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.

MARCH

Wednesday, March 12: Hopkins Memorial Forest, Williamstown B-

We will hike the two loop trails at Hopkins Memorial Forest. We will be able to catch a glimpse of the tree top work platform used to study the tree canopy on the way. Depending on conditions, we can include a section of the Hoosick River Trail or a section of the Birch Brook Trail. Total length 5 - 6 miles, elevation gain between 600 – 800 feet, at a moderate pace. Bring micro-spikes, as well as snacks, lunch, and a warm beverage.

Please contact the leader for meeting time and directions.

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

Saturday March 15: Ski to Pine Lake B

Starting from the Chain Lakes Road South out of Indian Lake, we'll ski the 6.5 miles to Pine Lake. For those wanting a shorter ski,  at 5.5 miles, a 200 foot spur trail leads to a nice view of the Cedar River. 

Leader: David Pisaneschi, dapadk@gmail.com or 518-227-5630

Wednesday, March 19: Clam River Reserve, Sandisfield, B-

The Clam River Reserve in Sandisfield, MA has two loop trails connected by an out-and-back trail, which will allow us to tailor the length of the hike based on the snow/ice conditions that day. We will hike for 3 -3 ½ hours, and anywhere from 4 – 5 ½ miles (with <1,000 feet of gain), depending on the depth of any snow and whether we’re using micro-spikes or snowshoes. This is a picturesque reserve featuring a very intact stone foundation, extensive stone walls, some very old wolf pine trees, and two rivers. Clam River - BNRC

Please bring lunch, sufficient water, micro-spikes or snowshoes, depending on the conditions, layers of warm, non-cotton clothing, and hiking poles.

Please contact leader for meeting time and directions.

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

Sunday March 30 Greylock B+

Starting from the Hopper Road Trailhead, we'll hike the Haley Farm Trail to Sperry Road and summit Greylock via the Hopper trail. We'll loop back to the trailhead via the Hopper trail. Plan on about 9 miles and 2,500 feet of climbing. Plan to bring snowshoes and crampons. 

Leader: David Pisaneschi, dapadk@gmail.com or 518-227-5630

APRIL

Wednesday, April 2: Perry’s Peak & Hollow Fields, Pittsfield, B

We will hike from Rte. 20, through Bates Memorial Forest, enter the BNRC’s Hollow Fields Preserve and on to the summit of Perry’s Peak. From there we do a loop, which will take us to the open fields of the Hollow Fields Preserve and the Richmond Overlook. There are great vistas from the fields as well as the overlook. I expect there may still be some wet areas. Bring lunch, snacks, and plenty of water.

This trail will eventually be part of the BNRC High Road, connecting to the Taconic Crest Trail on the north side of Rte. 20. Here is a link to Hollow Fields information and map: https://www.bnrc.org/reserves/hollow-fields

Approximately 6.5 miles and about 1300 feet elevation gain, moderate pace.

Contact leader for meeting time and location.

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

Sunday, April 6 – Long Path (LP) Bradt Hollow Road to Gifford Hollow Road B

This section passes through the Partridge Run Wildlife Management Area.  Beginning on Bradt Hollow Road, we’ll hike 11 miles to our spotted cars on Gifford Hollow Rd. Enroute, we’ll be passing by several interesting ponds, fields and wetlands.

Leader: David Pisaneschi, dapadk@gmail.com

Wednesday, April 9: Hoosac Range,  B-

This is an out-and-back hike at Hoosac Range, a Berkshire Natural Resource Council reserve in No. Adams, MA. Hoosac Range - Berkshire Natural Resources Council (bnrc.org)

The hike is about 6 miles with an elevation gain of about 875 feet. There are several long-range vistas, trees twisted by the wind, rock cliffs, and a tree that bears a faint resemblance to a famous movie character. Please bring lunch and sufficient water. The hike should take about 3.5 hours.

Please contact leader for meeting time and directions.

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

Tuesday April 15:  Yokun Ridge South (Berkshires) B-

I did this hike in March.  What a lovely walk.  We will start at Olivia’s Overlook, taking the Burbank trail and the Broken Thumb Trail to the Kennedy Cliffs which have a lovely view of the Marsh.  Really, it is nice.  Maybe lunch here?  Make our way back briefly to the Burbank Trail and turn off onto the old Baldhead Road.  Cross Lenox road and take the Brothers Trail to the Charcoal Trail and back to our cars. 7-8 miles and 1000’ ascent.  Given it’s April, I expect muddy conditions.

Leader:  Leslie Siegard email: lsiegard2@gmail.com   518-577-3468  Please sign up by email.

Friday, April 18: Taconic Crest Trail - Pittsfield State Forest B-

We will head up from Lebanon Springs to work on a section of the TCT from Lebanon Springs, New York going either north toward Tower Mountain/Berry Pond or south toward the beaver pond, both in Pittsfield State Forest. We’ll hope for decent trail conditions with no ice or snow. Attendees will need to sign liability forms to pass through private property and a DCR volunteer form with emergency numbers. No chainsaws allowed.  Work involves picking up, hand sawing, lopping and clipping so bring your favorite tool or tools.  After accessing the TCT from the 1.25 mile access in the Springs, we will work up there for a few hours, not all day.  Bring water, lunch, gloves, etc. 

Leader: Karen Ross, kcoyross@aol.com or 518 794-7474

Wednesday, April 23: Taconic Crest Trail - Pittsfield State Forest B-

We will head up from Lebanon Springs to work on a section of the TCT from Lebanon Springs, New York going either north toward Tower Mountain/Berry Pond or south toward the beaver pond, both in Pittsfield State Forest. We’ll hope for decent trail conditions with no ice or snow. Attendees will need to sign liability forms to pass through private property and a DCR volunteer form with emergency numbers. No chainsaws allowed.  Work involves picking up, hand sawing, lopping and clipping so bring your favorite tool or tools.  After accessing the TCT from the 1.25 mile access in the Springs, we will work up there for a few hours, not all day.  Bring water, lunch, gloves, etc. 

Leader: Karen Ross, kcoyross@aol.com or 518 794-7474