Hiking Mates of the Capital Region

**Meet at Bennett Hill trailhead.10am.Hike starts 1015am

** Hunting season, wear bright colored outer layer and/or hat, (orange preferred)

We will hike a two mile loop along the green, red, and yellow trails of the preserve, which overlooks Clarksville. We will start at an elevation of 740' and climb to 1140'. Views along the way include the surrounding countryside, the Helderbergs, and a narrow outlook at the top of the hill toward the city of Albany. Although this will be a relatively short hike of approx. 2hrs, it includes a fairly steady uphill grade and a few short steep sections on the way up. *It is not a level walk in the park.*

You should be doing regular aerobic exercise to participate. Dress for winter weather with non cotton clothes, and wear hiking boots. Also bring microspikes, water and snacks. No dogs please. Meet at the Bennett Hill Trailhead on Bennett Hill Rd, New Scotland . We can go to lunch after the hike for those interested. The map depiction shown here is accurate. Foul weather postpones the outing. By attending this event, you agree that you alone are responsible for yourself and are participating at your own risk. My cell is 518 5773566 if needed.

Start your day in Middleburgh with a short hike up Vroman's Nose.
At the top, there is an awesome view of the Schoharie Valley that is worth the effort, as well as the drive. This is a short, but sweet, hike with an elevation of about 500ft. The hike is a loop that is approximately 2 miles, and generally takes about one hour - depending on how long you linger at the top to take in the view!
There is some snow, you might want to bring spikes.

My cell 5183214681 if needed.
Link: Vroman's Nose (http://www.cnyhiking.com/VromansNose.htm)
The main trailhead for Vroman's Nose is a large parking area on Mill Valley Road in Middleburgh. There is a sign for the parking area.
By attending, you agree you are responsible for yourself and are participating at your own risk.

*Hunting season wear bright outer layer or hat
*OK for beginners, if you’re able to walk 3 to 4 miles over rolling terrain, which will be after dark.

Pine Bush Great Dune with trailhead at Madison Ave Extension Pinelands. Map of location below is accurate, click to enlarge.
Level to rolling terrain, 3-4-miles, some after dark.You should be doing regular aerobic exercise to participate. Dress for weather in non cotton layers and wear hiking boots. Bring microspikes,headlamp or flashlight , water, snacks.Check yourself for ticks after the hike. No dogs please. MEET TIME AT Trailhead Is 6pm, HIKE STARTS AT 615pm.Plan to be in the woods for about 2+-hours. **By attending you agree that you alone are fully responsible for yourself and are participating at your own risk.** My cell 5185773566 if needed.

I would ask those experienced hikers/organizers in attendance to be prepared to assist/sweep if needed. Thank You.

OK FOR BEGINNERS IF YOU ARE CAPABLE OF WALKING 3-4 MILES OVER ROLLING TERRAIN, which some will be after dark. Bring headlamp/flashlight.

Let's get together for a Holiday celebration at Saratoga Spa Park.
We will meet at the Orenda pavilion at 12 noon. There are many trails to explore the park from this pavilion.
Although the restrooms and electricity are not available for the winter, we can still use the pavilion. It has a fireplace in the center and plenty of picnic tables. Stewart's is 2 miles away if you need a restroom. Please bring a food item and/or beverage to share. We will have a generator available for crock pots and other food warming devices. This is a very large pavilion, and we will meet rain or shine. If we have treacherous driving conditions, we will reschedule.
The park closes at 4:00 pm and we have to be out of the park by 4:15. We had a great turnout last year and hope to have more this year.