Hand Hollow Conservation Area(New Lebanon, Columbia County)

Got out for a short, local hike in rural New Lebanon at the Columbia Land Conservancy's Hand Hollow on a warm summer evening.  Parked at the trailhead along Gale Hill Road and set out on beautifully maintained trails under a gorgeous sun filtered hardwood canopy.

I looped around the south side of the pond where several benches provide chances to relax and absorb the tranquility.

Stopped for a moment at a corner of Meizinger Pond near its outlet dam.

The green trail leaves the pond behind and immediately heads deep into the woods, eventually connecting to the property's eastern trails.  I crossed over babbling Hand Hollow Brook on a well crafted footbridge continuing a short distance beyond before turning back.

On my return hike, I stopped briefly at the west shore of the pond in a small clearing with gorgeous water views. 

Hiked a nice and easy 2 miles RT on a sultry, buggy evening.