Outings
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.
NOVEMBER
CANCELLED: Wednesday, November 6: Long Path ( LP) Bradt Hollow Road to Gifford Hollow Road B
Saturday, November 9: Shaker Mountain Trail, Pittsfield State Forest B
We will do a loop hike over Shaker Mountain and Holy Mountain in the Pittsfield State Forest, near Hancock Shaker Village. Along the trail we will see many historical remains from the Shaker North Family site along the lower stream and the remains of the Shaker holy sites on both mountain summits.
The hike is 6 miles with about 1100 feet gain at a moderate pace. Contact leader for meeting time and location.
Leaders: Martha Waldman - martha829r@aol.com or Cliff Prewencki - cprewencki@aol.com
Thursday, November 14: Prospect Mountain – Lake George B
We will hike Prospect Mountain from the Lake George Recreation Center. It is 5.2 miles with an elevation gain of 1400 feet. There is a great view of the lake and surrounding mountains and an area to have lunch at the summit.
Bring lunch, water and layers as needed. Contact leader for meeting time and location.
Leader: Jim Gorman, email: jimgorman102@hotmail.com
Wednesday, November 20: Plotterkill Preserve B-
Join me in exploring the Plotterkill Preserve.
This 632-acre nature preserve in Rotterdam features many miles of great hiking trails, but the main highlight of the park is its three beautiful waterfalls that range from 40-60 feet in height. At this time of year there may not be much water, but the preserve is beautiful in any season.
We will not only be checking out the waterfalls but hiking the outside loop of the preserve for a total of around 6 miles and 900' elevation at a moderate pace.
The terrain is very rugged with steep slopes and ledges near the trails, make sure you are comfortable hiking with these conditions.
Contact leader for meeting time and location
Leader: Sue Jordan suej9999@yahoo.com
Wednesday, November 27: TCT – Petersburg Pass to Mattison Hollow B
Let’s get a preemptive strike at those Thanksgiving Day calories. We’ll spot cars and climb Berlin Mountain with its bare summit and views of Mount Greylock. We’ll continue over the Berlin Pass and come out through the Mattison Hollow Access Trail. The total trip distance will be about 10 miles, with approximately 1500+ feet cumulative gain and 2000+ feet down.
Leader: David Pisaneschi - dapadk@gmail.com
DECEMBER
Wednesday, December 4: Huyck Preserve – Rensselaerville B
We will start near the Research Station by Hicks Pond (AKA Lincoln 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. (Note that old maps still exist with just the 3 loops named and new maps reference the Partridge Trail and Creek Trail.) 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 I recommend that you 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.
Please contact the leader for meeting time and location.
Leader: Martha Waldman email- martha829r@aol.com