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.
DECEMBER
Monday, December 1: Hunter Mountain via the Spruceton Trail B+
This is a strenuous hike of 6.8-mile hike with 1,950 feet elevation gain. There are great views on top and of course from the fire tower. It is mostly on an old road, but it is steep and a steady climb. Bring warm liquids, snacks and lunch and wear something blaze orange. Dress in layers, don’t forget the gloves and hat- it will be colder at the top! You must be capable of hiking the almost 2000 feet of elevation and keeping up with the group.
Contact leader for meeting time and location.
Leader: Jim Gorman, email: jimgorman102@hotmail.com
Wednesday, Dec. 10: The Boulders, Pittsfield, C+
This hike includes all of the Blue Trail and most of the Red Trail at The Boulders, a Berkshire Natural Resource Council reserve in Pittsfield.
The Boulders - Berkshire Natural Resources Council (bnrc.org)
The hike is 5 miles with an elevation gain of 475 feet, traversing first to the reserve’s summit, with the boulders that give the reserve its name along with a limited vista, then through varied forests and along a pond, before returning to the trailhead alongside Dalton Avenue (Rts. 8 & 9). The hike will be at a moderate pace, and should take about 3 hours including stops.
Please contact leader for meeting time and directions. NOTE: 12/4 PM Hike is full
Leader: David Dutra, email: ddutra@nycap.rr.com
Wednesday, December 17: Perry’s Peak & Hollow Fields B
We will hike from Rte. 20, through Bates Memorial Forest, enter the BNRC’s Hollow Fields Preserve and go on to the summit of Perry’s Peak. From there we hike to the Richmond Overlook and continue down to the open fields of Hollow Fields. To get an even better view, as well as more exercise, we will hike up to the upper field. There are great vistas from the fields as well as the overlook. We will return the way we came.
Bring lunch, snacks, and warm beverage.
Link to Hollow Fields info & map: https://www.bnrc.org/trails-and-maps/top-berkshire-trails/hollow-fields/ Note that the trail that used to connect from Perry’s Peak to the top of the upper field is closed.
The hike is approximately 6.5 - 7.2 miles and 1100 - 1300 feet elevation gain, at a moderate pace.
Contact leader for meeting time and location. NOTE: 11/30 - PM, Hike is full.
Leader: Martha Waldman, email: martha829r@aol.com