Did an easy hike along the Taconic Crest Trail after work this afternoon from Petersburg Pass north to the Snow Hole. Morning sunshine was quickly yielding to cloudy skies when I arrived at the large parking area along Route 2 at Petersburg Pass, just west of the Massachusetts state line(Elevation 2080 feet). I safely crossed Route 2 and headed north into the woods, following the blue and white blazes of the trail.
Immediately upon entering the woods, the trail climbs steeply up to a Hopkins Forest kiosk and trail register, just before an informal herd path leaves to the left. This side path is short, but very much worth the minimal effort, as the best view of the day can be enjoyed here. To the west/ northwest the view stretches across the Route 22 valley near Petersburg and reaches into the hills of the Rensselaer Plateau.
From the same viewpoint but turning slightly more due west, with the Taconic ridgeline above East Hollow in the foreground.
The Taconic Crest Trail is wide and easy to follow as it basically straddles the crest of the Taconic ridge, passing through a dizzying array of fern glades along the way. If you love fern glades, then this trail is definitely for you.
Continuing north, the trail passes just beneath the summits of White Rocks and Smith Hill as it makes its way towards the Vermont border through a handsome hardwood forest.
After just over 2.5 miles of fairly easy hiking, the trail comes to a view point near the top of White Rocks Mountain. Unfortunately, the clouds were really thickening up by this point, muting what is a decent view to the south and west. This view to the south takes in Mount Raimer as well as Route 2 at Petersburg Pass where the hike had started.
With dark clouds rolling in and a pleasant breeze picking up, I continued north, thoroughly enjoying the peace and quiet of these high elevation woods.
A short, red blazed spur trail breaks away from the Taconic Crest Trail around the 3 mile mark heading right(east) and slightly down to the Snow Hole. While the temperature was in the upper 70's on this mid June day, the air inside the Snow Hole(which is a very large, deep crevasse)was noticeably colder. After a deep climb down to the bottom, I found what I was looking for.....snow.
While this spot is really an interesting area to see and explore in person, it is difficult to seize the magic of this location on camera. Climbing back out of the Snow Hole, I was able to get this shot, which I thought kind of captured the rugged beauty a little.
I used the Snow Hole spur trail as my turn around spot and began heading back south on the TCT, zipping right along. Made one small pit stop off trail to the Vermont SW Corner Obelisk, which sits right at the state line.
One side I'm in Vermont, the other I'm in NY. There was some very old state identification engraving into the marble, dating back to the 19th century.
An easy bushwhack brought me over to the trail, which I followed all the way back to the car. Trail conditions were very dry, which is a bit surprising because it is usually very damp and muddy along the Taconic Crest Trail.
Arrived back to the car and began to feel some light sprinkles falling as I got in. Hiked about 6.3 miles total and only saw one other hiker all day. Elevation gain was around 800 feet total, including my side venture off trail.
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