Sunday, April 27, 2014

Berne

Did some short hikes this afternoon near Berne. First went to Kenrose Sanctuary near intersection of Bradt Hill and Bridge Road. Followed the loop trail here - about 1.5 miles.
Next, I went down the road to Partridge Run WMA. Followed a section of the Long Path on the west side of Bradt Hill Road. Saw a deer in the woods, and a couple of geese at a pond. Instead of back-tracking, I followed the road back to the car. About 3.5 miles. Kind of grey, blah day with some light sprinkles.
Kenrose Sanctuary

Friday, April 25, 2014

Middle Sister

Did a short hike this afternoon. Climbed a small mountain near Warrensburg. This is one of the "Three Sisters" (along with Pine and Bald mountains), but doesn't have a name (at least not on the Topo map). I parked at the end of Katts Corner Road near the Hickory Ski center. Continued walking the old road that followed near the shore of the Hudson river. After about a mile, I reached a dilapidated shack at a small creek. I then headed off trail and up the ridge toward the summit. There were views along the way. The going was easy, as it was mostly open woods. There was no remnants of snow or ice anywhere. In fact, it was rather dry. Near the top, there were even better views from the rock outcrops on the east and south. I had a small snack and then headed back down. I dropped down to the creek, crossed it and then picked up an old logging road. It lead back to the main road not far from the old shack. It was then a short walk back to the car.

Summit Elevation: Middle Sister 1740 ft
Round-trip Distance: 4.0 mi
Elevation Change: 1110 ft
Middle Sister

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Easter

Managed to get in a couple hikes/walks over the holiday weekend. On Friday, I stopped at Baltimore Woods in Marcellus. Did a loop on the green (Field to Forest), pink (Boundary), and orange (Overlook) trails. About 2.5 miles altogether.

On Sunday, I stopped for a break in Little Falls. Checked out Lock 17 (biggest drop at 40.5 feet) and Moss Island. I also visited Buttermilk falls nearby.
Easter

Sunday, April 13, 2014

Wilsey Creek falls

Did a short hike/walk this afternoon at Schoharie Creek Preserve. Parked in the gravel lot off of Butler road, and did a loop on the blue trail. The trail traverses along Wilsey Creek past several small cascades and waterfalls. It then drops down to the Schoharie Creek before climbing back up to the parking area. Nice warm day. It was actually 77 degrees. It hasn't been this warm since October. It's been a long, hard winter! About a 1.5 miles trek.
Schoharie Creek Preserve

Saturday, April 12, 2014

Cedar

Did a hike in the southern Taconics today -climbed Cedar mountain. This wasn't my original plan when I left the house, but the dirt road I was driving on (East Street) was a bit wet and rutted. I played it safe and turned around - not wanting to get stuck in possibly soft mud. I instead did this hike, which I had done before. I parked at the lower NY lot and started on the Cedar Brook trail. Within a minute, I left the trail and headed uphill through mostly open woods. I didn't have any points  programmed in my GPS, so I was mostly winging it (and occasionally using my compass). I veered a little north and off course and had to correct. I thought I was nearing the cliffs, but it didn't seem right. I got into an open area (which had a nice 180 degree view to east-south-west). I could see the cliffs to the east of me. I contemplated trying to make my way through the brambles, but instead dropped down a bit back into the trees where it was more open. I soon reached the cliffs I was aiming for. I continued down the south side of the mountain, staying to the east to avoid the steepest stuff. I soon reached the road at the bend and then the upper parking lot. After enjoying the view at the lookout, I took the marked trail down to Bash Bish falls. Lots of people out enjoying the sunny day. Then, I followed the easy trail along the brook back to the car.

Round-trip Distance: 3.5 mi
Elevation Change: 1000 ft

I also visited High Falls in the Philmont.
Cedar

Sunday, April 06, 2014

Mt. Wilcox

Did a hike in Berkshires today at Beartown State Forest. Parked on Blue Hill Road and started out on the Appalachian Trail (AT) heading north. Passed Benedict Pond and then continued on up to the Ledges. Nice views to the west. There were a couple of turkey vultures hovering around. Stayed on the AT until I got to the shelter. Then, I cut over to the road and followed that to the top of Mt. Wilcox. There was an old fire tower that has been converted to a communications tower. It was fenced off, so there was no option to climb it. I continued on down the north side of the mountain on the road. It was still covered with snow and ice that had been packed down by snowmobiles. I soon reached Benedict Pond road which I took back. At one point, I saw a couple of bears cross the road about 50 yards ahead of me. I reached the trail that cut back over to AT, and was shortly back at my car. What a beautiful Spring day to be out.

Summit Elevation: Mount Wilcox 2105 ft
Round-trip Distance: 8.0 mi
Elevation Change: 1115 ft

Beartown

Thursday, April 03, 2014

Hannacroix

Did a short hike after work at Hannacroix Ravine Preserve. Still some snow and ice on the trail. Creek was a little high, but there was a downed log to cross on. About 2.5 miles altogether on the loop trail. Pictured is a seasonal drainage.