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.

JANUARY

Wednesday January 14: Equinox hiking/ski trails  B

Below Mt Equinox are some very nice hiking/skiing trails.  I was there skiing last month and found them very interesting.  We will hike some combination of these trails for 5-6 miles and under 1,000’ ascent.  There will be some steep sections (places I didn’t want to ski).  We will start on the Summit trail, go around Equinox Lake and up Deer Knoll, then perhaps cross the main trail up Equinox to circle our way back to the cars.

Snowshoes and/or spikes required, conditions at the time will dictate which.

Leader:  Leslie Siegard, email: lsiegsrd2@gmail.com or 518-577-3468.  I prefer contact by e-mail.

Saturday, January 17: Shaver Pond Loop - GLSP Winterfest pre-event hike

Grafton Lakes State Park’s Winterfest 2026 starts at 11:30 on Saturday January 17. We will get an early, 10 AM, start for this pre-event, 2.25-mile hike. From the main parking lot we will hike or snowshoe around Shaver Pond. We may include the Wheeler Watson Trail which goes by the old West Family and the Granville Hicks Cemeteries. Dress in layers for winter weather. Depending on conditions we will need either snowshoes or micro-spikes (bring both) as well as poles if you use them.

We should be back in time for you to watch people take the Polar Plunge at 11:30 if you are interested! Check out the Grafton Lakes State Park Facebook page for more information about Winterfest 2026.

Contact leader for meeting location and time. (I am coordinating with GLSP.)

Leaders: Martha Waldman, martha829r@aol.com and Cliff Prewencki, cprewencki@aol.com

 Wednesday, January 21: Windham High Peak B/B+

We will start from the large parking lot on Rte. 23. Snowshoes will most likely be needed, bring both traction devices (micro-spikes) and snowshoes, and poles if you use them. Also dress in layers and bring a warm beverage and lunch, snacks.

The hike is 6.8 miles with 1750 feet gain. Contact leader for meeting time and location

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

Friday, January 23: Albany Pine Bush – Madison Ave Pine Lands to DiCaprio Park RT B-

We will hike the Purple Trail from the Madison Ave Ext trail head to DiCaprio Park. Depending on conditions we will continue to do a loop in the Hunger Kill Barrens and back. The trails will take us through a variety of habitats including pitch pine barrens (for which the Albany Pine Bush is noted). We will also hike down into a couple step sided ravines. There are substantial bridges in both ravines for us to cross over the streams. The streams and ravines are very picturesque.

Depending on conditions, snowshoes or micro-spikes will be needed. Bring poles if you use them as well as warm beverage and snacks.

The hike is 6 miles RT to DiCaprio Park, 7.25+ miles if we add Hunger Kill Barrens, with 400 - 500 feet of gain.

Contact leader for meeting time and location.

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

Wednesday, January 28: Grafton Lakes State Park, Mill Pond to Lily Pond B-/B

Starting at Mill Pond, we will hike with micro-spikes or snowshoes along the Spruce Bog Trail to the Conklin Pass Trail then down the White Lily Trail to the pond.  We will stop at White Lily Pond, enjoy the view, then return the same way. Bring warm beverage, lunch, and snacks.

The hike will be 7.2 miles RT with about 500 feet gain at a moderate pace. Contact leader for meeting time and location.

Leader: Martha Waldman email: martha829r@aol.com

FEBRUARY

Wednesday, February 2: Plotterkill Preserve B-/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. Micro-spike or snowshoes will be needed.

Contact leader for meeting time and location.

Leader: Sue Jordan  suej9999@yahoo.com