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.
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