Outings
COVID PROTOCOLS: August 2021: We continue to monitor the Covid situation and will modify our outings protocols in accordance with CDC and state and local requirements. 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.
APRIL
Wednesday April 17: Overlook Mountain B
We will have a steep ascent to the summit and fire tower. As we approach the summit we will see the ruins of the Overlook Mountain House. If you choose to climb it, the fire tower will provide a superb 360 degrees view. The Hudson River is to the east and there are views of several mountains including Hunter, Slide, Cornell, and Wittenberg.
The hike is 5 miles RT with 1400 feet of elevation gain. You must be fit to do the elevation. Contact leader for meeting time and location.
Leader: Jim Gorman - jimgorman102@hotmail.com
Tuesday April 23: Thatcher Park trails B-
We will hike a selection of trails in Thatcher park north taking in some combination, but not likely all, of the Long Path, Fred Schroeder Memorial trail, Hang Glider Cliff, High Point and the Thatcher Park rock formation. Some of these trails can be quite wet in any season, so wear appropriate boots. Hike is 6+ miles, 300 - 500 feet elevation at a moderate pace. Note: 4/17 - hike is full, waiting list available.
Leader: Martha Waldman – martha829r@aol.com
New date: Thursday, April 25: Brothers, Charcoal, & Stevens Glen trails, C+
This hike begins with the Brothers trail and the Charcoal trail loop in Lenox, followed by the Stevens Glen trail in Richmond, MA, a 3 minute drive away. The total distance for the 3 trails is about 4.6 miles, with an elevation gain of a little over 900 ft.
Olivia’s Overlook at Yokun Ridge South - BNRC
The Charcoal trail features 2 nice vistas, and Stevens Glen is a short, but picturesque trail leading to a railed platform overlooking Lenox Mountain Brook spilling down the narrow, rocky ravine. Because trail head parking is limited at both locations, we will meet at a municipal parking area in West Stockbridge, and then take one or two cars to the Brothers trail 3 miles away. Stevens Glen is on the way back to the original parking lot. The hike should take about 2.5 – 3 hours, including shuttling between trailheads.
Please contact leader for meeting time and directions.
Leader: David Dutra, email: ddutra@nycap.rr.com
Monday, April 29: Kinderhook Preserve C
We will explore 3+ miles of the beautiful trails in the preserve. Hoping for dry conditions and spring flowers to be blooming.
Leader: Sharon Bonk - scbonk@gmail.com
MAY
Wednesday, May 1: Valentino Family Community Forest B-
We will hike most of the trails in this relatively new Rensselaer Plateau Alliance property. There are beautiful hemlock stands, hardwoods, rocky outcroppings, ponds, and wetlands along the way and there should be spring wildflowers peeking out of the ground. Starting at the main parking lot “A” we will hike along the creek and take the red trail up to the old Sugar Shack, and back down to the yellow trail. We will follow the trail along the pond, go by the beaver dam and the new lean-to. Continuing onto a white trail then to another red trail which we will hike most of the way to the “B” parking lot. We will backtrack then circle around the upper beaver dam pond and loop back to the lean-to. If I time it right, we will enjoy lunch at the lean-to. Afterwards we will hike back along the pond and the creek to our cars.
This is a moderately paced hike of almost 6 miles and 600+ feet of gain. We might get lucky but expect wet conditions (as usual this year!). Bring water, snacks, and lunch.
Link to RPA’s VFCF page: RPA | Valentino Family Community Forest (rensselaerplateau.org)
Contact leader for meeting time and location.
Leader: Martha Waldman – martha829r@aol.com