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."
Click Here to download printable PDF list of THC outings.
MARCH
Wednesday, March 13: Thacher State Park – North
The hike will include the Fred Schroeder and Hang Glider trails. There are 2 nice overlooks of the Capital District along the way. With our fickle weather we may be hiking on bare ground or using snowshoes! We will hike approximately 5.5 miles, total elevation gain about 400 feet. Contact leader for meeting time and location.
Leader: Martha Waldman at martha829r@aol.com or 518 869 5109
Saturday, March 23: Merck Forest, Rupert, VT
This outing which includes a generous pancake breakfast has become an annual event. We can do a moderate walk or snowshoe first, depending on trail conditions. The trail conditions are unpredictable, but the pancakes, maple syrup, sausage, and eggs, have always been in excellent condition. The animal barns are always a good side attraction. Food is served from 9:00 to 2:00 and is still $10 for adults. Length: A few miles of moderate terrain, depending on conditions and desire.
Contact: Bob Armao at bob_armao@yahoo.com or 518-271-6512 (home) or 518-322-6889 (mobile)
APRIL
Saturday, April 6, Taconic Crest Trail Work – Madden Rd/ Robinson Hollow section
We’ll cover the section of the TCT from Robinson Hollow to Madden Road. This will involve blow down removal and drainage work. This trip will involve an overall elevation gain of about 1,000 foot and about an 8 mile round trip, depending on what needs to be done. The more trail work needed will reduce the overall distance. Regardless, we’ll plan to be back at the trail head by 4:00 PM. Bad weather postpones to the following day or weekend.
Leader & Reservations: David Pisaneschi, 518-459-5969 or dapadk@gmail.com
Wednesday, April 10: “Hidden Trails of Lenox Mountain" Lenox, MA
We will be exploring mountain bike trails and old wood roads on Lenox Mountain in the Berkshires - easy to moderate - one slightly washed out trail, the rest of the footing is good - several bail out points if you need to leave early. Planned ending around 1-2 p.m. Distance will depend on trail conditions. Car pool location East Schodack Park and Ride. Contact leader for meeting time and place.
Leader: Ginny Akabane - gakabane@hotmail.com or 413-637-9609
Saturday, April 20, Taconic Crest Trail Work – Berry Pond to Potter Mountain Rd (rescheduled from May 11)
We will spot a car(s) on Potter Mtn. Rd and drive up to the Berry Pond area in Pittsfield State Forest. We will work our way down 3.5 miles to the car(s) on Potter Mtn. Rd. The work involves blowdown removal, side trimming, replacing trail markers and some drainage work. We will be using hand tools like loppers and folding saws, no power equipment. Bad weather postpones to the following day or weekend. Contact leader for meeting time and location. Coleaders: Cliff Prewencki and Martha Waldman
Contact: Martha Waldman at martha829r@aol.com or 518 869 5109
Friday, April 26: 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. And I plan to finish with a bite to eat at Chatham Brewery.
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 (h) or 518-322-6889 (m)
Saturday, April 27: Notchview Reservation
This is a joint Taconic Hiking Club/Berkshire Knapsackers outing. Notchview, a Trustees of Reservations property in Windsor, MA, offers beautiful pine and hemlock forests, sweeping views, streams, and lovely trails. We’ll do about 5 miles with app. 400’ of vertical. Our goal is to head NNW and include Judges Hill, Bumpus and Whitman.
This will give you an overview of the property-- http://www.thetrustees.org/places-to-visit/berkshires/notchview
April can be unruly, so dress for the forecast, and bring lunch and water. This is a dog-friendly hike. Dogs must be leashed at all times at Notchview, and plan to pick up after your dog. Contact leaders for meeting time and place.
Leaders: Vicky Singer vsinger30@gmail.com, 413 442-3701 or Karen Ross, kcoyross@aol.com, 518 794-7474
MAY
Thursday, May 2, 2019: TCT Trail Work—southern section
May Day, May Day!! The Taconic Crest Trail is likely a mess after all the winter storms. Come on out to get a start on cleaning it up for the season! We’ll cover one of the sections from Rt. 20 to Berry Pond, hoping to do several miles. We’ll plan to work along for several hours, but progress will depend on how much blow-down there is to cut (by hand—no chainsaws) and what the trail conditions are. Bring plenty of water, lunch, your favorite lopping or cutting tool, and a springy step. We’ll hoover that trail clean! Contact leader for meeting time and location.
Leader: Karen Ross, 518 794-7474 or kcoyross@aol.com
Saturday, May 4: TCT Series #1 - Petersburg Pass to north end in North Petersburg
On the way north from Petersburg Pass we will take a quick side trip to see the Snow Hole, a deep crevice where snow and ice last well into the summer, a highlight of this section. We will also enjoy long views to the west and to the east into Vermont, white quartz, and a short stretch in Vermont, finishing with a long, steep descent to the north trail-head along Route 346. Total 7.9 miles, over 1000 feet cumulative ascent. Contact leader for reservations, meeting time and location. Co-leader: Karen Ross.
Leader: Michael Jensen at jensenmk@gmail.com
Wednesday, May 8: Stockbridge Trails—Laura’s Tower, Ice Glen, and Mary Flynn Trail
Come explore a lovely in-town triplex of trails that lead out from one parking area and into some fine white pine and hemlock glades and then through a dark and dramatic ravine. These trails are maintained by the Laurel Hill Association, although the Ice Glen property is owned by the Town of Stockbridge. The other two trails are on the Sedgwick Reservation. Altogether the mileage is about 4 miles and there is about 700’ of vertical. The Glen requires some boulder scrambling; it is not an easy trail to negotiate and will take some time. We will likely car pool since the parking area is limited. See https://housatonicheritage.org/Places/lauras-tower-trail-ice-glen-trail-stockbridge-mass/
Contact leaders for time and place to meet.
Leaders: Karen Ross, 794-7474 or kcoyross@aol.com or Lori McCarron, 587-1957 or mmccarr2@nycap.rr.com
May 15: Summer schedule activities are due
This is the time to get all your trail work, hikes and bike rides in for the summer schedule. Submit outings to Martha Waldman at martha829r@aol.com and Kate Storms at katherinestorms@gmail.com
Saturday, May 18: Schodack Island Paddle
Meet at the river side at Schodack Island State Park. Plan to be in the water and ready to go by 9:30 AM. Low tide will be at 11:44 AM and a high tide at 4:55 PM, so we'll plenty of time to explore the back sets on Schodack Creek in high water and still ride the tide both ways. Best for touring kayaks, but strong canoers are welcome. PDF’s required to be worn.
Leader & Reservations: David Pisaneschi, dapadk@gmail.com or 518-459-5969 (home)
Tuesday, May 21: Greylock Mt., MA.
I plan a 4.5 mile hike loop using the Roaring Brook and Stoney Ledge trails with Sperry Rd. as a connector. This is significant climbing and can be challenging, but it is very rewarding. Contact leader for the meeting place and time.
Leader: Bob Armao, bob_armao@yahoo.com or 518-271-6512
Wednesday, May 29 - Tyringham Cobble, & AT: Shaker Series
This is a rescheduling of a history hike rained out last November. It is part of my Shaker Series. It will begin at the Tyringham Cobble parking lot (Trustees of Reservations), go up the cobble trail to the intersection with the Appalachian Trail, then travel uphill on the AT for a mile or so, reverse, return to the cobble trail, and complete the loop.(4-5 miles, 500' + elevation gain) The Shakers from Connecticut settled in the area surrounding the cobble in the 19th century; they left in 1874. One original building remains and is privately held as the property has changed hands several times since then. Contact leader for meeting time and location.
Leader: Sharon Bonk, 518-674-004, scbonk@gmail.com
JUNE
Saturday, June 1: National Trails Day at Grafton Lakes State Park
Spend the morning of National Trails Day working on the trails at Grafton Lakes State Park. The good folks at GLSP let us store tools and supplies there for use on the Taconic Crest Trail, so helping them get ready for the busy summer season is the neighborly thing to do. Plus, they'll have a picnic lunch for all the volunteers and a chance to win prizes!!
Check in time is 9:00 to 9:30 at the beautiful new Welcome Center. The project crews will head out a bit after 9:30.
Monday, June 3: Steepletop, New Marlborough, MA: Joint outing with BNRC
Hike 4.5 miles of easy to moderate trails at Steepletop, Berkshire Natural Resource Council’s largest reserve. With more than 1,200 acres, miles of wood road, and expanses of wetland, mature forest, and young forest, there’s a lot to explore. We’ll search for spring happenings like spring ephemeral wildflowers and birds arriving. Bring your thinking caps and we’ll bring the field guides! Please wear sturdy footwear, bring water and a snack or lunch. See https://www.bnrc.org/trails-and-maps/steepletop/ for a description and maps.
Contact: Karen Ross, 518 794-7474 or kcoyross@aol.com for meeting time and directions. Co-leader is Mariah Auman, Outreach Coordinator at BNRC-- mauman@bnrc.org or call 413-499-0596.
Sunday, June 9: Taconic Hiking Club Annual Pot- Luck Picnic at Grafton Lakes State Park
We will be at the Deerfield Pavilion, which is about 1 mile from the main entrance, on the left. In addition to mingling and meeting new members and catching up with old friends, our activities for the day include: (Check back as we get closer regarding hiking opportunities.)
Noon to 1:00 PM POTLUCK APPETIZERS.
1:00 PM POTLUCK salads, desserts and treats along with THC supplied hot dogs, hamburgers, cold drinks (lemonade and iced tea) and condiments. Please bring your own beverage.
2:00 PM short THC update meeting
Enjoy the park for the rest of the day. There are several trails for hiking as well as kayak rentals.
Please note: There is a fee per vehicle to enter the park on weekends.
Reservations: Contact Margaret Parks at margaretparks123@gmail.com or 518-250-5452 to let her know how many people are coming and what your contribution to the picnic will be (appetizer, salad or dessert).
Taconic Crest Trail in One Year – (TCT Hike Series, 2019)
Sponsored by Rensselaer Land Trust (RLT), Rensselaer Plateau Alliance (RPA) and Taconic Hiking Club (THC)
We will hike the entire 37 miles of the Taconic Crest Trail in six separate hikes between May and October. This beautiful ridge-top trail winds through New York, Massachusetts, and a corner of Vermont, from North Petersburg to near New Lebanon. It passes by the renowned Snow Hole and goes over Berlin Mountain, Rensselaer County’s highest peak. With about 7000 feet of both cumulative ascent and cumulative descent, views include the Little Hoosick Valley and Mount Greylock.
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. Prepare for cool and windy conditions.
All hikes start at 9 am. Registration is required. More information on each hike and full contact information will be posted on the THC outings page at www.taconichikingclub.org. You can also find the information on the RLT website at www.renstrust.org, and the RPA website at www.rensselaerplateau.org. There is a suggested donation of $5 per person to the RLT or RPA.
May 4 - Petersburg Pass to Snow Hole and on to north end in North Petersburgh, 7.9 miles. (see listing above)
June 29 - Petersburg Pass to Berlin Mountain and on to Southeast Hollow in Berlin, 7.3 miles.
July 13 - Southeast Hollow to Mattison Hollow in Cherry Plain, 7.2 miles.
August 10 - Mattison Hollow to Robinson Hollow in Stephentown, 7 miles.
September 7 - Robinson Hollow to Madden Road in Hancock, MA, 6 miles.
October 5 - Potter Road in Hancock, MA to south end near New Lebanon, 10.5 miles.