monday, July 21, Troy Waterfalls C

Adirondack Sports Monthly (May 2025) had a description of 7 waterfall hikes and viewing points in and close to Troy. This would not be a traditional hike but an activity that would involve driving to several and walking paths/trails.  If we were to do all, it would be a two-part activity. If there is interest, contact me at least a week before so I can organize.
Some of these are cascades in city preserves/parks, other ravines, and of course Barberville Falls in Poestenkill, just east of Troy.
Leader: Sharon Bonk, scbonk@gmail.com

Wednesday, July 30: Sarah Tenney - RRR Brooks loop, Williamstown C+

We will do a loop hike using the Sarah Tenney and RRR Brooks trails, either clockwise or counterclockwise. The hike goes through open meadows, with a nice view towards the Taconics and Greylock range, alongside a ravine, as well as under plenty of hemlocks and hardwoods. The hike is approximately 4 miles, with 700 to 800 feet of gain.

Leader: Bob Armao, bob_armao@yahoo.com

Wednesday, July 30: Mid Week Paddle - Fall Stream B

Meet at the put-in on Old Piseco Road (County Rt. 24) at 9:30am, Plan on about an 11 mile paddle. We'll paddle upstream past Fall Lake up to Vly Lake. If there is time and interest, we will visit Mud Lake. Expect to encounter beaver dams and obstructions. YOU MUST BE ABLE TO GET OUT OF YOUR BOAT TO GET OVER AND AROUND BEAVER DAMS. Bring rain gear, lunch, water, change of clothes (in case you dump), USCG approved personal flotation device (required to be worn) and headlamp. NO COTTON. Wear synthetic, quick drying clothes. 

If Thursday, July 31 turns out to be the better weather day, we'll reschedule. 

Directions: From the intersection of NY 8 and Route 30 in Speculator, drive west on NY 8 for nine miles to Old Piseco Road (County Rt. 24) on the right. (LEFT IF COMING FROM THE WEST.) 

Turn and drive 1.6 miles to the bridge over Fall Stream. The put-in is on the right on the far side of the bridge, Park along the road, being sure not to block the entrance to the put-in. 

Leader: David Pisaneschi 518-227-5630 email: dapadk@gmail.com

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.

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

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