Grafton Forest(Renssealer Plateau)

Took advantage of record breaking warmth this afternoon by doing a post work hike with my dad and wife at the new(ish) Grafton State Forest, which the state had acquired from the Gundrum Lumber company.  Access to the area can be found from the Pittstown State Forest or from the very end of Stuffle Street. The Stuffle Street parking area would be our starting point today, with air temperatures at 70 degrees.  Elevation to start was just under 1300 feet, meaning there would be some climbing, but not a lot.

As expected, there was plenty of running water from all of the recent melting

 We followed the Whoop-de-do Trail for about a quarter of a mile, before a left turn onto the Valley View Trail lead us quickly to a dramatic viewpoint to the north/ northwest.

 The Tomhannock Reservoir dominates the view from here.

 Far off in the distance to the northeast, the Taconics can be seen.

 My dad and wife soaking in the views and mild winter temps.

 Retraced our steps back down to the Whoop-de-do trail, where we turned left, heading north through increasingly muddy conditions.  The trails here at the Forest basically follow logging/ woods roads, meaning many deep, rutted and damp sections.

 The Vultures View Trail, blazed in orange, breaks off the main trail, and heads a half mile north passing through a dark, conifer forest. After a couple of small descents, a final climb up brings you to the Vultures View spot.  As was the case from the Valley Viewpoint, the Tomhannock Reservoir is the main feature of this north facing view, only this time a bit closer.

 A zoomed view down to the countryside along Cold Springs Road.

 A gorgeous view of the Tomhannock Reservoir.

 My dad and I caught checking out the views.

 A small pine standing proud near the viewpoint.

 As we left the viewpoint, the clouds rolled in quick and the winds stirred up, chasing us back to the car.  Luckily the rain held off.

Hiked about 2.5 miles total with only a couple hundred feet elevation gain total.  Felt great enjoying the historic February warmth with my dad and wife, high up on the Rensselaer Plateau.