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.

NOVEMBER

Saturday, November 1: Boehme Legacy Forest, Cropseyville, NY C+

This relatively new Hudson Taconic preserve has just under 4 miles with a 790' elevation gain across all the trails which are rolling, with rocks and roots.  Bring poles! The reward is a beautiful vista toward the NW,  a walk above the Quackenkill and an impressive cliff front as you approach the  top of Bunker Hill.  Wear orange or other bright color.  Water, snacks.

Optional forest walk in the David Hunt Preserve just a short way down the road from the Boehme preserve.  Trail is .7 mile long.

Boehme Legacy Forest Address: 391 Jay Hakes Rd, Cropseyville, NY 12052    Lat./Long.: 42.75306, -73.50704 

Leader: Sharon Bonk, email: scbonk@gmail.com

Sunday November 9: Spruce Hill via Hoosac Range Trail B-

 It’s hunting season, but there’s no hunting in MA on Sundays.  Let’s take advantage of that and explore the Hoosac Range trail.  I’ve been curious about it for a while. It’s part of the Berkshire Natural Resources Council trail system. It will be too late for the colorful foliage, but we will still get great views. We will start from Route 2 outside Florida MA, hike to Spruce Hill and return. Per All Trails this is approx. 5.5 miles and 900ft ascent.  If there is interest, we may extend the hike into the Savoy State Forest though that would add about 400’ elevation gain on the return.

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

Monday, November 10: AT & Tyringham Cobble, Tyringham, MA  B-

This hike will add a 1.25 mile section of the Appalachian Trail at the beginning and at the end of the Tyringham Cobble trail, a preserve owned and maintained by The Trustees.

Tyringham Cobble, Tyringham, MA - The Trustees of Reservations

The hike, which will be at a moderate pace, is about 4.5 miles with an elevation gain of about 700 feet. While the elevation gain is mostly gradual, there are a couple of somewhat steep sections, and the trail includes two stiles (steps) over a barbed wire fence surrounding a cow pasture. The terrain is varied – meadows, woods, a variety of stone walls and rock faces, and includes a variety of interesting vistas.

Please contact leader for meeting time and directions.

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

Monday, November 17: Grafton State Park southern trails (3-4 miles) C

We will use parts of the Garters, Double Bit, and South Dunham trails which approach the reservoir but do not complete a circuit of it. We will spot cars to walk from Rt 2 (south side) to Dunham Road Boat Launch, mostly a forest walk.

Leader: Sharon Bonk, email: scbonk@gmail.com

Wednesday, November 19: Sheep Hill to Buxton Ravine loops hike B

This hike will involve a couple of loops on various trails between the Williamstown Rural Lands office and the Buxton Ravine Trail. We will either do this hike clockwise as described or counterclockwise. Clockwise: To start, we will hike up Sheep Hill, onto the Fitch trail, up and over Bee Hill, to the RRR Brooks Trail. We will descend the RRR Brooks Trail along the side of an interesting, steep sided ravine. At the bottom we will cross a stream and then hike up the Sarah Tenney Trail on the other side of the ravine. From there we will do a loop starting on the Smith, up the Buxton Ravine, and down the Hunter Family Trails. We will stop at a viewpoint on the Smith Trail to enjoy excellent views of Williamstown and the Greylock Range. We will return to the cars by descending the Sarah Tenney Trail, a short walk up Bee Hill Rd and then down a trail along the side of Sheep Hill. There are nice views as we descend Sheep Hill.

Bring snacks, lunch, warm beverage and poles if you use them.

The hike is about 6 miles, with approximately 1500 feet cumulative gain, moderate pace. Contact leader for meeting time and location. NOTE: Nov 2, hike is full, wait list available.

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

Tuesday, November 25: Taconic Crest Trail - Petersburg Pass to Route 346 B

Let's get a preemptive strike at those Thanksgiving Day calories. This is our chance to catch some great views now that the leaves are down and visit Snow Hole on the way. Starting from Petersburg Pass we'll hike to our spotted cars at the TCT northern terminus at Route 346. This is an 8 - 9 mile, 1500 - 1600 feet gain hike. 

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

Monday, December 1: Hunter Mountain via the Spruceton Trail B+

This is a strenuous hike of 6.8-mile hike with 1,950 feet elevation gain. There are great views on top and of course from the fire tower. It is mostly on an old road, but it is steep and a steady climb. Bring warm liquids, snacks and lunch and wear something blaze orange. Dress in layers, don’t forget the gloves and hat- it will be colder at the top! You must be capable of hiking the almost 2000 feet of elevation and keeping up with the group.

Contact leader for meeting time and location.

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