Bentley's Karst Preserve(Town of Berlin, Rensselaer County)

Got out for a little hike this afternoon at the Hudson Taconic Lands 91 acre Bentley's Karst Preserve along the eastern escarpment of the Rensselaer Plateau under early winter conditions.  Got started from the  new and improved parking area(Elevation 900 feet) off of Route 22 in Berlin which is much more accessible than the old one was.

As I set out on the yellow blazed trail, the snow was falling quite heavily, and seemingly picking up by the minute.

The fresh snowfall made for perfect wintry conditions and I felt a true sense of peace and solitude in the quiet woods.

A steady climb brought me up towards a large set of cliffs, where Bentley's Cave can be found.  Visiting the cave wasn't on the agenda today, however.

 

A steady snowfall on a pool of standing water near Bentley's Cave.

Beyond the cave and high spot on the trail, at over 1250 feet, a steady descent brings you back down towards Route 22.

 

Completed the full loop and eventually dropped back down to the car under a heavy snow squall.  By the time I got back to the car, there was probably over 3 inches on the ground.  Covered about 1.5 miles with over 350 feet of ascent.