Plotter Kill Preserve(Rotterdam)

On the heels of a major storm which pounded the region with heavy rain and strong winds, skies slowly began clearing this afternoon, so I headed out to do some exploring in rural Schenectady County.  My first stop was the 632 acre Plotter Kill Preserve from the much quieter Coplon Road entrance.  An added bonus to hiking in from Coplon Road is the very nice vista down towards the Mohawk Valley from the small parking area along the west side of the road. 

The trail crosses an open field before descending steeply down through conifers to the Plotter Kill.  In dry times(such as two days ago), there are several spots where one can easily rock hop across the creek.  Such was not the case today!

 Heading southwest along the top of the very steep rim above the gorge cut out by the Plotter Kill.

 Some fall colors remain across the impressive gorge.

 I dropped down to the base of the second falls on the Plotter Kill, which was really raging.

 A smaller, but still pretty, cascade drops just downstream of the larger falls.

 Following the trail along the top of the very steep rim above the falls.  There are signs all through the woods warning hikers to stay back from these steep drop offs, which unfortunately, have claimed several lives over the years.

 The only safe crossing over the Plotter Kill today was the well built wooden foot bridge.

 The calendar may still say October, but these woods are taking on a bare bones November appearance.

 From the top of the falls on the Plotter Kill, which, at 60 feet, is the highest of all the falls in the Preserve. 

 The Upper Falls, crashing down impressively from the trail.

 The rim trail along the west side of the Plotter Kill, has quite a steep drop off as well.  The gorge cut out by the Plotter Kill is extremely beautiful, but also extremely dangerous.

 I dropped down towards the smaller Rynex Creek, which drains into the Plotter Kill.  There are a series of small, picturesque falls along this whole stretch of creek.  Unfortunately, the main 40 foot falls on Rynex Creek, are very tough to get to and on a wet slope, like today, can be deadly.

A pretty, 5 foot drop on Rynex Creek. 

 I really enjoy this stretch of Rynex Creek for its rugged beauty and unrealized potential.

 Steps aid hikers on the steep climb up from the bottom of the gorge.

 Heading back northeast, where there are filtered views above the gorge to the nearby hillsides.

 The stairway leading up and away from the bridge crossing.

 Oak trees are a bit more resilient than maples, and retain much of their leaves into November.

 Nearing Coplon Road on my return, I passed by this open meadow.

 Looking at the open meadow, dropping down into the deep gorge of the Plotter Kill.

Hiked about 4 miles RT on a cool, breezy, but pleasant fall day.