Mount Race(Southern Berkshires)

Decided to start revisiting some of the Taconics that I haven't hiked in a few years, and what better way to start off than with Mount Race and its spectacular vistas.  Started at the Race Brook Falls Trailhead off of Route 41 in the southern Berkshires under mostly sunny skies.  The trail was just as I remembered it..scenic...but steep.

The recent snow melt has left Race Brook really rushing along, meaning the falls were spectacular. Here is a look up at the 75 foot Upper Falls as I rock hop across below.

The trail is pretty steep for a while, and crosses beautiful Race Brook and its tributaries several times along the way.  The sounds of rushing water never seem to far away.

Although most of the woods were free of snow and ice, I did manage to find some ice and snow in sheltered, hemlock areas.

After 2.1 miles, the Race Brook Trail meets up with Appalachian Trail.  I turned left(south) here, and at just under 2000 feet, the trail passes through a very wet area.

Once gaining the ridge on the AT, the trail mellows a bit, but becomes much wetter and muddier, 

 The final push up to the summit.

Once atop the summit ridge, the trail follows a rocky spine, with splendid views above the surrounding low vegetation.

 From the 2372 foot summit, the views are good, but the best is yet to come.

Looming above to the north is the summit of Mount Everett, the highest peak in the southern Taconics.

I continued on beyond the summit, dropping slightly, soon arriving at a large rock cairn and great south facing views.

The views through the next stretch of trail are some of the best in the Berkshires.  The SE view into Sheffield and Salisbury, Connecticut are outstanding.

Wandering along the vertical ledges of the east facing escarpment.

Ledge after ledge can be seen spreading before you along the south ridge, with views only getting better as you go.

A glance back up the trail going up Mount Race.

SE views towards Twin Lakes in Connecticut with a vertical drop below.

After enjoying the ledges for quite some time, I decided to head back and beat the impending sever weather moving in from the west.  I headed back up and over the summit bump, dropping back down onto the Race Brook Falls Trail.  A log foot bridge makes for a nice stream crossing high up on the trail.

As I got a bit lower on the trail, I began to slow down and soak in the beauty of picturesque Race Brook.

A little fog began rolling in as I arrived back at the car, accompanied by strong winds.  Not long into the car ride home, I ran into a downpour, making my decision to hurry off the mountain a good one.  A scenic 7 mile hike RT, with nearly 2000 feet of ascent for the day.