Taconic Crest in One Year
jointly sponsored by Rensselaer Land Trust, Rensselaer Plateau Alliance,
and the Taconic Hiking Club
This year, get to know the rugged and beautiful Taconic Crest Trail with a hardy group. Join us throughout the year as we cover the entire 27 miles, one stretch at a time!
This beautiful ridge-top trail winds through New York, Massachusetts, and a corner of Vermont, from North Petersburg to near New Lebanon, passing by the renowned Snow Hole and over Rensselaer County’s highest peak. With about 7000 feet of both cumulative ascent and cumulative descent, views include the Little Hoosick Valley and Mount Greylock. Join us for one, some or all of the sections - whatever suits you. There will be six trips in all. Those who complete the entire trail (with us and/or on their own), can receive a patch from the Taconic Hiking Club.
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About the Hikes
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All hikes have long steep uphill and/or downhill sections over rocky ground. Wear boots or sturdy shoes. Bring lunch, snacks and plenty of water. Prepare for cool and windy conditions. All hikes start at 9 am. Free for members, $5 for non-members. Online registration links below; contact trip leader with any questions.
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Dates at a Glance
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Sat, May 4 – Petersburg Pass to Snow Hole and on to north end in North Petersburgh, 7.9 miles. Michael Jensen. Register online HERE. Questions? Contact Michael: JensenMK@gmail.com.
Sat, June 29 – Petersburg Pass to Berlin Mountain and on to Southeast Hollow in Berlin, 7.3 miles. Peter Wood. Register online HERE. Qyestions? Contact Peter at petermapleacres@gmail.com.
Sat, July 13 – Southeast Hollow to Mattison Hollow in Cherry Plain, 7.2 miles.
Michael Jensen. Regiser online HERE. Contact Michael: JensenMK@gmail.com.
Sat, August 10 – Mattison Hollow to Robinson Hollow in Stephentown, 7 miles. Peter Wood. Register online HERE. Questions?
Contact Peter at petermapleacres@gmail.com.
Sat, September 7 – Robinson Hollow to Madden Road in Hancock, MA, 6 miles. Nick Conrad. Register online HERE. Questions? Contact Nick: NBConrad@msn.com.
Sat, October 5 – Potter Road in Hancock, MA to south end near New Lebanon, 10.5 miles. Nick Conrad. Register online HERE. Questions? Contact Nick: NBConrad@msn.com.
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Full Descriptions
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Sat, May 4 – Petersburg Pass to north end in North Petersburg, 7.9 miles.
The Snow Hole, a deep crevice where snow and ice last well into the summer, is the highlight of this section. Also long views to the west and to the east into Vermont, white quartz, and a short stretch in Vermont, finishing with a long, steep descent to the north trailhead along Route 346. Michael Jensen.
Sat, June 29 – Petersburg Pass in Petersburg to Southeast Hollow in Berlin, 7.3 miles.
Starting at Petersburg Pass and going south this time, the trail has some steep ascents on the way to the summit of Berlin Mountain, at 2,818 feet New York’s tallest peak outside of the Adirondacks and Catskills. Then through an uncommon spruce-fir forest and over some minor summits, and down Southeast Hollow. Peter Wood.
Sat, July 13 – Southeast Hollow in Berlin to Mattison Hollow in Cherry Plain, 7.2 miles.
A scenic ascent up Southeast Hollow along a woodland stream to the Crest Trail, then ups and downs along the ridge of Misery Mountain, and ending with a steep descent to Mattison Hollow and its waterfalls and streams. Michael Jensen.
Sat, August 10 – Mattison Hollow in Cherry Plain to Robinson Hollow in Stephentown, 7 miles.
The ascent up Mattison Hollow is very scenic, with waterfalls and streams. After a final climb to the Crest Trail, the Trail goes up and down a series of heights known as Misery Mountain. We’ll descend down steep Robinson Hollow. Peter Wood.
Sat, September 7 – Robinson Hollow in Stephentown, NY, to Madden Road in Hancock, MA, 6 miles.
This is our shortest section, but has a long steep ascent and descent at either end. The trail passes through hardwood forests, grassy knolls, and a bench along the trail. Nick Conrad.
For those aiming to complete the entire trail, there is a 2.1 mile section along roads between the Madden Road and Potter Road trailheads; this section can be hiked on your own, or before the following hike.
Sat, October 5 – Potter Road in Hancock, MA to south end (Route 20 near New Lebanon), 10.5 miles.
This is our longest section, starting with a long steep ascent, and passing through Pittsfield State Forest and by Berry and Twin Ponds, with great views. Nick Conrad.