Sunday, May 30, 2010

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

Friday, May 28, 2010

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

Sunday, May 16, 2010

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

Friday, May 14, 2010

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.

Friday, May 07, 2010

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

Thursday, May 06, 2010

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.

Wednesday, May 05, 2010

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

Saturday, May 01, 2010

Plotterkill

I wanted to get out early and do a hike today (to try and beat the forecasted heat). Howie and I went to Plotterkill Preserve near Rotterdam. Started at the trailhead on Rte 159 and followed the red trail to the north rim. Crossed the top of Rynex creek falls and then down to the Plotterkill creek. I followed along the creek back up to the bottom of the lower falls and Rynex creek falls. Had a PB&J sandwich and then followed the creek back down to the lower end of the preserve - sometimes walking in the creek (which didn't have a lot of water) and sometimes along either side in the woods. Passed several cascades along the way (a few of which I hadn't seen before). Upon reaching the lower end, I followed the red trail back up to the north rim and eventually back to the car. Covered about 6 miles on this warm and sunny day.
Plotterkill