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.

DECEMBER

Wednesday, December 4: Huyck Preserve – Rensselaerville B-

We will start near the Research Station by Lincoln Pond (AKA Hicks Pond - depending on which map version you use). We will hike up a short section of Long Pond Rd to the Wheeler Watson Trail, hike past the Wheeler Watson Cemetery and the old racecourse, to the Partridge Path. We will take the Partridge Path to hike around Loop 3/Creek Trail then return. (The Preserve is updating their trail naming system. Old maps have Loop Trail designations and new maps use the Partridge Trail and Creek Trail names.) The trails go along old pine plantations, hardwood forests, stone walls, creeks, and wetlands.

Hunting is not allowed in the preserve, but we will go near the border of the preserve at a couple locations, so you may want to wear something that is blaze orange. Don’t forget your hat and gloves!

The distance is 7+ miles with about 900+ feet of cumulative gain at a moderate pace. With the recent snow in the mountains we will probably need micro-spikes or maybe snowshoes. Depending on snow conditions we may modify the hike distance.

Please contact the leader for the meeting time and location. 12/1: Waitlist available

Leader: Martha Waldman email- martha829r@aol.com

Tuesday December 10, Thatcher Park Escarpment ramble  B-

We will start at the Hailes Cave parking, follow the Long Path to High Point and Hang Glider Cliff.  We will then take Hang Glider road to a new part of the Long Path walking along the escarpment until this new part goes steeply down hill.  There’s an unmarked trail from here to Flat Rock Ledge.  We will take this unmarked trail to Flat Rock Ledge then return to Hailes Cave parking via part of the Fred Schoeder memorial trail, the white trail and Long Path.  About 7 miles and minimal ascent.    

Contact leader for meeting time and location.  

Leader: Leslie Siegard, email- lsiegard2@gmail.com 

Friday, December 13: Schodack Island State Park B-

In addition to its designation and an Important Bird Area (IBA), Schodack Island's trails offer outstanding views of the Hudson River and Schodack Creek. There's also a historic ice house and canoe carrying trail to explore. We'll hike to the end of the island to where the Army Corp of Engineers maintains its seasonal dredging operation. On our way out, we'll take the loop trail along Schodack Creek passing through the island's wetland and diverse wildlife habitat. Plan on hiking about 9-10 miles. 

Leader: David Pisaneschi - dapadk@gmail.com

Wednesday, December 18: Albert Family Community Forest B-

Join us for a morning hike at AFCF. We will hike each of the four different trails on the property. We will start the hike on the trail along a stream with multiple waterfalls for over ½ mile, although there may not be much water this year. We will see several rock walls, remains of old homestead buildings, wetlands, an old orchard, in addition to old evergreens. Usually, we are done with the hike by lunchtime and often have lunch (optionally) at the picnic table by the parking area.

Length approximately 5 miles, elevation gain about 600 feet, moderate pace. Bring micro-spikes just in case; but I expect it to be wet not icy. Contact the leader for meeting time and location.

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

Friday, December 20 – Hopkins Memorial Forest (HMF) Trails, Williamstown  B

Located adjacent to the TCT, I’ve never visited this 2,600-acre forest owned by Williams College. So, let’s explore the HMF trail system. We’ll plan on about 8 miles of moderate hiking with approximately 1500 feet gain.

Leader: David Pisaneschi - dapadk@gmail.com

Saturday, December 21:  Harvey Mountain C+

Take a break from wrapping packages and get out for a bracing couple of hours of winter delights.  This makes for a rewarding hike to a 360° view. The trail to Harvey Mountain's 2065' open summit area has some good steep spots over 2.0 miles with 800' of vertical.  We'll check out the Mass/NYS border marker, savor the views south, west, and north.  We can either return the same way or depending on weather, group choice, and trail conditions, lengthen the outing by hiking down to the Pinnacle Point Trail, which in another 1.5 miles of ups and downs with views west out over Austerlitz leads back to the trailhead.  Total length for just Harvey is about 4 miles.  Be prepared for winter conditions.

CONTACT: Karen Ross,   kcoyross@aol.com

JANUARY

Thursday, January 2: Berlin Mtn. B

We will hike up (and back) on the Taconic Crest Trail from Petersburg Pass to Berlin Mtn, the highest mountain in NYS outside of the Catskills and Adirondacks. Expect it to be at least 5 - 10+ degrees colder at Petersburg Pass than down on the valley, so dress warmly! Fortunately the initial ascent by Mount Raimer will get you warmed up real quick! We will enjoy views of the surrounding mountains, including Mount Greylock from the large, open summit. Bring lunch, snacks, warm beverages, micro-spikes, and warm layers.

The hike is approximately 5.5 miles with 1300 feet ascent, moderate pace.

Leader: Martha Waldman email- martha829r@aol.com Co-leader: Cliff Prewencki