Moon Hill(Town of Petersburg, Rensselaer County)

Decided to check out the slopes of 1430 foot Moon Hill, a brand new area of public land in the town of Petersburg, near the main Taconic Ridge.  The Rensselaer Plateau Alliance has protected this land, continuing the amazing conservation efforts they have put forth and making them available to the public.  There is no designated parking or signage so I parked on the shoulder of Hill Hollow Road(Elevation 950 feet) and headed north into the woods, dropping about 100 feet down to a crossing of pretty Hill Hollow Brook.

Climbing up and away from the brook, I found a view east towards White Rock Mountain.

Up high on the ridge, looking west towards the summit bump which unfortunately sits on private land.

The slopes on the north side of the peak are quite steep, providing filtered views to the north, which will be much better when the leaves are off the trees.

Wandering up to a high point on the ridge through sedge grass and mostly leafless trees.

Stumbled upon some old, rusted barrels and pails scattered through these woods.

Up high on the ridge, wide open hardwoods made for easy exploring. 

A small window provided a glimpse SE towards Poplar Hill and the Taconic Ridge behind.

Exploring the steep southern slopes just below the summit ridge.

Further down the peak, on my descent, I made a brief stop at a large meadow with a nice view east towards Bald Mountain and the Taconic Ridge.

From the open meadow, it was a short bushwhack back down to the car through some prickers and undergrowth. Covered about 2.4 miles total, with over 600 feet of ascent.  

Map below.  Blue P=Parking  Blue X's=Public High spots on property