jmitchell
06-10-2014, 20:54
https://www.flickr.com/photos/49239558@N04/sets/72157645105778462
Lying in the shadows of better known mountains, such as the Catskills, Berkshires, and Green Mountains, the Taconics are relatively unknown. However, these mountains have vistas that easily rival those of much higher mountains. I hiked the 16 mile South Taconic Trail (STT) recently, a rugged linear trail that follows the crest of these ridges, passing open, grassy bald summits, tunnels of laurel, blueberries, and scrub oak, and clear mountain streams. The northern trailhead begins at Route 23 near Catamount Ski Area, a small parking area is off Nicholson Rd. The trail climbed around the perimeter of the ski area, following the ski slopes in places. There were several nice views to the north. Heading south, the trail passed great views from Mt. Fray and Prospect Hill, meandering through this forests of scrub oak and laurel. Sunset Rocks were next with more fine views to the west where you can see the entire profile of the Catskills. A descent to Bash Bish Brook followed, where a side trail leads to impressive Bash Bish Falls.
A steep climb followed up Bash Bish Mountain along a small stream and ravine with cascades, and a scenic hemlock forest. The climb steepened and then a side trail lead to a vista with a great view of a beautiful farm valley. The trail followed the ridge of the mountain and gradually ascended to stunning Alander Mountain with views in all directions, from the Catskills to Mt. Greylock. The summit is largely exposed. A steep descent followed and then a long, gradual climb along an old forest grade to Brace Mountain with more amazing views from the bald summit. A paraglider was riding in the air as we approached. Clouds approached from the west. The descent from Brace offered more great views, including Riga Lake to the south. The descent off of Brace became very steep where we had to climb down exposed ledges, rivaling any of the difficult trails in the Catskills. The trail followed a small stream with many cascades. The stream trickled when we were there, but in high water it would be impressive. The trail ended in a residential area.
The STT is a beautiful trail and I'm surprised it is not more popular. The views were expansive and the bald summits rivaled anything in the Catskills. Bash Bish Falls is another amazing highlight. If you backpack this trail, bring a pack with a low profile due to the laurel and scrub oak that arch over the trail. Campsites are also limited. Water can be very limited in dry weather. And the bugs weren't bad at all.
The O's Hillsdale Country Diner in Hillsdale, NY is a great place to eat after hiking.
Lying in the shadows of better known mountains, such as the Catskills, Berkshires, and Green Mountains, the Taconics are relatively unknown. However, these mountains have vistas that easily rival those of much higher mountains. I hiked the 16 mile South Taconic Trail (STT) recently, a rugged linear trail that follows the crest of these ridges, passing open, grassy bald summits, tunnels of laurel, blueberries, and scrub oak, and clear mountain streams. The northern trailhead begins at Route 23 near Catamount Ski Area, a small parking area is off Nicholson Rd. The trail climbed around the perimeter of the ski area, following the ski slopes in places. There were several nice views to the north. Heading south, the trail passed great views from Mt. Fray and Prospect Hill, meandering through this forests of scrub oak and laurel. Sunset Rocks were next with more fine views to the west where you can see the entire profile of the Catskills. A descent to Bash Bish Brook followed, where a side trail leads to impressive Bash Bish Falls.
A steep climb followed up Bash Bish Mountain along a small stream and ravine with cascades, and a scenic hemlock forest. The climb steepened and then a side trail lead to a vista with a great view of a beautiful farm valley. The trail followed the ridge of the mountain and gradually ascended to stunning Alander Mountain with views in all directions, from the Catskills to Mt. Greylock. The summit is largely exposed. A steep descent followed and then a long, gradual climb along an old forest grade to Brace Mountain with more amazing views from the bald summit. A paraglider was riding in the air as we approached. Clouds approached from the west. The descent from Brace offered more great views, including Riga Lake to the south. The descent off of Brace became very steep where we had to climb down exposed ledges, rivaling any of the difficult trails in the Catskills. The trail followed a small stream with many cascades. The stream trickled when we were there, but in high water it would be impressive. The trail ended in a residential area.
The STT is a beautiful trail and I'm surprised it is not more popular. The views were expansive and the bald summits rivaled anything in the Catskills. Bash Bish Falls is another amazing highlight. If you backpack this trail, bring a pack with a low profile due to the laurel and scrub oak that arch over the trail. Campsites are also limited. Water can be very limited in dry weather. And the bugs weren't bad at all.
The O's Hillsdale Country Diner in Hillsdale, NY is a great place to eat after hiking.