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.

AUGUST

Wednesday, August 12: Poestenkill Community Forest B-

We will explore this Hudson Taconic Lands property on the central Rensselaer Plateau. Starting on the Saphouse Trail we will hike many of the perimeter trails, including Hemlock, Moose Meadow, Moose, Barred Owl, Old Albany Rd, Truancy, etc. We will see some beautiful hemlocks, hardwoods, wetlands, brooks, and rock walls along the way. Bring plenty of water, snacks/lunch, bug repellant and poles if you use them.

The hike will be 5+ miles, 700 feet gain at a moderate pace.

Contact the leader for meeting time and location.

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

Wednesday, August 12: Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, Adams to Pittsfield - RT, c. 24 miles B 

A favorite of all of us!  Meet in the parking lot behind the Adams MA Visitor Center which is on the rail trail. There is an optional 3-mile RT extension north from Adams that one can do before or after the group cycle.  We will cycle to the end of the southbound extension in Pittsfield with a couple of short breaks, then cycle back to Adams for lunch at the Daily Grind, one block off the trail and near the parking lot. Meet at the trailhead by 8:45 for a 9 AM start.

Leader: Sharon Bonk, scbonk@gmail.com or 917-864-7437

Tuesday August 18, Harlem Valley Rail Trail Bike - Millerton to Wassaic RT B            

Last year we did the northern section, Copake to Millerton.  This year we will cycle from Millerton to Wassaic.  We will then turn around and cycle back. Total mileage about 22. Beautiful views of the farmland in Columbia County and the Taconic Hills.

This is 100% off road and paved!

Leader: Leslie Siegard email: lsiegard2@gmail.com

Thursday August 20: Williamstown Rural Lands, Williamstown MA C+

Lots of trails to explore here. We'll keep it reasonably moderate but interesting. I plan to take the WRLF Loop trail with a short cutoff to enjoy a view of Haley Brook Falls. The WRLF Trail goes through very nice mixed woods with interpretive signs before connecting with the Class of 33 Trail. We will take Class of 33 for part of its length. We can stop at the primitive campsite with a picnic table.

We then proceed to the stream crossing and cross it (or not) depending on water level and ambition. I crossed it easily in dry conditions but if water is high, I wouldn't do it. If we cross, we can continue on the Class of 33 Trail until it gets really steep -- which it will.

We then retrace our steps with an optional stop at campsite if we passed it on the way in. On the return we can take the Bullock Trail which will take us back to parking lot. 

NOTE NETTLES!: The WRLF Loop Trail passes through a stretch of stinging nettles and they are not avoidable. If you wear shorts you will painfully regret it. You have been forewarned.

Getting there. Take Torrey Woods Rd. off Route 2. This is just a few hundred yards west from the junction of Rt. 7 (Cold Spring Rd.). If you are driving eastbound and miss the turn, go to the junction, stop at the A Frame Bakery (it should be open) get muffin or something, turn around and try again. Torrey Woods Rd. eventually turns into Berlin Rd but there's no signage. Drive till you can't go further and you'll be in a large parking area.

Total distance 3.5 to 4 miles. Elevation change under 1000 feet unless we venture further up Class of 33 Trail than we should. 

As usual, contact leader for timing and details.

Leader: Bob Armao, email: bob_armao@yahoo.com or phone: 518 322-6889 (mobile)

Monday, August 24: Harlem Valley Rail Trail - Copake to Millerton RT c. 24 miles B

This cycle is on the northern half of the HVRT, from Orphan Farm Rd trailhead, Copake, to Millerton and return. There is a partially paved section north of Orphan Farm TH to Hillsdale that can be added as a personal option before or after the group cycle.  We will have lunch at the diner in Millerton (perhaps the only option on a Monday) or you can bring your lunch and explore Millerton until we regroup.  The trailhead is a little over an hour from Albany and can be reached via 87 Catskill exit, then 23 east; Rte 22 south; or via Taconic State Parkway, exit for 23 E.  Check Orphan Farm Rd Trailhead on your GPS.  Meet at the trailhead by 8:45 for a 9AM start.

Leader: Sharon Bonk, scbonk@gmail.com or 917-864-7437

Wednesday, August 26: 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 heat/humidity 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 group consensus. 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, more water than you think you’ll need, bug spray, and hiking poles if you use them.

Please contact leader for meeting time and directions.

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