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.

APRIL

Wednesday, April 8: Yokun Ridge South Loop from Olivia’s Overlook   B-

We will hike on portions of 5 trails to form a loop beginning and ending at Olivia’s Overlook in West Stockbridge, MA.  Olivia's Overlook at Yokun Ridge South - Berkshire Natural Resources Council (bnrc.org)

The hike will include portions of the Charcoal, Brothers, Old Baldhead, Burbank and Yokun Ridge trails, and includes the Kennedy Cliffs vista overlooking Parsons Marsh, downtown Lenox, and the ridge line in and around October Mountain State Forest. There is an additional west-facing vista on the trail, as well as serene Monk's Pond. The trail consists of varied terrain, is about 5 miles long, has an elevation gain of about 700’, and we will maintain a moderate pace.

Please contact the leader for meeting time and directions.

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

Monday, April 20: Grafton Lake State Park – Dixon Fire Tower B-

We will start the GLSP Welcome Center and hike along the Long Pond trail, where we will have nice views of Long Pond, to the Fire Tower trail and on to the fire tower. After checking out the sights at the fire tower we will return to the Long Pond Trail via the Chet Bell Trail and continue around the lake to the welcome center. We will either be doing this loop counterclockwise as described or going clockwise.

The hike will be 6.5 miles with 600 feet of elevation gain at a moderate pace. Contact the leader for meeting time and location. NOTE: 4/13 - hike is full, waitlist available.

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

Tuesday April 21: Zim Smith Trail Bike B

Two years ago, I planned this for May and there was still ice on the trail.  I expect it will be clear this year.  We will start at the parking area in Mechanicville and ride to the end in Ballston Spa.  On our return we may stop for a treat at Leah’s Cakery in Round Lake.  I haven’t been there but have heard rave reviews.  This trail is a bit more hilly than the usual rail trail, but 100% bike path and paved.

23 miles and 1100ft elevation.  It is rated B-

Contact Leader for meeting time & location.

Leader: Leslie Siegard - lsiegard2@gmail.com 518-577-3468 e-mail preferred.

Wednesday, April 29: Sarah Tenney – TCT – Shepherds Well Loop B 

We will do a loop hike, starting up the Sarah Tenney to the Taconic Crest, and going down the Shepherds Well and RRR Brook trails. There are nice views to the west from the Petersburg Pass overlook along the TCT and views to the south and east from the Shepherds Well Trail. 

The hike starts at the pull-off parking area on Rte. 2, Williamstown, approximately 1.9 miles east (down) from Petersburg Pass, on the right. If you come from MA up Rte. 2, Williamstown, the parking area is about 1 mile west (up) of the junction of Rte. 2 and Rte. 7, on the left.

The hike is 5+ miles with 1100+ feet of gain at a moderate pace.  Bring snacks/lunch and plenty of water. 

Contact leader for meeting time and location.

Leader: Martha Waldman, martha829r@aol.com

MAY

Wednesday, May 6:  Albert Family Forest Spring flowers walk C/C+ (rain date, May 7 at 1pm)

We will do 3 of the trails, possibly more for about 4 miles of rolling trail.

Bring your deet, water, and lunch (option of picnic table or inside).

Please contact leader to sign up. Meet at 9:30 at AFCF, Hayes Rd, off NY 66, East Nassau. Carpool possibility from West Sand Lake.

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

Monday, May 11: Moreau Lake State Park: Lake Bonita, High Rock & Ridge Loop B

We will hike alongside Lake Bonita and take the Lake Ann Trail past the lean to, then hike up the picturesque High Rock Trail to the Palmertown Range. Once on the ridge we will take a left on the blue Eastern Ridge Trail and follow that to the Lake Ann Trail, which we will hike back down towards Lake Bonita. We should beat the bugs and heat this time!

The hike will be moderately paced, approximately 6.2 miles with about 1000 feet gain.

Contact leader for meeting time and location.

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

Wednesday, May 13: Round Lake Paddle  C+

Let's explore Round Lake before the weeds and milfoil take control. Meet at the Round Lake boat launch on Route 9 located between Northway Exits 10 & 11 at 10:00am.  We'll explore Anthony Kill and Little Round Lake while circumnavigating the lake.  Bring rain gear, lunch, water, change of clothes (if you dump), pfd (required) and headlamp. 

NO COTTON. Wear synthetics / quick drying clothes.  You must wear a securely fastened PFD and have a white light and whistle. Plan for about 5 miles and 4 hours. 

Leader: David Pisaneschi, email: dapadk@gmail.com or 518-227-5630

Wednesday, May 27: TBD B-/B

Details to be posted by 4/28-29, Taconic Range or Western Berkshire region.

JUNE

Wednesday, June 17: Olana Trails and Magnificent Views C/C+ (rain date, June 19)

We will walk 2 trails, a loop trail and an up and back that have magnificent views of the Hudson and across the Hudson. (c. 3 miles) plus some additional walking around the buildings.

Then we descend by car to the 9G/23 rotary parking lot to walk on the pedestrian walkway of the Rip Van Winkle Bridge across the Hudson toward Catskill.  Distance to be determined by group's interest and far enough to look at the islands and channels near the east bank and view the mountains from another perspective.  Optional trip to nearby Stewarts on 9G follows.

Please contact leader to sign up. Meet at 9G/23 rotary parking area @ 9:15 AM.

Leader: Sharon Bonk, sbonk@gmail.com; 917-864-7437