Taconic Trail State Park Loop(Northern Berkshires/ Taconics)

Headed just over the state line into Massachusetts this afternoon to do a loop hike up the Taconic slopes north of Route 2 and then back down south of Route 2, utilizing the Taconic Trail State Park trails as well as the Taconic Crest Trail.  I parked at the trailhead for the Sara Tenney Trail in a large pull off along Route 2(Elevation 1560 feet) approximately 1.5 miles east of the NY state line.  After carefully crossing the road, I turned left onto the RRR Brooks Trail, which basically parallels Route 2 climbing steadily northwest.  I decided to bare boot the hike because there was only a light coating of fluffy snow atop 2 inches of crunchy frozen snow.

There were more animal tracks than hiker footprints in the fresh snow, as I made a very pleasant ascent up to the Shepherds Well Trail.  Once on the Shepherds Well Trail, and passing over the 2000 foot mark, fresh snow seemed to coat every single branch on every single tree.

Emerging into a large clearing at about 2260 feet, ice now began to replace snow on the exposed bushes.

The views from this clearing are nothing short of spectacular.  The view east encompasses the valley of rural South Williamstown, as well as the massive Greylock Range. Brodie Mountain is visible to the south and the eastern flanks of the neighboring Taconic Range to the far right.

From the same clearing, the south view takes in Mount Raimer in the foreground and Berlin Mountain beyond.

To the west/ southwest Route 2 at Petersburg Pass can be seen just below Mount Raimer, which towers above.  The old ski slopes of Petersburg Pass can still be seen with the leaves off the trees.

After enjoying the wonderful views, I pressed on, continuing my way along the Shepherds Well Trail, soon coming to a large meadow just below the summit of White Rocks. 

The trail meanders north after the meadow, dropping slightly, before climbing up and meeting the Taconic Crest Trail.  This was the only spot I saw other hikers all day, as a small group was heading north on the Taconic Crest Trail.

Once on the TCT, I headed south, losing some more elevation, before climbing briefly back up to a great west facing view point into New York State. 

From the viewpoint, it is a short but steep drop down to Route 2, which I crossed over and into the large parking lot for Petersburg Pass.  At the far SE corner of the lot, the Sara Tenney Trail, barely noticeable, drops into the woods.

The Sara Tenney Trail descends sharply SE, crossing the small North Branch of Hemlock Brook and continuing down the east slopes of Mount Raimer through a large, picturesque stand of paper birch.

A nice benefit of hiking in the winter, is that you can see many things through the bare trees that you wouldn't spot otherwise.  Across the deep valley of Treadwell Hollow, a keen eye can pick out Route 2.

The Sara Tenney Trail continues its descent into Treadwell Hollow, where there are still many remnants of past human use, such as this old, abandoned car.

Crossing over wintry Hemlock Brook.

The trail bottomed out at 1240 feet, nearly 800 feet below Petersburg Pass!  As I climbed up and out of Treadwell Hollow nearing the car, I emerged into clearing skies and bright, welcome sunshine.

A very pleasant 4.5 miles RT with over 1100 feet of total ascent.  Thankfully got out and enjoyed the brief sun and mid to upper 30 degree temps before a blast of arctic air hits us this weekend.

Map below.