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 8: Yokun Ridge South Loop from Olivia’s Overlook   B-

We will hike on portions of 5 trails to form a loop beginning and ending at Olivia’s Overlook in West Stockbridge, MA.  Olivia's Overlook at Yokun Ridge South - Berkshire Natural Resources Council (bnrc.org)

The hike will include portions of the Charcoal, Brothers, Old Baldhead, Burbank and Yokun Ridge trails, and includes the Kennedy Cliffs vista overlooking Parsons Marsh, downtown Lenox, and the ridge line in and around October Mountain State Forest. There is an additional west-facing vista on the trail, as well as serene Monk's Pond. The trail consists of varied terrain, is about 5 miles long, has an elevation gain of about 700’, and we will maintain a moderate pace.

Please contact the leader for meeting time and directions.

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

Wednesday, April 15: Sarah Tenney – TCT – Shepherds Well Loop B 

We will do a loop hike, starting up the Sarah Tenney to the Taconic Crest, and going down the Shepherds Well and RRR Brook trails. There are nice views to the west from the Petersburg Pass overlook along the TCT and views to the south and east from the Shepherds Well Trail. 

The hike starts at the pull-off parking area on Rte. 2, Williamstown, approximately 1.9 miles east (down) from Petersburg Pass, on the right. If you come from MA up Rte. 2, Williamstown, the parking area is about 1 mile west (up) of the junction of Rte. 2 and Rte. 7, on the left.

The hike is 5+ miles with 1100+ feet of gain at a moderate pace.  Bring snacks/lunch and plenty of water. 

Contact leader for meeting time and location.

Leader: Martha Waldman, martha829r@aol.com

Monday, April 20: Grafton Lake State Park – Dixon Fire Tower B-

We will start the GLSP Welcome Center and hike along the Long Pond trail, where we will have nice views of Long Pond, to the Fire Tower trail and on to the fire tower. After checking out the sights at the fire tower we will return to the Long Pond Trail via the Chet Bell Trail and continue around the lake to the welcome center. We will either be doing this loop counterclockwise as described or going clockwise.

The hike will be 6.5 miles with 600 feet of elevation gain at a moderate pace. Contact the leader for meeting time and location.

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

Tuesday April 21: Zim Smith Trail Bike B

Two years ago, I planned this for May and there was still ice on the trail.  I expect it will be clear this year.  We will start at the parking area in Mechanicville and ride to the end in Ballston Spa.  On our return we may stop for a treat at Leah’s Cakery in Round Lake.  I haven’t been there but have heard rave reviews.  This trail is a bit more hilly than the usual rail trail, but 100% bike path and paved.

23 miles and 1100ft elevation.  It is rated B-

Contact Leader for meeting time & location.

Leader: Leslie Siegard - lsiegard2@gmail.com 518-577-3468 e-mail preferred.