Outings

Please take care to match your physical condition and abilities to the stated length and elevation gain of the outing you choose. It is your responsibility to have appropriate equipment and clothing for an outing. The outing leader may ask questions in order to determine if you are capable of completing the trip safely. Please cooperate for your safety and the safety of the group. It is in your best interest to let someone know if you have limiting physical conditions or are taking a medication.

"The superior hiker uses superior judgement to avoid situations requiring superior skill."

Paddles: Personal Flotation Devices (PFD) must be properly worn. Paddlers must also have a USCG approved white light and pea-less whistle.

Click Here to download printable PDF list of THC outings.

JULY

Monday, July 8: Taconic Crest Trail--Rt. 20 to Tower Mtn. loop

We'll start at Rt. 20 at the top of Lebanon Mountain and head north along the Crest Trail, passing Shaker ponds and checking in on the expanded beaver pond at the top of the ridge. Our destination is Tower Mtn., a high point that until recently had quite good views west to Albany. We'll return via a Lebanon Springs neighborhood woods road to our spotted cars and a swimming pond. If it’s really hot/humid &/or buggy, we’ll skip Tower (and those 2 miles) and expand the swimming. Bring a bathing suit if weather permits. It's about 7 miles of ups and downs with about 1000' of vertical.

Contact: Karen Ross, 518: 794-7474 kcoyross @aol.com, or Lori McCarron, 518 587-1957 mmccarr2@nycap.rr.com

Saturday, July 13: TCT #3 - Southeast Hollow to Mattison Hollow in Cherry Plain, 7.2 miles.

*TCT in a Year, series hike #3. Jointly sponsored by Rensselaer Land Trust, Rensselaer Plateau Alliance, and the Taconic Hiking Club. A scenic and steady ascent up Southeast Hollow along a woodland stream to the Crest Trail, then ups and downs along the ridge of Misery Mountain, and ending with a steep descent to Mattison Hollow and its waterfalls and streams. Initial elevation gain is 1500 feet, with 300 - 400 feet additional gain along the bumps of Misery Mtn, 7.2 miles. Registration required.

Leaders: Martha Waldman and Cliff Prewencki. Questions? contact Martha at martha829r@aol.com Register online with the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance HERE

Tuesday, July 16: Paddle Kunjamuk River

Paddling the Kunjamuk has always been a challenge with its twisty-turny oxbows, shallow areas and beaver dams; but it has always been enjoyable. We will stop well short of Elm Lake. Consequently, this will be a paddle of less than 10 miles round trip. PFD’s required.

Registration required. We will meet at Northway Exit 9 Park and Ride at 0800.

Leader: Bill Valentino billvalentino113@yahoo.com (preferred contact) 518-366-4035 (mobile, secondary contact)

NEW DATE Saturday, July 20 – TCT #2 - Petersburg Pass to Berlin Mountain to Southeast Hollow in Berlin, 7.3 miles.

*TCT in a Year, series hike #2. Jointly sponsored by Rensselaer Land Trust, Rensselaer Plateau Alliance, and the Taconic Hiking Club. Starting at Petersburg Pass and going south this time, the trail has some steep ascents on the way to the summit of Berlin Mountain, at 2,818 feet New York’s tallest peak outside of the Adirondacks and Catskills. Then through an uncommon spruce-fir forest and over some minor summits, and down Southeast Hollow. 7.3 miles Registration required.

Leader: Peter Wood. Questions? Contact Peter at petermapleacres@gmail.com Register online with the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance HERE

NEW DATE* Wednesday, July 24: Beartown Mountain, Stockbridge

A climb up to Laura's Tower and an optional climb up Laura's Tower to view the countryside, then across the ridge with an optional detour to view the top of one of the old ski trails of Beartown Ski Area and the location of the upper rope tow, down across two breathtaking ski trails to the remains of the old ski lodge, and then out to cars. Lunch on the trail. Bring water, snacks, lunch, bug-spray and poles if you use them. Total - 5.8 miles. Altitude gain - 1,000'

Registration required, let me know where where you will be meeting. Carpooling possible from the East Schodack Park and Ride. Meet at Onyx Specialty Papers, Willow St, Lee, just off Route 102, at 9:30 AM, GPS 42-16-06N x 73-17-06W. We will then carpool 2 miles to the Laura's Tower trail-head.

Leader: Ginny Akabane email gakabane@hotmail.com (cell phone for day of is 413-449-4738) (Possible rain date 7/24)

Wednesday, July 31: Paddle Somerset Reservoir

Somerset Reservoir, situated approximately 15 miles east of Bennington VT, is a rare surprise. Located in the southern half of the Green Mountain National Forest it is a fairly large body of water and an integral part of a reservoir system utilizing the Deerfield River for electrical power. Surrounded by Vermont’s ski mountains it is largely unspoiled and one of the last lakes in Vermont with nesting loons. The lake is about five miles long so we can expect a flat-water paddle of less than ten miles to include a picnic lunch and a possible swim. PFD’s required.

Registration required. We will meet at Wal-Mart Plaza, Brunswick at 0800.

Leader: Bill Valentino billvalentino113@yahoo.com (preferred contact) 518-366-4035 (mobile, secondary contact)

Wednesday, July 31 (8/1 rain date) Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, Adams MA to Pittsfield (RT)

Starting at Adams Visitor Center on the trail we will cycle south 11 miles to the Pittsfield terminus and return to Adams where we will continue on the “new” extension (approx. 2+ mi RT) before going to a café for lunch. (Option bring your own lunch and eat in the park adjacent to the Visitor Center). 25 miles total with stops along the way. Rest rooms at both ends and one along the way.

Helmet required. Bring water, snacks, lunch (optional). Meet at Schodack Park and Ride Exit 11E off Rte 90 or at the Visitor Center parking lot in Adam. Contact leader for meet time.

Co-leaders: Peg Grogan (518 487-9064; peggy.grogan@gmail.com) and Sharon Bonk (674-0042; scbonk@gmail.com)

AUGUST

Saturday, August 3: South Taconic Trail (southern end)

We will hike on the new southern extension of the South Taconic Trail. The trail starts at the south end of Taconic State Park in Millerton. The new trail will take us by a couple pretty waterfalls, where we will cross the streams, and two open viewpoints. New, lightly trod trails are so refreshing!

Total 8 miles round trip with a cumulative gain of about 1700 feet. Contact leader with recent hiking experience and for meeting time and location.

Leader: Martha Waldman email: martha829r@aol.com or phone: 518 869 5109. Co-Leader: Cliff Prewencki: email: cprewencki@aol.com

Saturday, August 10: TCT #4 – Mattison Hollow to Robinson Hollow in Stephentown, 7 miles.

*TCT in a Year, series hike #4. Jointly sponsored by Rensselaer Land Trust, Rensselaer Plateau Alliance, and the Taconic Hiking Club. The ascent up Mattison Hollow is very scenic, with waterfalls and streams. After a final climb to the Crest Trail, the Trail goes up and down a series of heights known as Misery Mountain. We’ll descend steep Robinson Hollow.

Leader: Peter Wood. Questions? Contact Peter at petermapleacres@gmail.com. Register online with the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance HERE

Sunday, August 11* Albany County Helderberg Hudson Rail Trail and Corning Preserve to Watervliet Cycling

We start at the S. Pearl Street Trail Head in Albany, and head to Voorheesville. The trail is now completely paved so no more cinders! We reverse our direction and return, pass the Pearl St. trail head and take to the streets for about 1.5 miles to the Albany waterfront. From the USS Slater we cycle through the Corning Preserve to Watervliet to the trail’s end, and reverse back to South Pearl. Approximately 32 miles total RT. Riders will have the option of leaving the cycle at S. Pearl after completing the first 20 miles.

Helmet required. Bring water, snacks/lunch. We will stop several times for snacking, restrooms rather than a mid-ride full lunch stop.

Co-leaders: Peg Grogan (518 487-9064; peggy.grogan@gmail.com) and Sharon Bonk (674-0042; scbonk@gmail.com)

Friday, August 16: High Falls Conservation Area in Philmont

The High Falls Conservation Area includes 2 miles of moderate wooded trails along the Agawamuck Creek and a view of Columbia County's highest waterfall. We could optionally make an additional stop at Borden's Pond in Ghent.

I have 2 special reasons for visiting High Falls: Susan Roberts and Dot von Bieberstein. Susan introduced me to High Falls several years ago and it was one of Dot's favorite areas. I miss them both and I know others do too.

Contact: Bob Armao at bob_armao@yahoo.com or 518-271-6512 (home) or 518-322-6889 (mobile)

Wednesday August 21: Shaker Trail, Pittsfield State Forest, MA

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 distance is 6 miles with cumulative elevation gain of about 1200 feet.

Contact leader Martha Waldman at martha829r@aol.com or 518 869 5109 for meeting time and location.

SEPTEMBER

Saturday, September 7: TCT #5 – Robinson Hollow in Stephentown, NY, to Madden Road in Hancock, MA, 6 miles.

*TCT in a Year, series hike #5. Jointly sponsored by Rensselaer Land Trust, Rensselaer Plateau Alliance, and the Taconic Hiking Club. This is our shortest section, but has a long steep ascent and descent at either end. The trail passes through hardwood forests, grassy knolls, and a bench along the trail.

For those aiming to complete the entire trail and receive the TCT cumulative summer trail patch, there is a 2.1 mile section along roads between the Madden Road and Potter Road trail-heads; this section can be hiked on your own, or before the following hike.

Leader: Nick Conrad. Questions? Contact Nick at NBconrad@.com Register online with the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance HERE

OCTOBER

Saturday, October 5: TCT #6 – Potter Road in Hancock, MA to south end (Route 20 near New Lebanon), 10.5 miles.

*TCT in a Year, series hike #6. Jointly sponsored by Rensselaer Land Trust, Rensselaer Plateau Alliance, and the Taconic Hiking Club. This is our longest section, starting with a long steep ascent, and passing through Pittsfield State Forest and by Berry and Twin Ponds, with great views.

Leader: Nick Conrad. Questions? Contact Nick at NBConrad@msn.com or Karen Ross at kcoyross@aol.com. Register online with the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance HERE

Sunday, October 27: Annual Banquet

Location: Moscatiello’s Italian Restaurant, 99 N. Greenbush Rd, Troy, NY

Time: 12:00 - 4:00 PM

Speaker: To be announced

*TCT in a Year series: Taconic Crest Trail in One Year, 2019, is Sponsored by Rensselaer Land Trust (RLT), Rensselaer Plateau Alliance (RPA) and Taconic Hiking Club. We will hike the entire 37 miles of the Taconic Crest Trail in six separate hikes between May and October.

Join us for one, some or all of the sections! If you complete the entire trail (with us and/or on your own), you can receive a summer cumulative TCT patch from the Taconic Hiking Club. All hikes have long steep uphill and/or downhill sections over rocky ground. Wear boots or sturdy shoes. Bring lunch, snacks and plenty of water. Registration is required. There is a suggested donation of $5 per person to the RLT or RPA. All hikes are included within the outings listed above.