The Rensselaer Plateau Alliance's second community forest has recently been opened just outside the village of East Nassau at the end of gravel Hayes Road. The 353 acre property was acquired from Mary and Kevin Albert, funded by grant from the US Forest Service and a donation by the Albert family. There is no trail signage as of yet but trails are in the process of being built and flagged. I parked beside an old cabin at the very end of the road.
Just beyond the end of the road an orange trail heads off into the woods.
The woods are peacefully quiet and laced with beautiful stone walls.
The orange trail loops through the southern section of the forest, passing through a gorgeous hemlock forest and running beside a rocky streambed.
Emerging into a small clearing.
The woods are already cluttered with fallen leaves as we turn the season.
The orange trail ends back on Hayes Road, where I turned right and walk back towards the parking area, before turning left onto a blue marked trail. This trail covers the north side of the forest. They are in the process of building a footbridge over a damp area.
The blue markers run out after a bit, but there is flagging all the way up to the north end of the forest, where a woods road and posted signs marked my turn around.
Retraced my steps back to the car for about 1.8 miles total at this new community forest. I believe the RPA is planning on building more trails in this beautiful, quiet corner of Rensselaer County in the near future. It is always nice to see the hard work and dedication of many volunteers coming together for all to enjoy.
I just got back from hiking it today ... they are doing a great job; while you did the orange trail, I did the yellow and blue trails ... both are very good (except the crossing on mossy rock toward the northernmost point ... that was sketchy) ... I recommend going back again ... very neat location.
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree with you! A very nice, hidden treasure practically right in my backyard. Thanks for the recommendation!
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