Last hike of the year

I was able to sneak in one more hike before the end of 2010. I climbed Blackhead mountain with Howie in the Catskills. The powdery snow on the trail was well packed down. So, I decided not to use my snowshoes. As the hike progressed, the snow softened in the warm afternoon sun and was less supportive (i.e. my boots sunk in more). I reached the sunny viewpoint and stopped for a snack. Went to tag the real summit and then headed back down. A nice short hike to end the year.

Summit Elevation: Blackhead 3942 ft
Round-trip Distance: 4.6 mi
Elevation Change: 1760 ft

Blackhead

Bear in mind

I did a hike with Howie in the Southern Taconics. Parked at the trailhead on Route 41 in CT (which was nearly full) and started out on the Under Mountain trail. There was a dusting of snow in the woods and the sun was out. Took the Paradise Lane trail around to the north side of the mountain. Turned left onto the Appalachian Trail for the final push to the summit. It was a bit steep with some icy spots. After that little workout, I reached the top and took a lunch break. Continued along south on the AT and then turned onto the Under Mountain trail and soon was back at the car. Had a nice afternoon for our short hike, and I remembered my camera this time.

Summit Elevation: Bear 2316 ft
Round-trip Distance: 6.7 mi
Elevation Change: 1560 ft

Bear Mountain

Doh!

I did a hike with Howie in the Catskills. Parked at the trailhead in Palenville on Route 23A and started up the Harding trail (old road). After a moderate climb, we reached the Escarpment trail. Continued west and stopped at Sunset Rock for a quick lunch break. Had a nice view, but unfortunately, I left my camera at home. Took the yellow cut-over trail to the horse trail and then finally back down to the car. Had a nice sunny but cold day for our short trek.

Round-trip Distance: 6.9 mi
Elevation Change: 1500 ft

Damn dam

I went out today to maintain my section of the Escarpment trail. Parked at the trailhead on NY Route 23 and started out. The beavers had built a dam upstream of the first foot bridge and flooded the beginning of the trail. I tried to dig a diversion ditch to channel some of the water away, but it was a lost cause. I went back to my car and drove to the other trailhead on Peck Road. I climbed Windham mountain from there. The trail was in pretty good shape beyond the lean-to. It was a nice day to be out.

Summit Elevation: Windham 3524 ft
Round-trip Distance: 6.0 mi
Elevation Change: 1480 ft

Huyck

I did a short hike with Howie this afternoon at the Huyck Preserve. We visited the falls and then followed the loop trail around the lake. The beavers have been busy cutting down more trees along the shore. Another nice weather day.

Vets day

I did a short hike with Howie near Lake George today. We climbed Pilot Knob. Took the usual path up to the grassy sub-peak and stopped for a lunch break. Headed back down the same route. It was slightly tricky on the descent with all the downed leaves and pine needles. Made it back to the car without incident. It was a real nice day for hiking - the water and sky were so blue.

Round-trip Distance: 4.5 mi
Elevation Change: 1500 ft

Pilot Knob Fall

Sunday stroll

I visited two nature preserves this afternoon out near Altamont. The first stop was Wolf Creek Falls on Bozenkill Road. I did a loop on the south side of the preserve. Then, I crossed the road and did a loop on the north side. The highlight was the waterfall and cascades along the creek.

The next stop was the Winn Preserve on Street Road. The trails were mostly woods roads. There were some views through the trees along the top of the small escarpment. We had a nice sunny day for our Sunday strolls. Walked around 5-6 miles altogether.

Wolf Creek Falls

Nisky

I did some easy walks with Howie this afternoon. First, we stopped at the H.G. Reist Sanctuary in Niskayuna. Did a loop on the core yellow trail and the southern blue trail. The trails were mostly flat and there were lots of leaves down.

The next stop was at Lisha Kill Preserve. We covered all the trails there.

On the drive home, I stopped at Ann Lee Pond near the airport. Did a quick loop there.

Not a great day for hiking (cold, windy, mostly cloudy and some light showers off and on), but it was good to get outside anyway.

H.G. Reist Sanctuary

Falling leaves

I took the afternoon off and did a short walk near Thatcher Park. Parked at the trailhead on Old Stage Road. Did a loop that included High Point and Hang glider Cliff. Most of the leaves up on the Helderberg plateau were down. The only color was down in the valley. Walked around 4 miles altogether on this very sunny day.

Rip's Ledge

I did a short hike in the Catskills today with Howie. Parked at the end Mountain Turnpike road and continued hiking up the old carriage road (Sleepy Hollow horse trail). Got to the site of the former Rip Van Winkle House. From there, it was a short, but steep bushwhack on up (hiking off-trail). I reached the cliffs and the marked path from Winter Clove resort that loops around the cliffs. Had a snack at Rip's ledge and then headed back down. There was still some nice colors on the trees. Didn't see anyone else in the woods on this mostly cloudy day.

Round-trip Distance: 3.5 mi
Elevation Change: 1150 ft

Rips Rock

Ashokan High Point

I did a hike in the Catskill mountains today with Howie. We climbed Ashokan High Point. Foliage is past peak, but still lots of colors remain. After reaching the top of AHP, I followed the herd path over to Little High Point. We had a real nice day out for our trip.

Summit Elevation: Ashokan High Point 3088 ft
Round-trip Distance: 7.5 mi
Elevation Change: 2450 ft

Ashokan High Point

Mellow Yellow

I did a hike on the Long Path today in Schoharie County (section 30). Parked on Durfee Road and headed south on the aqua blazed trail. The trail went through a small section of the Cotton Hill State Forest, and then dropped down to the "Gorge" where it crossed three small creeks. Some ups and downs as it crossed over a hill. Finally, we reached the cliffs above Middleburgh and stopped for a lunch break. Turned around and headed back to the car. A nice quiet day in the woods.

Round-trip Distance: 7.5 mi
Elevation Change: 1400 ft

Middleburgh Cliffs

Fall off

Did some easy hiking this afternoon with Howie. First, we climbed Harvey mountain. Got to the top, took a sandwich break and then returned via the yellow trail over Pinnacle Point.

Summit Elevation: Harvey 2060 ft
Round-trip Distance: 4.0 mi
Elevation Change: 700 ft

Next, we did a quick trip up nearby Beebe Hill. There were many leaves down, and the Fall colors not so dramatic. Another picture perfect day though.

Summit Elevation: Beebe Hill 1760 ft
Round-trip Distance: 2.0 mi
Elevation Change: 300 ft

Harvey mountain

The hitchhiker

I did a short walk this afternoon at Thatcher Park. Fall colors are not quite at peak yet (probably 60-70%). The waterfalls were running quite strong after all the rains we have had in the last week. I managed to walk right into a (very) small marriage ceremony on the escarpment trail. Lots of leaf peepers out. Brought home an unintentional hitch-hiker (a tick!). Walked 2-3 miles on this nice sunny day.

1 + 1 = 10

I did two short hikes with Howie in the southern Adirondacks. The first was up to the cliffs on Balm of Gilead mountain. I parked at the end of Old Farm road (nearly hitting a wild turkey on the drive in). The trails were a bit wet, but you have to expect that after 3-4 inches of rain. Nice views at the top of Thirteenth Lake and the surrounding mountains.

Round-trip Distance: 1.7 mi
Elevation Change: 550 ft

Balm of Gilead

The second hike was Chimney - a neat little mountain with interesting rock formations (including the chimney) and several caves (I didn't go in any). Spent quite a bit of time exploring the summit area. Lots of other hikers out on this fine day.

Summit Elevation: Chimney Mountain 2721 ft
Round-trip Distance: 2.0 mi
Elevation Change: 900 ft

Chimney mountain

Kaaterskill

I did a hike in the Catskills today with Howie. We climbed Kaaterskill High Peak. Parked at the trailhead in Platte Cove and started up the road. At the height of land, I cut over to the snowmobile loop trail. Passed the plane wreck and then reached the path up the south side. Followed that up to Hurricane ledge where there were wide open views to the south. Lots of nice fall colors in the valley below. After a snack, continued on up to the peak and then down the path on the north side. Took the snowmobile trail back down. A nice warm, sunny day for our trek.

Summit Elevation: Kaaterskill High Peak 3655 ft
Round-trip Distance: 8.0 mi
Elevation Change: 1800 ft

Kaaterskill High Peak

Fall is here

I left work a little early and went for a short hike near Thatcher Park. Fall colors are just starting to show. Walked about 3-4 miles altogether.

Dippikill 3

I spent the weekend camping at Dippikill in the Adirondacks. This was my third time there. We stayed at a larger log cabin this year - Birches. It could accommodate 8 people with two bedrooms and a sleeping loft. It also had gas lights, stove and refrigerator (but no running water or electricity). The weather was pretty nice. We did a short hike on Saturday to Dippikill pond, and then took the trail around the pond. Saturday night was pretty cold (near freezing). We got a fire going in the large stone fireplace which kept the cabin toasty for most of the night. The bulk of the weekend was spent lounging and eating. A nice time was had by all, including the youngest - a first-time camper.

Dippikill 3

Chipmunk Lane

I did a quick hike with Howie this afternoon. We climbed Bennett Hill near Clarksville. There seemed to be a high concentration of chipmunks. Howie had to sniff out every one. Walked about 2-3 miles.

Jug Head

I did a hike with Howie in southern Massachusetts. We climbed Mount Everett. Parked on Jug End road and started out on the Appalachian Trail (AT). It was a strenuous climb on up. Reached the view point at Jug End and took a break. Continued along the ridge which had lots of little ups and downs (much like life). Went over Mount Bushnell and then finally reached the summit of Mount Everett. On the return, I took a side trip on a trail that went around Gilder Pond. I soaked my feet in the water and Howie made friends with another dog. Made it back to the car five hours after we had started. A nice cool, partly sunny day for our trek in the woods.

Summit Elevation: Everett 2602 ft
Round-trip Distance: 10.0 mi
Elevation Change: 1800 ft

Mount Everett

oh deer

I did a walk with Howie this afternoon at Deer Mountain Preserve near Ravena. This area was created by Lafarge Cement to improve their environmental image.
I parked and started out on the western trail. There were interpretive signs along the way. The weather was a bit unsettled. It would rain lightly and then the sun would come out. Even though I had left my jacket in the car, I didn't get too wet. At one point, I saw a rainbow. It was only half one, and just a single.
Soon I reached power lines, and then followed some ATV trails the rest of the way around the swamp (I was winging it at this point). I eventually found the eastern trail and took that back to the car. This was a nice preserve which was marred only by the "hammering" sound coming from the plant off in the distance. Walked about 3+ miles altogether.

Deer Mountain Preserve

Morning walk

This morning I went on an outing at Christman Preserve. Not much water going over the falls. Walked about 2 miles on this rather hazy and warm day. Howie took every available opportunity to cool off in the creek.

Christman Preserve

Colonel Sanders

I did a short walk with Howie today at Sanders Preserve near Glenville. Did a loop on various trails through the three sections of the preserve. A nice place to visit ... I will have to return when there is more water. Walked about 4 miles altogether on this hot, sunny afternoon.

Sanders Preserve

Wildlife hates me

I went for a short hike with Howie after work near Thatcher Park (Ryan Road). Did a loop that included hang gliders and High Point cliffs. Walked about 5-6 miles altogether. On the drive out, I saw a deer off in the woods. Then, shortly after a rabbit ran across the road. All the wildlife comes out when I'm leaving!

Nice and easy

I did a short walk (about 1.6 miles) on the Charlie Major trail in Skaneateles with family members. It's a nice flat path along a creek.

Charlie Major 2

Hadley

I took the afternoon off and did a short hike with Howie in the southern Adirondacks. We climbed Hadley mountain. Quite a few people out on the trail, from young to old, enjoying the nice sunny weather. Great views from the top of the fire tower.

Summit Elevation: Hadley 2675 ft
Round-trip Distance: 3.6 mi
Elevation Change: 1525 ft

Hadley

Dry creek

I did a short hike with Howie this afternoon at Plotterkill Preserve. Did the big loop on the red trail. The creek level was very low. There was barely any water flowing over the falls. However, it was still a nice 5+ mile walk.

Bakery

I did a hike with Howie today in Vermont. Parked at the trailhead on South End Road near Danby. Followed the trail (an old road) up to a junction. Then I took the Baker Peak trail to the rocky summit. After a snack, I followed the Appalachian Trail (AT) for two miles to Griffith Lake. Stopped for another snack and soaked my feet in the cool waters. Took the Lake Trail back down to the car. A nice hike on another perfect weather day.

Summit Elevation: Baker 2850 ft
Round-trip Distance: 8.2 mi
Elevation Change: 2340 ft

Baker Peak (VT)

Sweet bread?

I did a hike in the Catskills today with Howie. We did a loop over Sugarloaf mountain. Started at the Roaring Kill trailhead and climbed up the west side (Mink Hollow), across the summit, and then down the east side (Pecoy Notch). It was a nice sunny day. On the drive out, I saw a large black bear (!) off to the side of the road. We also took a short walk to Plattekill falls.

Summit Elevation: Sugarloaf 3810 ft
Round-trip Distance: 6.8 mi
Elevation Change: 1900 ft

Sugarloaf

Lazy hiker

I wasn't feeling too ambitious today. I did an easy hike in the late afternoon at Thatcher park area with Howie. Parked at the end of Ryan Road and did a loop consisting of marked and unmarked trails, old roads and paths. Stopped at both High point and the Hang gliders cliff. On returning to the parking area, I spotted a wild turkey. It start gobbling and wandered off. Walked about 4-5 miles altogether.

Berkshires

I did two easy hikes in the Berkshires (Massachusetts) this afternoon with Howie.
The first hike was on the slopes of Lenox mountain (Yokun Ridge North). I parked at the Olivia's overlook parking lot, crossed the road, and did a clockwise loop on the Burbank trail. Along the way, we passed a scenic "vista" (with a view to the west) and a small pond with very green water. It was a pleasant walk through some nice woods.

Round-trip Distance: 3.2 mi
Elevation Change: 540 ft

Yokun North

The second hike was a loop over Monument mountain. Overall, it was a short hike with a rewarding view and an interesting rocky path up and over the ridge.

Round-trip Distance: 2.5 mi
Elevation Change: 600 ft

Monument mountain

Jay

I took the day off and went hiking in the northern Adirondacks with Howie. We climbed Jay mountain. It was a fine day for this beautiful ridge walk. There was a nice breeze which kept the bugs away ... or maybe they were at the office. I picked a few blueberries, but they were not super sweet. After the hike, I had an ice cream cone at Stewarts (mint cookie crumble), and then stopped at Chapel pond to soak my feet ... as did Howie.

Summit Elevation: Jay Mountain 3576 ft
Round-trip Distance: 6.5 mi
Elevation Change: 2500 ft

Jay

After the rains

After a late afternoon rain shower, I did a short walk at Hannacroix Ravine Preserve in southern Albany County. I followed the 2.5 mile loop trail (orange markers). I thought the creek would have more water after two days of rain, but it was just a trickle. The air was still a bit humid, but nowhere as bad as yesterday. I can't wait until Fall for the flies to die.

Lucky day

This afternoon, I did some hiking in the Southern Adirondacks with Howie. First, we did a hike up Good Luck mountain. Followed snowmobile trails for a while, and then turned off onto the marked path up to the cliffs. It was a short, but steep climb. Nice views on this sunny, breezy day. On the way back, I followed an unmarked path down the north side.

Round-trip Distance: 3.2 mi
Elevation Change: 600 ft

Afterward, we did another short hike to Jockeybush Lake. The marked trail followed along the creek to the outlet of the lake. I took the crude path around the north shore to a nice spot to take a quick dip. Howie waited for me on the shore. Dried off and then headed back to the car. The round trip distance was 2.2 miles.

Good Luck Cliffs

Work and play

I went out to maintain my one mile section of trail in the Catskills (Escarpment trail from Rte 23). Overall, it was in good shape. Just did a little snipping here and there. I got to the lean-to and had a snack. I decided not to climb Windham mountain since it was a little warm out. So, headed back to the car.

I took the back roads in southern Albany county to get home. On the way, I stopped at Huyck Preserve in Rensselaerville to see the falls. Climbed to the top of the falls to check out the new viewing platform, and then headed over the lake outlet near the dam.

Afterward, went over to Partridge run to see two more falls.

Oh, Howie met another beagle today, as well as a young boy named Howie (Howard).

Huyck 2

Partridge Run

Heat wave

I did a short walk this afternoon with Howie at Thacher Park. We walked the Indian Ladder trail. It was warm, but not as bad as the past few days. One creek had a little flow, the other was completely dry. Not too many people were out.
In other news, I got a new digital camera. Apparently, my previous one did not survive getting accidentally dropped in water. My new camera is supposed to be water-proof, shock-proof, and idiot-proof.

Thatcher 3

Blueberry picking

It was too nice a day to be in cubicle hell. I took the day off and headed up to Lake George with Howie. We did a loop hike over Pilot Knob. Howie has seemed to recover from his close encounter with the porcupine just fine. The only wildlife he encountered today were chipmunks. On the way up, I passed a couple picking blueberries (huckleberries), which were plentiful. I stopped further up the path in a sunny, open spot and picked my own. Meanwhile, Howie napped under the shade of a small tree. We made it the grassy sub-peak and then headed back down.

Round-trip Distance: 5.5 mi
Elevation Change: 1460 ft

Pilot Knob Summer

Porcupain

I took another nice Friday afternoon off. Howie and I drove out to Rensselaer County to do a hike near Cherry Plain state park. I parked at the end of Schaefer Road (where it ceased to be drivable) and we continued walking on the old road. The road/snowmobile trail was very eroded. In a small clearing, saw three wild turkeys. Soon, we reached Dynamite Shack Road. We walked along this road for a while. At one point, Howie all of sudden decided to check out the ditch on the side of the road. There he encountered one mean porcupine, which was hard to see ahead of time with all the ferns. Howie emerged with a bunch of quills in his face and right leg. I removed them one at time, which was not fun for either of us. Unfortunately, there were still some under the skin which I couldn't get out. We went back to the car (Howie was hobbling a little) which was about two miles away. Drove over to the emergency vet clinic in Latham. The vet removed one quill from Howie's leg under sedation. Now he is back home recovering from his ordeal.

No proof

Took Howie to the vet for his annual check-up this afternoon. He received a clean bill of health. Afterwards, we went for a short hike. Climbed Bennett Hill near Clarksville. Sorry no pictures for I didn't bring my camera. But, it was a nice walk on a sunny, cool evening.

Muddy waters

After a thunderstorm and heavy rain this afternoon, the skies cleared and cooler, drier air moved in. This evening, I did a short walk at Rensselaer Tech Park south of Troy. I parked at the Pitney Bowes parking lot and followed a mowed path through a field to the edge of the woods. I entered the woods and crossed the creek on a foot bridge. I followed the path down along the creek passing several waterfalls in the steep ravine. Crossed the creek and followed the path on the other side back up. A nice short walk.

Rensselaer Tech Park

Buck up

I took off this afternoon and did a short hike with Howie near Lake George. We climbed Buck mountain from Shelving Rock Road. Didn't see anyone on the trail, and only a few on the summit (they came up from the lake side). Mosquitoes were out, but not too terrible.

Summit Elevation: Buck 2334t
Round-trip Distance: 5.5 mi
Elevation Change: 1160 ft

Buck

Peaked Performance

I did a hike with Howie this afternoon in the southern Adirondacks. When I left Albany, it was nice and sunny. When I got to the trailhead on Thirteenth Lake, it was mostly cloudy and cooler (67 degrees). We started out on the trail that followed along the lake. After a mile, it turned uphill and followed along a creek with small flumes and cascades. The trail passed a couple of beaver ponds before reaching Peaked pond. By that time, the sun had started to come out a bit. We climbed the steep path up Peaked mountain. Met a few hikers on the way, but had the summit to ourselves when we arrived. The cool breezes kept the bugs away. A sweet little hike with a nice reward with a moderate effort.

Summit Elevation: Peaked Mountain 2919 ft
Round-trip Distance: 7.0 mi
Elevation Change: 1245 ft

Peaked Mountain

Pleasant Surprise

I got a head start on the long weekend and did a hike this afternoon with Howie. We went to Eminance State Forest (south of Cobleskill). I parked on Sawyer Hollow Road and started out on the Long Path. The trail went through a small field before entering the woods. It crossed a stream on a bridge and then followed a creek uphill. On the way, there were many nice cascades and waterfalls. The trail leveled out and we passed a small pond. Continued on to the lean-to and stopped for a sandwich. I kept going until the Long Path reached Cole Hollow Road near the town line. On the return trip, I took a slightly different route following Huckleberry Kingdom Road to Hall Road, and then back on the Long Path again to reach the car. A nice hike in an area I haven't visited before. Didn't see anybody else in the woods. I should have brought some bug spray as they were out looking for victims. Walked over 7.5 miles today.

Eminance State Forest

Giant

Climbed Giant mountain today with Howie in the Adirondacks. Got a late start (around 1:30 pm), so most of the people I saw all day were heading down as I climbed up. Around 4000 ft, snow started to appear in shaded areas on the trail. Had a real nice day for hiking - sunny, warm and a nice breeze ... and there were no bugs (bonus!).

Summit Elevation: Giant 4627 ft
Round-trip Distance: 6.0 mi
Elevation Change: 3050 ft

Giant

A horse of course

I took off work a little early and did an easy hike with Howie near Thatcher Park. Parked at the trail-head at the end of Ryan Road. I took various trails and paths to form a loop. We visited Hang Gliders point, High Point, the old quarry on Carrick road and a small pond. On one of the old roads I noticed large prints in the mud. At first, I thought they might be bear, but soon I saw the unmistakable horseshoe shape and knew otherwise. Covered around 6+ miles this afternoon. Unfortunately, Thatcher Park is going to be closed this summer due to budget issues.

Falls

On Friday, we stopped at Blackwater Falls state park to admire the waterfalls. We followed the boardwalk down to the falls. Then we drove over to the upper viewing area.

Blackwater Falls

Hello Dolly

On Thursday was our big hike. We went to the Dolly Sods wilderness area and started out on the Red Creek trail (a railroad bed at one time). After several miles following along the creek, we took the Fisher Spring Run trail up. We turned off onto the Rohrbaugh Plains trail. The forest composition changed from deciduous to conifers and rhododendrons. We stopped at the rocky escarpment with the expansive view including the valley below. We continued on the trail until we reached the road at the picnic area. At that point, it was another 2.5 miles back down to our car. Altogether, we walked over 10.5 miles.

Dolly Sods

Take me home...country road

I took a mini-vacation and visited West Virginia with my sister to do some hiking. Our first stop on Wed was to Seneca Rocks - a popular rock climbing locale. We took the well-graded trail which had many switchbacks up. We got to the lookout and then went past the dire warning sign to the open rock perch. We continued on the trail which led to an open grassy area at the end of the ridge. It was around 3+ miles total with 1000 ft of elevation gain.

Seneca Rocks

After the hike, we drove to the top of Spruce Knob. It is the highest peak in WV (elevation 4863ft). We parked and followed a short loop trail around the summit (around 1/2 mile long).

Spruce Knob