NEW WEB SITE

The Taconic Hiking Club has a new web site. Please visit us at:

http://taconichikingclub.org/

As of 9/1/2014, the most up-to-date information regarding the club and it's activities will be listed on that site.

2014 Spring Schedule

Trail Clearing of the TCT for the End to End

Colin Campbell will be organizing club trail clearing days for the upcoming May 17th End to End Challenge. Please call Colin for details and work assignments. Lawn rakes will be needed to clean the water bars.

David Pisaneschi will also be leading a trail clearing work party on this date, which will give you a choice of two different areas to help prepare for the E2E.


WORK DATES: Saturday, April 26th, rain date, Sunday April 27th
Friday, May 2nd, rain date, Saturday, May 3.

CONTACT: Colin Campbell at Holesinhead@aol.com or 438-9629.
LENGTH: Depends on the work needed to be done.
ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to the trail head.

Additional notes from Colin

Anyone who is doing the End to End may be interested in helping with the work days for trail clearing

This is a good way to become familiar with the trail.

If anyone visiting the area is interested in doing all or part of the 35 mile Taconic Crest Trail call Colin and he may be able to provide assistance with car spotting or general information about the trail.

Volunteer Opportunity

We have a volunteer opportunity for someone with website design or development background. We need someone to help out periodically with technical issues related to our website. Contact Martha Waldman at martha829r@aol.com or Cliff Prewencki at cprewencki@aol.com for more information.

Saturday, March 8: Leaders Choice Cross Country Skiing (intermediate)

We will go where there is snow. For the last two winters we had snow in March, so let’s assume we will have it in 2014. Contact Sharon for details.


CONTACT: Sharon Bonk, sboqc@mindspring.com or 674-0042.
LENGTH: To be determined.
ROAD DISTANCE: To be determined.

Tuesday, March 18: Ski where there is snow!

Join Dale for a cross-country ski trip to a snowy area. Likely at Lapland Lake. Call Dale for details and starting time.

CONTACT: Dale Blanchet at 273-4262.
LENGTH: To be determined.
ROAD DISTANCE: To be determined

Sunday, March 23: Merck Forest and Farm Center, Rupert. VT

Celebrate the Spring Open House weekend at Merck Forest and Farm Center, in Rupert VT. Enjoy a variety of old roads and trails and save room for the generous pancake breakfast (pancakes, sausage, coffee, and more). Breakfast is from 10 - 2, so we can walk/hike first then enjoy a late breakfast. Could be mud, could be snow/ice, hard to predict. If some of you want to eat first, go ahead and we'll all rendezvous later. Meet at Brunswick Park and Ride, near Walmart. Meeting location could vary depending on response. Call for confirmation and starting time.

CONTACT: Bob Armao at bob_armao@yahoo.com or 271-6512.
LENGTH: A few miles with moderate ascent, depending on group preference and hunger.
ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 110 miles round trip.

Tuesday, April 8: White Lily Pond Trail, Grafton, NY

Join Dale for this hike in Grafton Lakes State Park. Call for details and starting time.

CONTACT: Dale Blanchet at 273-4262.
LENGTH: To be determined.
ROAD DISTANCE: To be determined.

Wednesday, April 9: Hike Moreau State Park, Wilton, NY

We will hike along the Palmertown Mountain Range from Spier Falls Road. This is a beautiful area; we should get some great views to the north. Elevation gain is approximately 700 to 800 feet. Call Martha for details and starting time.


CONTACT: Martha Waldman at martha829r@aol.com or 869 5109
LENGTH: Approximately 6 miles, it can be more depending on conditions and group.
ROAD DISTANCE: approximately 50 miles round trip from exit 9.

Saturday, April 12: Hike Rochester Hollow, Catskill, NY

We will look for signs of spring on the three trails of Rochester Hollow within Shandanken Wild Forest (Ulster County). The trails wind amongst beautiful walls of former farms. Much of this property constituted Rose Hill, home of Col. William and Louise Rochester who lived here from 1915-1930's. We will eat lunch at the new lean-to. Expect some wet conditions and small brooks to cross. Seven miles with 800+ feet of cumulative elevation gain. Meet at Delmar Elm Ave. Park and Ride at 8:30AM. Contact Sharon for details.


CONTACT: Sharon Bonk at sboqc@mindspring.com or 674-0042 (NCA 9PM).
LENGTH: About 7 miles with about 800 feet of ascent.
ROAD DISTANCE: About 140 miles round-trip.

Sunday, April 13: Hike the Taconic Crest Trail

Today,I spoke with the Ranger at Pittsfield State Forest and was told that there is an estimate of 2 feet of snow on the road to Berry Pond and probably the gate will still be down by April 13.

We shall start our Palm Sunday, April 13 hike, from Route 20 on Taconic Crest Trail, stop at midstation for our lunch and retrace the route back to our cars.
Dogs are still welcomed.

CONTACT: Beth Wong at EMWBoston@comcast.net or 496-9802.
LENGTH: About 6 miles.
ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to the Route 20 trailhead.

Wednesday, April 16: Hike Huyck Preserve, Rensselaerville, NY

There are 12 miles of trails here, but we will aim at 5-6 miles including Lake Myosotis, Lincoln Pond, Wheeler-Watson Trails, with possible extension to Partridge loops. Be prepared for wet trails and some short steep ups and downs.

Meet at Delmar Elm Ave Park and Ride at 9:30AM.

CONTACT: Sharon Bonk at sboqc@mindspring.com or 674-0042 (NCA 9PM).
LENGTH: About 5-6 miles..
ROAD DISTANCE: About 46 miles round-trip.

Tuesday, April 22: Hike Alan Devoe Bird Sanctuary, Old Chatham, NY

Hike the trails, look for wildflowers, or sit to watch migrating birds.

Co-leaders: Marty Connors and Susan Roberts. Call Susan for details and starting time.

CONTACT: Susan Roberts 766-4170.
LENGTH: The desire of the group.
ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 30 miles from Schodack Park and Ride.

Saturday, April Apr 26: Taconic Crest Trail Work

We’ll cover the section of the TCT from Robinson Hollow to Mattison Hollow. 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 the "what needs to be done". The more trail needed will

reduce the overall distance. Regardless, we’ll plan to be back at the trailhead by 4:00pm. Call Dave for details and starting time. Colin Campbell will also be doing trail work on this date, so you have 2 areas to help ready for the E2E.


CONTACT: David Pisaneschi at dapadk@gmail.com or 459-5969.
LENGTH: Up to 8 miles, depending on the amount of work needed.
ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to the trail head.

Tuesday, April 29: Hike the LaVine Preserve, Saratoga County

We'll explore this new preserve, a Saratoga Plan property with newly designed trails. Approximately 4 miles, some wet areas, some moderate hills. Leisurely pace so we can look for spring wildflowers and migrating birds. The Crooked Canes have been invited to join us.

CONTACT: Susan Roberts 766-4170.
LENGTH: Approximately 4 miles.
ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 60 miles.

Sunday, May 4: Peebles Island, Waterford, NY

Join Etta in a wildflower walk around Peebles Island. Call Etta for starting time and details.

CONTACT: Etta Menges at 233-8310
LENGTH: Approximately 2.5 miles.
ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to the trail head.

Saturday, May 10: Hike Dyken Pond Environmental Center, Cropseyville, NY

On a very cold February day, our planned hike of the Long Trail was cut short. We will do the Long Trail and several others for about 6+ miles. Meeting place will be Poestenkill Town Hall parking lot on Rte 351 (Farm to Market Road) just north of the intersection with Rte 40/Plank Road, 9:30AM. Call Sharon for details.

CONTACT: Sharon Bonk at sboqc@mindspring.com or 674-0042 (NCA 9PM).
LENGTH: About 5-6 miles.
ROAD DISTANCE: About 25 miles round-trip.

Sunday, May 11: Schodack Island Paddle, Schodack, NY

Meet at the boat launch on the Hudson River side at Schodack Island State Park. Plan to be in the water and ready to go by 9:00AM. . Since low tide will be at 9:22am, we’ll paddle down river, around the tip of Schodack Island and up Schodack Creek. Since high tide will be at 3:07pm, we’ll be able to explore some side channels. Best for touring kayaks, but strong canoers are welcome. Call Dave with any questions.

CONTACT: David Pisaneschi at dapadk@gmail.com or 459-5969.
LENGTH: To be determined by the group.
ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to the boat launch.

Wednesday, May 15: Hike in Lebanon Springs, NY

Explore well maintained trails through fields and woods on new conservation easement on nearly 200 acres of private land. The property is part of the Taconic Mountain Range and is listed in the NYS Conservation Plan as a high biodiversity area and is of ecological, scenic, and historic significance. Some elevation, leisurely pace, may be some wet areas.

Co-leaders: Karen Ross and Susan Roberts. Call Susan for details and starting time.

CONTACT: Susan Roberts 766-4170.
LENGTH: The desire of the group.
ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to Lebanon Springs.

Thursday, May 15: Summer schedule activities are due

Summer at last!!

It is time to send in your bike rides, hikes or kayak trips for our summer schedule. Let’s make this our busiest summer ever!

CONTACT: Gayle Fountain at pfounta1@nycap.rr.com or 371-8585.
LENGTH: You decide.
ROAD DISTANCE: Unlimited.

Friday, May 16: Paddle Hudson River-Papscanee Creek and Vloman Kill, Bethlehem, NY

We will launch from Bethlehem Henry Hudson Park and will paddle Papscanee Creek on the east shore and cross the Hudson and paddle Vloman Kill on the west shore. If the conditions are calm and the group is willing we may paddle North on the Hudson a few miles. This paddle of less than six miles is characterized by waterfowl and a waterfall. Meet 9:30AM Delmar Elm Ave. Park and Ride.

CONTACT: Bill Valentino billvalentino113@yahoo.com or 439-9686.
LENGTH: Six miles
ROAD DISTANCE: Twenty miles.

Saturday, May 17: End to End Challenge, Pittsfield State Forest, MA

Please volunteer to help make the 2014 End to End a successful event. Information is on the Taconic Hiking website. If you would like to volunteer contact:

Trail Work – Colin Campbell at Holesinhead@aol.com or 438-9629.

General – R.J. Hydorn at rjhydorn@lycos.com or 283-6056 or Gayle Fountain at pfounta1@nycap.rr.com or 371-8585.

Looking forward to seeing you on the 17th!

Tuesday, May 20: Rochester Hollow, Catskill, NY

Rochester Hollow is an intriguing preserve in the Catskills, near Big Indian. The winter hike was nearly canceled by bad weather; we can hope for better weather and maybe wildflowers in May. Meet at the Elm Ave, Delmar, Park and Ride at 8:00AM.

CONTACT: Katie Henrikson at henriksonk@beverwyck.com or 533-7441.
LENGTH: About 5 miles, 800-1,000 feet of gentle ascent.
ROAD DISTANCE: About 140 miles round trip.

Saturday, May 31: THC Picnic, Schodack Town Park, Nassau, NY

Taconic Hiking Club Annual Pot- Luck Picnic

Our activities for the day are:

 Join George Astle for a bike ride or hike the park on your own. There is no swimming or boating at this park.

 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 soda, beer or wine.

 Lawn chairs and games are recommended, as well as pictures to share.

 2;00 PM short THC meeting

 Enjoy the park for the rest of the day.


Margaret Parks will be handling reservations so please contact her at Margaret.Parksa@thurway.state.ny.us or 728-6690 to let her know how many people
are coming and what your contribution to the picnic will be (appetizer, salad or dessert).

UPCOMING EVENTS

Monday, June 2: Paddle-Schodack Creek Schodack, NY

Mindful of the tides we will explore Schodack Creek launching from the hand launch at Schodack Island State Park. There is over five miles of shoreline on Schodack Creek before reaching the Hudson River. We will either retrace our steps back to the hand launch or, in the event it is unanimous we will continue south around the island and return north on the Hudson River, finishing on the motor boat launch with its vehicle access.

The park has been designated a State Estuary, and a portion of the park shelters a bird conservation area that is home to bald eagles, cerulean warblers and blue herons that nest in the cottonwood trees.

The portage conditions from the parking area to the hand launch is about 600 feet. Wheels are helpful.

Meet at 8AM at Delmar Elm Ave. Park & Ride Lot.

CONTACT: Bill Valentino at billvalentino113@yahoo.com or 439-9686.
LENGTH: Total paddle distance is expected to be less than ten miles.
ROAD DISTANCE: 40 miles round trip.

Saturday, June 7: National Trails Day Work Party at Grafton Lakes SP, Grafton, NY

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.

CONTACT: R.J. Hydorn at rjhydorn@lycos.com or 283-6056.
LENGTH: To be determined.
ROAD DISTANCE: From your house to Grafton Lakes State Park.

Wednesday, June 11: OK Slip Falls, Central Adirondacks, NY

OK Slip Falls was recently opened to the public, after 150 years of being privately owned. DEC has not decided on a full trail to the falls. Right now the approach is up a road owned a Boy Scout camp, then a trail through the woods. When DEC cuts a new trail it may be much longer, so now is the time to visit the falls. The road and trail are in rolling hills. there is about 500 feet of ascent in each direction. Meet at the Northway Exit 9 Park and Ride in Clifton Park at 8:00AM.

CONTACT: Katie Henrikson at henriksonk@beverwyck.com or 533-7441.
LENGTH: About 6.5 miles with 500 feet of ascent in each direction.
ROAD DISTANCE: About 140 miles round trip.

Tuesday, June 17: Paddle Hudson River Feeder Canal, Glens Falls, NY

The Feeder Canal is the only surviving part of the original Erie Canal system that carries both water and boats. The canal goes through beautiful forest, industrial lands and right through the middle of Glens Falls. The paddling distance is about 5 miles with a slight current assist. We will shuttle cars. We will meet at Northway Exit 9 Park and Ride at 8AM.

CONTACT: Bill Valentino at billvalentino113@yahoo.com or 439-9686.
LENGTH: Total paddle distance is expected to be less than 6 miles.
ROAD DISTANCE: 100 miles round trip.

2014 End-to-End Registration is Full

Slots for the Taconic Hiking Club's 2014 End-to-End Endurance Challenge on the Taconic Crest Trail are full. The THC will maintain a short waiting list in case any member(s) of the primary field withdraws from the event. Please contact R.J. Hydorn at 518-283-6056 or rjhydorn@lycos.com for more information.

THC 2013-14 WINTER SCHEDULE

 

DUES NEWS

Your annual dues payment of $10.00 needs to be submitted by January 1, 2014 to

Mary MacDonald

27 Woodside Drive

Clifton Park, NY 12065

We hope you will join us for another year of hiking and other activities. Thank you.

 

NEW WEB SITE

The Taconic Hiking Club has a new web site:

http://taconichikingclub.org/

Please take a moment to check it out. 

 

DECEMBER

Saturday, December 7 2013 End-to-End Meeting, Clifton Park, NY

All interested in helping with the May 17, 2014, End to End, are invited to a organizational meeting at Gayle Fountain’s home, 17 Washington Lane, Clifton Park. Soup and sandwiches will be served at the noon meeting. Please come with your ideas on how make this an even more successful event than in the past. If you can’t make this meeting, call Gayle to let her know where you would like to volunteer.

CONTACT: Gayle Fountain at pfounta1@nycap.rr.com or 371-8585.

LENGTH: Approximately 2 hours with lunch.

ROAD DISTANCE: A short drive up the Northway.

 

Sunday, December 8: Hackensock Mountain, Warrensburg, NY

This the rock prominence that looms over Warrensburg. Not too high; not too remote – a good chance to check out your readiness for winter hiking. There are views of the village and the hills to the west. We can visit the Museum of Local History in the afternoon. Bring micro spikes and perhaps snowshoes. Contact Dale for details.

CONTACT: Dale Blanchet at 273-4262.

LENGTH: Approximately 3 miles with an ascent of 700 feet.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 90 miles round trip.

 

Tuesday, December 17: Hike or snowshoe Taconic Crest Trail Petersburg Pass to

Route 346, Petersburg, NY

The last section of our trail includes a side trip to the Snow Hole. Conditions may require winter gear, a strenuous trip at a relaxed pace. Please contact Susan by December 15th to facilitate car-spot plans.

CONTACT: Susan Roberts at 766-4170.

LENGTH: Approximately 7 miles.

ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to Petersburg Pass.

 

Friday, December 20: Snowshoe to Hour Pond, North Creek, NY

This trip starts at the end of Thirteenth Lake Road. There are quite a few interesting ups and downs with at least one stream crossing. The view of Bullhead Mountain from the pond should be excellent. This is considered an intermediate snowshoe trip and will also requires full winter gear. Winter hiking is difficult and can be cold and windy with low wind chill temps. Contact Mary for details.

CONTACT: Mary MacDonald at mmacdonald003@nycap.rr.com or 371-1293.

LENGTH: About 8 miles round trip

ROAD DISTANCE: TBD

 

JANUARY

Sunday, January 5: Taconic Crest Trail: Tower Mountain Road to Route 20, Lebanon Springs, NY

Approximately 6 ½ miles on the trail with about 1 mile along access trail. A car shuttle will be necessary. This is considered an intermediate snowshoe trip and requires full winter gear. Winter hiking is difficult and can be cold and windy with low wind chill temps. Please come prepared for a great day in the snowy outdoors. Contact Mary for details.

CONTACT: Mary MacDonald at mmacdonald003@nycap.rr.com or 371-1293.

LENGTH: About 6½ miles round trip.

ROAD DISTANCE: To be determined.

 

Tuesday, January 7: Snowshoe at Field Farm, Williamstown, MA

We will explore 4 miles of trails past fields, woods and wetlands with mountain views in all directions. Snowshoes and/or micro spikes may be required. Meet at 9:30am at Routes 4 & 43 Park and Ride in Defreestville or at 10:30am at Field Farm trailhead.

CONTACT: Gretchen Gedroiz at ggedroiz@gmail.com or 463-1210 or Rob Bayly at

karpbayly@gmail.com or 279-4402

LENGTH: 4 miles of rolling hills

 

Thursday, January 9: Hike or snowshoe Hennig Preserve, Providence,

Saratoga County

This preserve now joins additional trails on County land that pass old stone walls, mill sites,and old foundations. Diverse habitats include a glacial esker. There are North and South loops, you can do one or both. Minimal climbing, but conditions may require some form of traction or snowshoes. This a joint activities with the Crooked Canes. Contact Susan for details.

CONTACT: Susan Roberts at 766-4170.

LENGTH: Approximately 4-6 miles depending on the interests of the group.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 40 miles round trip from Clifton Park.

Sunday, January 12: Open house at Tony Eldering, Altamont, NY

This will be a potluck get together after a hike/snowshoe/ski at a nearby location. The hike will depart at noon, but please arrive by 11:30 a.m. if you are going to hike so that we can select a hike and be ready to leave by noon. The choices for the hike are Thacher State Park, Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center, Tawasentha Park or Western Turnpike Golf Course. All are 15 minutes from my place. Food will be served at 3:00 p.m. Please contact Tony by January 6th with your potluck offering. My address is 402 Kelly Circle, Altamont, NY 12009 but it will not show up on your GPS! Type in 136 Brandle Road, Altamont and you will get here.
CONTACT: Tony Eldering at tonye11@verizon.net or 861-6828
LENGTH: To be determined by group.
ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to Altamont

 

Tuesday, January 14: Rochester Hollow, Big Indian, NY

Rochester Hollow is an intriguing preserve in the Catskills, almost to Ulster County. The woods are full of old stone fences, tall, and in very good condition. There are a couple of loop trails that will allow us to explore the scene in winter. The area was described in a recent edition of Adirondac, the ADK publication. Snowshoes and/or micro spikes will be required. Meet at 8:00 AM in the Elm Ave and Rt 32, Delmar, Park and Ride. Contact Katie for details.

CONTACT: Katie Henrikson at Henriksonk@beverwyck.com or 533-7441.

LENGTH: Approximately 5 miles, with 500 feet of ascent.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 140 miles round trip.

 

Saturday, January 18: Yokun Ridge, Lenox MA

This BNRC site straddles West Stockbridge and Lenox and has a good variety of scenic trails. We can do a few miles of snowshoeing or make it a hike, depending on conditions. Let’s try the southern trails and ridge rather than the northern ridge trails that we have done in the past. Either way, it’s the same starting point from lovely Olivia’s Overlook. Contact Bob for details.

CONTACT: Bob Armao at bob_armao@yahoo.com or 271-6512.

LENGTH: Variable, depending on whether it is snowshoe or hike.

ROAD TRIP: Under 100 miles round trip.

 

Tuesday, January 21: Leader’s Choice

Dale has chosen Lapland Lake to do a cross-country ski outing. Dress Warm! Meet at Northway exit 12 at 9 a.m. Please contact Dale to let her know you are coming and for more details.

CONTACT: Dale Blanchet at 273-4262.

LENGTH: To be determined.

ROAD DISTANCE: To be determined.

 

Saturday, January 25: 29th Annual Winter Festival, Grafton Lakes State Park, Grafton, NY

This is a full day of outdoor winter activities, including a X-C skiing trek or snowshoe hike sponsored by the Taconic Hiking Club. The club will also be hosting a information booth at the main building and could use a few volunteers to help get the word out about the THC and the Taconic Crest Trail.

CONTACT: R.J. Hydorn at rjhydorn@laycos.com or 283-6056 for THC info or GLSP at 279-1155 for complete list of the day's events.

LENGTH: Depends on your choice of activity.

ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to GLSP.

Friday, January 31: Pittsfield State Forest, Pittsfield, MA

The plan now is that we will be snowshoeing at Pittsfield State Forest from the gate along the Ghost Trail and Mountain Trail. We will then travel past Berry Pond and down Turner Trail to complete our circuit of approximately 6 miles. Wherever we go will depend on trail conditions. Winter gear is required. Bad driving cancels. Mary MacDonald will be leading the trip. Call 371-1293 or email at mmacdonald003@nycap.rr.com  We will cancel if too icy or too cold. Call to sign up and plan car pools.

CONTACT: Mary MacDonald at mmacdonald003@nycap.rr.com or 371-1293.

LENGTH: Approximately 6 miles

ROAD DISTANCE: Contact Mary for details.

 

FEBRUARY

Saturday, February 1: Beginner Snowshoe, Hand Hollow Conservation Area,

New Lebanon, NY

The leader has 2 extra pairs of snowshoes so even if you don’t own a pair; please join us for a relatively flat 2-3 mile circuit of a Columbia Land Conservancy property. If snow isn’t sufficient, another locale will be considered. We will meet at Schodack Park and Ride at 9:45AM or Hand Hollow at 10AM, contact Sharon for details.

CONTACT: Sharon Bonk, sboqc@mindspring.com or 674-0042.

LENGTH: 2-3 mile circuit.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 40 miles round trip.

 

Saturday, February 1: Snowshoe or Hike, TCT Cherry Plain, NY

Snow shoe or hike From Robinson Hollow to Mattison Hollow. Total distance about 8 miles.

CONTACT: David Pisaneschi, 459-5969 dapadk@gmail.com

LENGTH:  Approximately 8 miles

ROAD DISTANCE:  TBD 

Tuesday, February 4: Snowshoe Hopkins Forest, Williamstown, MA

We'll plan to snowshoe both the Upper and Lower Loops for a little over 4 miles, crossing the middle and north branch of Birch Brook while passing thru beautiful forest. Our starting point, Rosenburg Center, is heated. Snowshoes and/or micro spikes may be required. Meet at 9:30am at Routes 4 & 43 Park and Ride in Defreestville or at 10:30am at the Rosenburg Center.

CONTACT: Gretchen Gedroiz at ggedroiz@gmail.com or 463-1210 or Rob Bayly at

karpbayly@gmail.com or 279-4402

LENGTH: a little over 4 miles

ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to meeting place

 

Wednesday, February 5: Cross Country Skiing, Notchview Reservation, Windsor, MA

Trustees for Reservations property, $10 fee for non-members. Warming hut with gear storage space makes it nice to loop back to. Property has mostly intermediate trails in the woods and through open fields which can be toasty warm or cold and windy. http://www.thetrustees.org/places-to-visit/berkshires/notchview.html. We will meet at Schodack Park and Ride, 8:30AM. Contact Sharon for details.

CONTACT: Sharon Bonk, sboqc@mindspring.com or 674-0042.

LENGTH: To be determined.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 80 miles round trip.

 

Saturday, February 8: Snowshoe, Fred Schroeder and Hang Glider Trails,

Thacher Park, Knox, NY

This will be a moderately paced loop hike or snowshoe starting on the Fred Schroeder Trail and connecting to Hang Glider Trail.  These are relatively new trails at the north end of Thacher Park.  There are 2 overlooks of the Capital District along the way.  The round trip is 5 miles and the total elevation gain approximately 400 foot. 

CONTACT:  Martha Waldman, martha829r@aol.com  or 518-869-5109

LENGTH:  Approximately 5 miles

ROAD DISTANCE:  Your house to Thacher Park area.

Tuesday, February 11: Cat Mountain Snowshoe, Bolton, NY

The trail to Cat Mountain follows a logging road, cutting south from the Thomas Mountain trail approximately 0.15 miles past the gravel pit. The logging road continues for 1.3 miles before turning off of the road to ascend 736 feet to the summit of Cat. The summit offers a 270° view of Lake George and the Adirondacks. Contact Mary for details

CONTACT: Mary MacDonald at mmacdonald003@nycap.rr.com or 371-1293.

LENGTH: About 5 miles round trip.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 90 miles round trip.

 

Wednesday, February 12: Dyken Pond Snowshoe, Grafton, NY

There is ‘always’ snow here and lots of animal tracks. We will take the Long Trail and add some other loops to make it 5-6 miles. Be prepared: no indoor warming hut. We will meet at Defreetsville Park and Ride (Exit 8, I90), 9AM or Poestenkill Library parking lot, 9:20, contact Sharon for details.

CONTACT: Sharon Bonk, sboqc@mindspring.com or 674-0042.

LENGTH: To be determined.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 40 miles round trip.

 

Saturday, February 15: Spring schedule activities are due

Yeah, we’re thinking spring! It is time to send in your bike rides, hikes or kayak trips for our spring schedule. Let’s make this our busiest spring ever!

CONTACT: Gayle Fountain at pfounta1@nycap.rr.com or 371-8585.

LENGTH: You decide.

ROAD DISTANCE: Unlimited.

 

Wednesday, February 19: Grafton Lakes State Park X-C Ski or Snowshoe, Grafton, NY

The depth of snow determines whether it will be skiable around Long Pond or the other rocky trails in this park. We will meet at the Winter Entrance of Grafton Lakes State Park at 10AM, contact Sharon for details.

CONTACT: Sharon Bonk, sboqc@mindspring.com or 674-0042.

LENGTH: To be determined.

ROAD DISTANCE: Your house to GLSP.

 

Wednesday, February 19: OK Slip Falls, Indian Lake, NY

The state has not officially opened the trail to OK Slip Falls, but I have been there and I can find it again. The trail is unmarked for part of its length, but is not difficult to follow. The falls are quite dramatic in warm weather, and we will hope to find them frozen. Micro spikes or (I hope) snowshoes will be required. Meet Exit 9 Park and Ride in Clifton Park at 8:00 AM.

CONTACT: Katie Henrikson, Henriksonk@beverwyck.com or 533-7441.

LENGTH: About 6 miles, 500 feet of ascent.

ROAD DISTANCE: About 140 miles round trip.

 

Friday, February 21: Ski Notchview, Windsor, Massachusetts

This Trustees of Reservations' 3,000-acre property has 17 kilometers of groomed ski trails, and at 2,000 feet, usually has good snow. The Visitor Center has a wood stove and rest rooms. Trail fee approximately $12. Contact Susan for details.

CONTACT: Susan Roberts at 766-4170.

LENGTH: You decide how much you want to ski.

ROAD DISTANCE: Approximately 80 miles round trip from Schodack Park and Ride.

 

Tuesday, February 25: Leader’s Choice

So you don’t have to ski alone, we’ll get a group together. We’ll go wherever we can find snow. Contact Dale for details.

CONTACT: Dale Blanchet at 273-4262.

LENGTH: To be determined.

ROAD DISTANCE: To be determined.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Saturday, March 8: Leaders Choice Cross Country Skiing (intermediate)

We will go where there is snow. For the last two winters we had snow in March, so let’s assume we will have it in 2014. Contact Sharon for details.

CONTACT: Sharon Bonk, sboqc@mindspring.com or 674-0042.

LENGTH: To be determined.

ROAD DISTANCE: To be determined.

Saturday, May 17: End to End Challenge, Pittsfield State Forest, MA

Please volunteer to help make the 2014 End to End a successful event. Information is on the THC Blog (taconichikingclub.blogspot.com). If you (or someone you know) would like to volunteer to help us run the event contact:

R.J. Hydorn at rjhydorn@laycos.com or 283-6056

Gayle Fountain at pfounta1@nycap.rr.com or 371-8585

Look forward to seeing you on the 17th!

NEW THC WEB SITE

The Taconic Hiking Club has a new web site.

http://taconichikingclub.org/

Please take a moment to check it out!

2014 TCT End to End Endurance Challenge

Here is some important information for the May 17, 2014, Taconic Hiking Club’s Endurance Challenge – the End to End. 

 

On Friday, May 16^th at approximately 7PM there will be a meeting of all the entrants at the Berry Pond Campsites in the Pittsfield State Forest.  This orientation will be conducted by Colin Campbell, THC trails chairman, who will go over the maps of the Taconic Crest Trail and will answer questions about the trail itself.  No meals will be provided on Friday night.

 

Due to the early starting time (5:30AM) all are encouraged to camp at Berry Pond where drinking water and a latrine will be available even though the park is not opened to the public.  Wake up will take place at 5:00AM and a hot breakfast will be served to all.  Juice, tea and coffee will also be provided.  The hikers will then be led out of the park by our official bagpipe starter at 5:30AM.  Anyone who does not camp at Berry Pond should adhere to these times.  Those coming later will be allowed to hike but will not be permitted to start after 6:30AM.

 

Participants must bring another person to move their vehicles from Berry Pond to the end at Rt. 346 and to transport the weary hiker home. We feel that it is in the best interest of hiker safety that she/he not drive home after a grueling 29 mile hike. A list of participant names and contact information will be provided so that perhaps people can car pool.

 

As hikers progress north from Berry Pond, support sites along the Crest Trail will be at:

#1 Madden Road, Hancock, MA (5.3 miles)

#2 Mattison Hollow (12.8 miles)

#3 Petersburgh Pass (20.9 miles) 

 

At these support sites THC members will have water available for the hikers.  Any prepackaged small bags the entrants have prepared for themselves will be at sites #2 and #3.  We recommend these contain dry socks, lunch, gorp, a flashlight and a jacket for the last site.  These items should be packed in a plastic bag, not paper, and be clearly labeled.  There is a maximum of two bags per hiker and please keep them light.  Hikers are free to carry whatever they wish on the trail. The club recommends a beverage, whistle, compass or GPS, map handouts from the THC, rain gear if appropriate and comfortable, sturdy hiking boots.  Most of the trail is wooded and there will be protection from the sun, but a hat is always useful as well as sunscreen.  There is NO rain date for this event.  If a hiker fails to show on May 12^th the registration fee will NOT be refunded.

 

All hikers must clear the Petersburgh Pass site by 4:30PM to avoid problems caused by the remaining 8.35 miles of trail and oncoming darkness at approximately 8PM.

 

Lastly, the THC will schedule two trail work days, usually in the month prior to the End to End. All entrants are encouraged to participate in one or both of these dates to get familiar with the terrain and trail markings.  If you are interested in attending please contact Colin Campbell at 518-438-9629 or Holesinhead@aol.com.

 

A trail map with waypoints that can be programmed to a GPS and a map to Berry Pond will be sent to entrants in April.  I hope this information helps you plan a successful End to End hike.  Feel free to contact me at rjhydorn@lycos.com  or 2 Miller Avenue, Troy, NY 12180 if you need more information.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

 

1) How many years has this event been happening?

"existing as a scheduled event since 1966..."

 

2) What is the fastest and slowest times recorded for this hike?

We don't really keep track of times as we do not encourage it as a race, but as a personal endurance challenge. Someone recalled that we've recently had  two entrants (1 male, 1 female) complete the trail sections and finish somewhere around 1:30 or 2:00. Most people trickle across the finish at 346 starting around 4:00 pm and keep on coming until maybe 7:30 + or -.   Someone else said that in 2008 we had someone (or more than one) finish up at 8:50 with a head lamp.

 

3) Approximate trail miles for each waypoint would be helpful; do you happen to know them?

The trail guide says:

Berry Pond - Potter Mtn Rd parking 3.2

Potter Mtn Rd - Madden Rd parking 2.1

Madden Rd - Rounds Mtn - 1.65

Rounds Mtn - Mattison Hollow access - 6.28

Mattison Hollow access - SE Hollow access - 2.55

SE Hollow access -Berlin Mtn - 2.5

Berlin Mtn - Green Hollow access - 1.2

Green Hollow access - Petersburg Pass parking - 1.6

Petersburg Pass - Snow Hole - 2.75

Snow Hole - Pownal Overlook - .95

Pownal Overlook - Prosser Hollow access - 1.85

Prosser Hollow access - 346 - 2.1   

 

4) What is the driving distance and time from Berry Pond to Rt. 346?

34 miles and about 1 hour

 Directions will be available Friday May 11th or you can request that I e-mail them to you sooner.

 

5)  What does the finish on Rt 346 look like?  Is it a park, picnic area, trailhead parking lot?

HEAVEN!!! Just kidding. It is a small parking area where club members helping out at the finish will park their cars. Participant cars will be parked nearby on a wide shoulder of Rt 346. 

 

6)  Does anything "official" happen at the finish; refreshments, finish board, etc.?

Applause, light refreshments, certificates and patches will be handed out. There is a Stewart's about 3 miles away with gas, restrooms, sandwiches and soup, etc.

 

Support for those running the event will not be guaranteed.

No dogs or other pets are allowed to participate.

Address to the entrance of the Pittsfield State Forest (Berry Pond) for camping Friday night and the start of the hike Saturday morning:

1041 Cascade St.

Pittsfield, MA 01201