Lower Linear Park(Berkshires)

With skies clearing out on a relatively cool late November day, I set out for a small hike at Linear Park in Williamstown, located in the northern Berkshires.  The park and trails were constructed for the town of Williamstown's 250th anniversary back in 2003. Finding the park can be a bit tricky however, as it is found at the end of a small unmarked dirt road on the north side of Route 2.  The actual road entrance is found directly next to the Greylock Insurance Agency.  Take this road(which almost looks like a driveway) to the end, where a small parking lot and tennis courts are found.  The trails begin just past the kiosk to the right of the courts.

 The trail begins on a wide jeep road and passes several backyards.

 There are two level trail loops that traverse the park.  After about a quarter of a mile a field loop breaks off to the right, but I continued on a short distance further to the woods loop on the left.  The woods loop closely follows the tranquil Green River downstream to where it flows into the Hoosic River.

 A bench provides a pleasant spot to relax and enjoy the peaceful Green River flowing by.

After passing the confluence of the two rivers, the trail bends to the east and parallels the Hoosic River for a while.  The trail is wide and easy to follow, although lacking any trail signage.

Several small informal paths break away from the main trail and provide access to the Hoosic River.  Here are nice reflections along a quiet stretch of river.

Once entering the open fields, there are dramatic views to the of the Greylock Massif.  Looking closely, you can spot snow far atop Mount Williams summit area.

Rushing water along a wild feeling section of the Hoosic River.

The Taconic Range can be seen rising to the west.

Pleasant views on the farm path as it turns to the south.

This spot makes for an easy stroll with pleasant views, but unfortunately lacks any trail signage.  On the other hand, the trails are wide and easy to follow.  Hiked a total of about 1.5 miles on all three trails(Woods Loop, Field Loop and Main Trail).

Spruce Peak(Vermont)

Located just to the east and high above the town of Manchester along the Long Trail/ Appalachian Trail is 2,040 foot Spruce Peak and its unique cabin style shelter.  The trail head is found by taking exit 4 off of Route 7 and following Rout 11/30 east for 4.3 miles to the large parking lot located on the left(north side of the road). To access the Long Trail south from here, you must cross busy route 11/30.  This is a high traffic area, with vehicles traveling in excess of 50 mph so please take care in crossing the road.

 The Long Trail signage after crossing the highway.

 The trail immediately begins heading south into a hardwood forest away from the sounds of hustle and bustle of rushing traffic.

 The LT/ AT crosses several small streams along the way.  The first is crossed by a nice footbridge.  All other streams are small enough to be crossed by rock hopping.

 A cold stream rushing down through the woods, with ice forming along the way.

 The trail soon turns west towards the ridge line, where screened views over the valley through the bare trees are available.

 Passing through ferns.

A nice cascade drops down near a set of power lines.

Just prior to reaching the summit, you will pass by a substantial rock wall.

 Rock steps heading towards the summit.

 After 2.4 miles you will arrive at a small side path which climbs the rock outcrop to Spruce Peak's summit area.  The path is not really clear but it is fairly easy to climb up the rocks to a nice view point west over Manchester.

 Great views over Manchester with hulking Equinox Mountain beyond to the west.

 Many day hikers turn back at this point, but I highly recommend continuing on the additional .4 miles to the Spruce Peak Shelter spur trail.

 A short walk down the spur trail brings you to the shelter.

 Spruce Peak Shelter, built in 1984, provides a unique cabin like lodging exerience.

The front view of the shelter.

 Once inside, you have the option of leaving the door open or sliding it shut for a true indoor feel.  There is a wooden table with reading material and windows, which provide good lighting.

 There are several bunks for sleeping.

 The ladder to a top bunk.

 A wood stove is found inside to provide warmth on cold Vermont nights, as well as a duraflame log and paper for burning.  There are also written instructions posted on the interior wall.

 A side view of the cabin.

 The front porch area.

Just down the trail is a privy with these instructions. :-)

After enjoying the cabin for a little while, I turned back, retracing my steps north 2.8 miles to the car.  There is another substantial view from a power line clearing.  Route 11/30 can easily be seen winding along.

Arrived back at the car after completing 5.6 miles RT on this cloudy, cool last day of November.

South Taconic Trail Extension

Hiked most of the recently opened 6 mile extension of the South Taconic Trail today.  Parked at the Iron Mine Pond parking lot located on Shagroy Road in the town of Millerton just west of the NY/ Connecticut state line.

The white marked trail passes Iron Mine Pond and heads north on a wide woods road, which closely follows a rushing stream.

 The trail climbs steadily on a wide woods road.

Came across the remains of an old dam about .2 mile north of where the stream runs into Iron Mine Pond.

After about 1.4 miles, the white marked South Taconic Trail meets a red marked trail from nearby Rudd Pond State Park.

 Old stone walls mark former land boundaries from long ago.

After about 2 miles the trail nears an area of open ledges. 

 These open ledges provide the first views of the day.  These are phenomenal west and north facing views over much of the Harlem Valley in Dutchess County and all the way to the distant Catskills.

 West facing views over pastoral Dutchess County.  Although it looks nice, these west facing ledges left you fully exposed to strong, cold winds.

 A few yards past the first ledges is another open rock area called North View Point.

 The trail turns sharply east after the North View Point.

A small cascade dropping through a split in these boulders.

 The trail turns north again and passes the steep slopes beneath Thorpe Mountain.

 There are several brooks which flow down the steep slopes of the mountains along the trail, providing pleasant views of cascades.

 A wider view of the cascades.

 A few hundred yards past the first set of falls is another, more significant waterfall and cascades.

Waterfalls. 

 The South Taconic Trail soon passes over a quiet dirt road(Kaye Rd detour) and continues north on the opposite side.

Just after crossing the road, a newly built foot bridge crosses a small stream.

Continuing in a general north direction the trail soon heads west towards more open ledges.

 Wide open west facing views towards Round Ball Mountain near the Dutchess County/ Columbia County line.

Climbing up on the open rocks, where cold November winds were blowing briskly. 

 Leaving the bare rocks, the trail re enters the woods and soon a coniferous forest.

 Passing yet another cascade.

 Ridge line hiking.

Crossing the headwaters of Webatuck Creek.

 The trail continues north, where a steep drop off is only a few feet away with broken views through the trees to the north and west.

Screened views over the nearby farmland.

Just south of South Brace Mountain is an exposed ledge, with perhaps the best views of the day.  the Catskills can easily be seen in the distance.

West facing panorama.

 Looking south over the low brush from the ledges.

 Looking directly north at South Brace Mountain.

 A northwest panorama with South Brace hulking over the valley.

After arriving at the trail junction with Quarry Hill Road, I turned around, retracing my steps south towards Shagroy Road. 

Descending the wide woods road.

 Passing an old foundation near Iron Mine Pond.

 A rope swing over Iron Mine Pond.

 Just before arriving back at the car, the white marked South Taconic Trail passes by Iron Mine Pond and arrives at a small field which provides a great view of the pond.

Arrived at the car after about 9.6 miles RT on a sunny, but cold and windy day.