Hiking Mates of the Capital Region

****Not for beginners****

First we will climb Mount Van Hoevenberg via the east trail starting at the Mt. VanHoevenberg ski center ,this is a 3 to 4 mile out and back hike with 918 feet of elevation gain and a top summit elevation of 2936 feet. There are excellent views of several of the high peaks from the summit. And then drive ten minutes to hike for approximately 3 miles at Heaven Hills Nature Trails in Lake Placid. This is gently rolling ,wooded and fields.
Full winter gear required including non-cotton layers, snowshoes ,microspikes. Also bring hydration, lunch,snacks and carpool cash. Meet at the Northway exit 9 Clifton Park fire Road park-and-ride at 6:30 AM to carpool. We can go for dinner in Lake Placid or Schroon Lake after the hikes for those interested.* This is a full day if you have plans for the evening please do not attempt to attend this outing.*By attending this event, you agree that you alone are fully responsible for yourself, and that you are participating at your own risk My cell is 518-577-3566 if needed.

VISCHER FERRY NATURE PRESERVE -MEET AT 615pm /HIKE Starts 630pm. .Trailhead located on Riverview Rd , Clifton Park at Van Vranken Rd. Intersection. **Carpool if possible as parking is limited.**

OK for beginners if you do not mind hiking after dark and are capable of walking 3-4 miles with minimal elevation gain.

The location map for trailhead depicted here is accurate. Wear non cotton layers for winter weather,and hiking boots. No sneakers. Bring water, snacks. No dogs please. Also bring microspikes,snowshoes?,flashlight /headlamp. Please check yourself for ticks after the hike. By participating in this event, you agree that you alone are fully responsible for yourself and are participating at your own risk. Foul weather postpones. My cell 5185773566 if needed.

I would ask organizers or more experienced hikers attending to be available to sweep/assist if needed. Thank you.

NOT FOR BEGINNERS- You must be Doing regular aerobic exercise and in good condition in order to participate.

2 hikes located about 20 minute drive apart. Panther first then Swede.

Panther Mt ,Theriot Ave Chestertown 2.4 miles RT out and back,663 ’ elevation gain to 1500’ summit. Excellent westerly view from the summit, including the following mountains. Crane, Gore,Moxham, and Blue.

Swede Mt Firetower ,Rte 8 Hague: 2 miles RT out and back,238’ elevation gain to 1904’ summit. Great view from tower.

Winter gear needed including layers of non cotton clothes, warm hiking boots, snowshoes, microspikes, gaiters,trek poles.Bring lunch, snacks, hydration and carpool $. No dogs.

By attending this event, you agree that you alone are responsible for yourself and are participating at your own risk. Please have emergency contact information in your pocket or outer pocket of your pack.

Meet Northway Exit 9 Park and Ride 730am to carpool. Pit stop at Stewart’s Exit 25 in Chestertown on the way to Panther. We can stop for food on the way home for those interested. My cell 518-577-3566 if needed.

NOT A BEGINNER HIKE/SNOWSHOE

We will do the Hoosac Range trail to Spruce Hill as a hike/snowshoe of 5.5+-miles, out and back . 900’ elevation gain.Spruce Hill has a summit elevation of 2566' .Trail has ups and downs but mostly hiking along a ridge.

Spruce Hill summit offers views of the Hoosac Valley, North Adams, Mount Greylock, and the Green Mountains. You should be doing regular aerobic exercise to participate. Dress for winter in layers of non cotton layers and wear hiking boots. Bring traction devices, snowshoes, lunch, water electrolytes,, and carpool $. No dogs please. We can stop for food after for those interested. Meet 7am at Walmart Shopping Center 760 Hoosick Rd Brunswick to carpool - park near TrustCo Bank. Snowy/rainy weather or poor road conditions postpones the outing. Pit stop in N. Adams on way to the trailhead. Please have your identification and the name and phone number of an emergency contact on a card in the outer pocket of your pack. By way of attending, you agree that you are fully responsible for yourself and are hiking at your own risk. My cell 5773566 if needed.