Roundtrip distance: 4-5.5 miles
Elevation gain: 575 feet
Winter hike/snowshoe to the Valentino Family Community Forest (VFCF) in Cropseyville, NY. The forest is one of the many properties managed by Hudson Taconic Lands (HTL; formerly RPA), a land trust in Rensselaer County. The property is a little over 400 acres and has 5.5 miles of marked trails. How far we go depends on the winter weather. If we are lucky enough to have significant snow, we will snowshoe, completing at least the 3.5 mile loop. From the parking lot, the first part is rocky and uphill, but then mostly flat or gentle hills as the trail goes around a beaver pond and a wetland. There are a couple of slightly tricky stream crossings. On the far side of the pond, we will gently move uphill, followed by a significant climb of about 0.5 miles to “Sophie’s Knoll” and then a gentle downhill back to the parking area. If snow is minimal, we will hike with microspikes only, completing both the loop and an out and back spur trail up to 1 mile each way.
Proper winter clothing is essential (non-cotton, wicking clothing, worn in layers, and appropriate footwear). Bring water and snacks. Leader will message attendees a day or two before the event to specify whether snowshoes, microspikes or both are needed, depending on conditions. We will meet at the main VFCF parking lot on Stuffle Street, about a half mile off Route 2. I am planning for meeting at 9:30 am. Possible adjustments due to weather will be in the final message.
**Note** This is an ADK sanctioned event and signing a waiver and staying with the group during the hike are required. I hike at a moderate pace, and never leave anyone behind. This hike is not suitable for fast hikers who like to forge ahead of the group.
**To join the hike, you must enable Meetup messaging so you can receive messages for attendees about the hike.
