Greenport Conservation Area

Got out for a nice evening walk at the Greenport Conservation Area located just north of the city of Hudson along the banks of the Hudson River.  It is a beautiful area with many trail options ranging from open meadows to woods walking to stream crossings.

The sun was setting on yet another in a pleasant stretch of gorgeous weekends.

The evening rays cast some nice looking shadows.

The paths are very clear and easy to follow with most being easy walking.  This is a very beautiful spot to walk and watch the sunset due to westerly views over the Hudson to the Catskills.

An overlook bench area for relaxing.

This spot provides remarkable views to North Bay and the Hudson River as well as many of the Catskill peaks.

Setting sun.

Amazing views.

From a small clearing in the woods.

A zoomed in look at some of the Catskills.

The sun peaking through a small break in the foliage.

It was such a lovely evening for a pleasant stroll.

Sun and shadows.

Near the picnic pavilion in a quiet spot of the preserve.

There are several trail options as well as shortcuts for those pressed for time.

Wildflowers.

Looking out over the open fields I got lucky and spotted this deer peeking out.

As I returned to the kiosk area near the old trailhead, the sun had began to sink below the horizon.

Twilight Panorama.

Not a terribly long walk, but a very pleasant, stress relieving stroll.

Hand Hollow

Went out for a short hike today to Hand Hollow Conservation Area in rural New Lebanon.  It is a place close to home that offers up to 3 miles of pleasant woods walking so it fit the bill for my time available.

What a gorgeous day!  A mix of sun and clouds and low humidity made it perfect to be out enjoying the trails. The wildflowers filled the air with sweet fragrance.

 Couldn't ask for better conditions to be out for a stroll.

 Beautiful Meizenger Pond is the centerpiece of this Conservation Area, with a trail circling about half of the 21 acre pond.  Several benches sit along the shoreline for quiet spots to stop and reflect.

 From the far end of the pond looking back at the private home on Gale Hill Road.

 A dammed area makes a nice, large clearing to walk along and provide unimpeded views out across the water.

 Back in the woods, there are several trail options.  The green trail runs the length of the property and offers a secluded spot along a tributary of Hollow Brook.

The rustic footbridge over the brook.

 Babbling Hollow Brook, with the sun peaking through a break in the canopy.

 The sun filled woods made for a very pleasant walk.

 Along the red trail, which skirts the outer property of the Area, is a nice gazebo.  This is in a quiet spot deep in the woods, where the only sounds you may hear is the chirping of birds or the wind rustling the leaves.

 A circular bench provides seating for a group, as well as a shelter during rainy conditions.

A nice, relaxing 1.5 mile walk in the woods on the last day of spring.

Lenox Mountain(Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary)

Met up with a very old friend of mine, Shelby, on a beautiful day for a hike in the Berkshires.  Headed over to the Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary where there are over 7 miles of trails, with many chances to observe wildlife.  The main attraction here though, is the climb up to the summit of Lenox Mountain.

A picture perfect June day with sunny skies, low humidity and temps in the 70's made it a great day to be outdoors.  A trail map from the park office helps because there is a maze of trails at the Sanctuary, many very pleasant, level walking.

 Near Pikes Pond, we observed this bullfrog, who sat still long enough for a picture.

 Pikes Pond, teeming with wildlife.

A bit further up the trail, found this little fellow chilling out.

 The Ledges Trail is a bit steep and had us huffing and puffing but the it leveled out after a bit and made for a nice walk.

 There are a couple of small clearings that offer views down into the east.  This one is called Fairviews.

 You will know when you've reached the summit because a 70 foot fire tower will greet you.

Although not very tall, the red maples block any view to the east.  The views west, however, from the 2126 foot summit, are spectacular and sweeping.

 Richmond's rural countryside.

 218 acre Richmond Pond sits directly below the mountain.

 Bartlett's Orchard far below on Swamp Road.  The orchards actually run almost to the foot of the mountain.

 Looking west towards Lebanon Mountain.  Route 20 can be seen climbing the mountain heading into New York State.

Many people are content turning around here and heading back down the mountain, but we decided to continue on, following the trail along the Yokun Ridge line north.  After a little less than a mile along the trail you arrive at a large clearing known as Yokun Seat(Bakers Peak) at an elevation of 2133 feet.  From this vantage point, the views to the north are amazing, with westerly views still great as well.

 The city of Pittsfield lays below you to the north.  Here is a zoomed in look at some of the city streets.

 A northwest view shows Mud Pond in the foreground and pristine Onota Lake beyond.  The Taconic Mountains can be seen stretching south to north to the horizon.  They basically form the state line between New York and Massachusetts.

 Secluded Mud Pond as well as some of the runways at Pittsfield's Municipal Airport seen here.

 GE Plant in Pittsfield.

 Puffy clouds and blue skies, as well as a constant breeze, made this a fantastic place to soak in the views.

 Panoramic view from Yokun Seat.

 Richmond Pond and the Taconics directly to the west.

 We returned via the ridgeline trail, which doesn't see as much foot traffic and hence is more overgrown.

 The walk back down the mountain was pleasant, passing by seasonal brooks and Yokun Brook along the way.  A small cascade along a babbling brook made a nice spot to stop and relax.

Hiked a little over 4 miles total on a beautiful day!