Louise Keir Wildlife Management Area(Coeymans)

Finally had a nice, sunny day with no wind, so took advantage by visiting 187 acre Louise Keir WMA, located on Blodgett Hill Road in the town of Coeymans.  A small parking lot and kiosk are located on the west side of the road.

 A woods road travels straight up into the woods beyond a metal gate.

At the crest of the first climb is a large clearing, which may have been a gravel pit at one time.

Followed a recently cut section of woods towards the southern boundary of the WMA, crossing over a ravine.

 The southern half of the WMA consists of a northern hardwood conifer forest and a recent clear cut ascends towards Blodget Hill's 1150 foot summit.

 Exploring the area near the summit, I came to a huge clear cut area with decent views above the tree tops to the southeast.  This area was clear cut to remove the dominant invasive white pines and allow pitch pines to flourish.

 Views into rural Albany County from the clear cut.

 Picked up another woods road which climbs up over the summit and continues northwest.

 After dropping off the summit, hit much more snow on the north side of the peak.

 The deepest the snow got was about 6 inches along the woods road.

 After hitting the northwest edge of the WMA which is marked with posted signs, I turned back heading back through the clear cut.

 Passing a stone wall.

 An easy to follow woods road continues through the woods, dropping steeply towards the parking area.

 Emerging at a clearing on the descent, down towards the gate and parking area.

Although I was limited on time and couldn't explore today, there is another section of the WMA to the north, with a separate parking area and trail that climbs up to a northern summit.  Guess that will have to wait until another day.  Hiked about 1.5 miles RT.