Saturday, March 29, 2014

Shaupeneak

Was able to get out in between rain storms and do a hike this morning. Went to Shaupeneak Ridge preserve near Kingston. Parked at the lot on old Post Road. Started out hiking the white trail on up to the ridge - with a short side trip to a waterfall. Checked out the two view points along the red trail. Then, did a loop on the blue trail around the pond before returning. Typical Spring trail conditions with a little bit of everything- mud, ice, mushy snow. Covered about 5.5 miles.

Next, I stopped at Espous Meadows Preserve nearby to check out the lighthouse. Did a short loop on the blue trail (~ 1/2 mile).
Shaupeneak

Saturday, March 22, 2014

Spring has not sprung

Did some easy local hikes this afternoon. First, went to Middleburgh and climbed Vromans Nose. Took the old carriage road to the top, then the blue marked hiking trail back down. About 1.5 miles.
Next, visited Christman Sanctuary. Did a short loop on the trail that follows along the creek and leads to the main falls. About 0.8 miles.
Lastly, went to Plotterkill Preserve. Followed the red trail all the way to the Rynex creek, with a short side-trip to the top of the lower falls. Then took the yellow marked Highland trail. Also, did a loop on the blue trail. About 2.5 miles altogether.
There is still quite a bit of snow left in the woods. Trails were a little icy - especially the steeper spots. It was nice that the sun made an appearance - though it was a breezy.

Vromans

Saturday, March 15, 2014

Bennett Hill

My legs were a bit tired from skiing yesterday. So, I just did a short hike up Bennett Hill. Pictured is the small foot bridge on the green trail.


Saturday, March 08, 2014

Overlook

Did a short hike up Overlook mountain in the Catskills this morning. Started from the trailhead on Meads mountain road. Followed the jeep road up to the hotel ruins, and then continued on to the top. Had the summit to myself - which is an unusual occurrence on this mountain. Climbed the fire tower and the headed over to the eastern cliffs viewpoint. The snow was packed down nicely - almost like a sidewalk. Made for a quick and relatively easy walk. Mostly cloudy day with a few breaks of sun.

Summit Elevation: Overlook 3150 ft
Round-trip Distance: 5.2 mi
Elevation Change: 1400 ft
Overlook

Friday, March 07, 2014

Hollyhock Hollow

Did an easy walk this afternoon at Hollyhock Hollow Sanctuary (Audubon Society of NY). Parked at the office lot on Rarick Road, and then did a circuitous loop utilizing many of the trails: Wildlife (yellow), Indian Pipe (white), Audubon (Red), Grey Fox (white), Chickadee (blue), Warbler (green), Hemlock (green), and Creek (blue). Of note was the stone quarry with a sign that stated that some of the stones may have been used to build the Brooklyn Bridge. Trails were packed down somewhat, but a bit uneven. Also, the snow was softening up a bit under the warm sun rays.

Next I went to the Holt Preserve (Copeland Hill). Parked at the end of Appleby Road (near the dilapidated barn). Saw at porcupine near the trailhead. He turned around and promptly headed up a tree. Visited the pond and did a short loop on the green and yellow trails. Nice sunny afternoon.
Hollyhock