Hand Hollow-East(Hand Hollow State Forest-New Lebanon, Columbia County)

Had a small window of time to get out this morning, so took advantage by visiting the Hand Hollow State Forest in the town of New Lebanon, a short ten minute drive from my house.  Having visited each of the other sections of this newer State Forest previously , I decided today to explore the far eastern part, located just north of CR 34.  Parked in the designated lot on the south side of the road(Elevation 980 feet) and to no surprise had the place to myself.

Crossed the quiet country road and immediately picked up a flagged path through the woods that ran parallel to a large meadow.  Wasn't sure what to expect but it headed north where I wanted to go so I chose to follow it.

Crossing over a small stream.

Took a moment to check out the large meadow, which sits atop a small hill, and provides views towards the south and southwest at the nearby hills.

Back in the woods and continuing to gain elevation on the flagged route, passing by old stone walls.

 

The flagged route circles around a small high spot on the ridge before turning east and heading towards the true high spot on the ridge where it seems to promptly disappear.  I hit the wooded 1350 foot summit anyway, enjoying the snow covered stone walls on the north slopes below the top.

 

Explored the steep northeast slopes to the edge of state land below the ridge, with filtered views to the NE.

Continued SE towards another high spot on the ridge, where there was another open meadow, this one filled with prickers and lacking views.

 

From the last meadow I continued an easy bushwhack west around private property and back to my car.  Total distance covered was 3.2 miles and 700 feet of ascent.

Map below.  Red= P=Parking   Blue X's=High spots on ridge that I hit   Black X=Meadow with Views  Black circle=Meadow with no view