Thompsons Lake State Park & Thacher Park(Town of Berne & Knox, Albany County)

Did a little exploring today at both Thompsons Lake State Park & Thacher Park in the Helderbergs under rainy, dreary conditions.  Got started by parking at the old, one room Schoolhouse along County Route 256(Elevation 1395 feet) and heading south into the damp woods, taking various trails.

Sturdy stone walls are a constant trail companion in these woods.

Made a brief stop along the northwest shore of Thompson's Lake, which was shrouded in fog and mist.

Looking east across Thompson's Lake.

After checking out the lake, a light drizzle turned into a steadier light rain, so I headed back north to my car.  

Covered about 1.9 easy but wet miles at Thompson's Lake State Park.  

After waiting out a rain shower, I drove the short distance away to Thacher Park and did a bit more easy hiking.  Parked in the Paint Mine Lot and headed south into the misty woods, checking out the multiple cascades and falls on Paint Mine Brook.

Tiered falls just off trail on Paint Mine Brook.

Paint Mine Pond under clearing skies.

Took various trails, eventually making my way east over to more cascades near Hop Field.

Crossed over Route 157 and made my way over to the Escarpment Trail, wondering if the clouds had cleared and indeed they had started to.

Clearing conditions along the escarpment.

Unfortunately, the rain soon returned and although never heavy, it was enough to make me head swiftly back to my car.  Covered about 4 miles here and nearly 6 miles total on a gloomy spring day.