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.

APRIL

Wednesday, April 2: Perry’s Peak & Hollow Fields, Pittsfield, B

We will hike from Rte. 20, through Bates Memorial Forest, enter the BNRC’s Hollow Fields Preserve and on to the summit of Perry’s Peak. From there we do a loop, which will take us to the open fields of the Hollow Fields Preserve and the Richmond Overlook. There are great vistas from the fields as well as the overlook. I expect there may still be some wet areas. Bring lunch, snacks, and plenty of water.

This trail will eventually be part of the BNRC High Road, connecting to the Taconic Crest Trail on the north side of Rte. 20. Here is a link to Hollow Fields information and map: https://www.bnrc.org/reserves/hollow-fields

Approximately 6.5 miles and about 1300 feet elevation gain, moderate pace.

Contact leader for meeting time and location.

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

Sunday, April 6 – Long Path (LP) Bradt Hollow Road to Gifford Hollow Road B

This section passes through the Partridge Run Wildlife Management Area.  Beginning on Bradt Hollow Road, we’ll hike 11 miles to our spotted cars on Gifford Hollow Rd. Enroute, we’ll be passing by several interesting ponds, fields and wetlands.

Leader: David Pisaneschi, dapadk@gmail.com

Wednesday, April 9: Hoosac Range,  B-

This is an out-and-back hike at Hoosac Range, a Berkshire Natural Resource Council reserve in No. Adams, MA. Hoosac Range - Berkshire Natural Resources Council (bnrc.org)

The hike is about 6 miles with an elevation gain of about 875 feet. There are several long-range vistas, trees twisted by the wind, rock cliffs, and a tree that bears a faint resemblance to a famous movie character. Please bring lunch and sufficient water. The hike should take about 3.5 hours.

Please contact leader for meeting time and directions.

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

Tuesday April 15:  Yokun Ridge South (Berkshires) B-

I did this hike in March.  What a lovely walk.  We will start at Olivia’s Overlook, taking the Burbank trail and the Broken Thumb Trail to the Kennedy Cliffs which have a lovely view of the Marsh.  Really, it is nice.  Maybe lunch here?  Make our way back briefly to the Burbank Trail and turn off onto the old Baldhead Road.  Cross Lenox road and take the Brothers Trail to the Charcoal Trail and back to our cars. 7-8 miles and 1000’ ascent.  Given it’s April, I expect muddy conditions.

Leader:  Leslie Siegard email: lsiegard2@gmail.com   518-577-3468  Please sign up by email.

Friday, April 18: Taconic Crest Trail - Pittsfield State Forest B-

We will head up from Lebanon Springs to work on a section of the TCT from Lebanon Springs, New York going either north toward Tower Mountain/Berry Pond or south toward the beaver pond, both in Pittsfield State Forest. We’ll hope for decent trail conditions with no ice or snow. Attendees will need to sign liability forms to pass through private property and a DCR volunteer form with emergency numbers. No chainsaws allowed.  Work involves picking up, hand sawing, lopping and clipping so bring your favorite tool or tools.  After accessing the TCT from the 1.25 mile access in the Springs, we will work up there for a few hours, not all day.  Bring water, lunch, gloves, etc. 

Leader: Karen Ross, kcoyross@aol.com or 518 794-7474

Monday, April 21: Moreau Lake State Park: Lake Bonita – Ridge Loop B-

Starting at the Lake Bonita trailhead, we will hike alongside Lake Bonita and take the Lake Ann Trail past the lean to, then hike up and over the picturesque High Rock Trail to the Palmertown Range. Once on the ridge we will take a left on the blue Eastern Ridge Trail and follow that to the Lake Ann Trail, which we will hike down towards Lake Bonita. If we time it right, we can use the Lake Ann picnic bench & lean-to for lunch.

The hike will be approximately 6.5 miles with about 900 feet cumulative gain.

Contact leader for meeting time and location.

Leader: Jim Gorman, jimgorman102@hotmail.com

Wednesday, April 23: Taconic Crest Trail - Pittsfield State Forest B-

We will head up from Lebanon Springs to work on a section of the TCT from Lebanon Springs, New York going either north toward Tower Mountain/Berry Pond or south toward the beaver pond, both in Pittsfield State Forest. We’ll hope for decent trail conditions with no ice or snow. Attendees will need to sign liability forms to pass through private property and a DCR volunteer form with emergency numbers. No chainsaws allowed.  Work involves picking up, hand sawing, lopping and clipping so bring your favorite tool or tools.  After accessing the TCT from the 1.25 mile access in the Springs, we will work up there for a few hours, not all day.  Bring water, lunch, gloves, etc. 

Leader: Karen Ross, kcoyross@aol.com or 518 794-7474