First Day Hike/Snowshoe to the Snow Hole

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Start your New Year off with a hike or snowshoe on the Taconic Crest Trail.

This hike is moderate to more difficult especially if there is snow due to the length and ascents/descents along the way. See description to determine if you are physically capable of doing this hike.

Snowhole: This 6.4 mile (round trip) trail segment has a destination—a compelling crevasse that descends well into the mountain itself, with constant, year-round snow covering its floor (of course, if there was snow the previous winter).

This segment of the Taconic Crest Trail is predominately in New York State with a brief foray into Vermont. The forest is mainly northern hardwoods - sugar maple, yellow birch and American beech as well as red maple, eastern hemlock and black cherry.

The snow hole is a 50 foot deep chasm in the limestone bedrock just north of the point at which New York, Vermont and Massachusetts meet. This unusual geological feature maintains a temperature within its depths that is cold enough to sustain snow and ice at any time of the year.

The elevation change for this hike is approximately 425 feet. The change is mostly gradual, however, with several descents into the “hollows” and then ascents that reward you with wonderful views of the surrounding mountains and the valley below.

We will begin by crossing NY 2 and climbing up the steep slope to more level ground. This is the most challenging part of the trail. This hike will take approximately 5 hours.

Bring a lunch; we can take break at one of the lookouts on our trek back.

Directions: This one is very easy…. follow NY 2 to Petersburgh Pass. It is approximately 20 +- miles from Troy. The parking area is on the right at the top of the mountain. If you go around a very sharp U-Turn and start back down the mountain you have missed it. There is a sign just before the parking area warning about hikers crossing the road.

Minimum age is 8 (8-15 yrs must have a participating adult with them, 16-17 yrs must have a parent/guardian sign participant agreement but do not need to attend)

• please be dressed for the weather, we will go snow/rain or shine. Don't forget your hand and toe warmers

• Dress in layers

• wear appropriate hiking/snowshoeing footwear

• snowshoes if we have enough snow or micro spikes for ice or a light coating of snow are a must.

• please bring water, snacks and any personal medicines you may need as well as sunscreen (yes, even in the winter), rain gear, day pack and don't forget about lunch.

• camera and/or binoculars if you have them

• Dogs are not permitted at any of this group's outings.

If you have any trouble finding us, Dorothy's cell is 518-641-9660, and Kate's cell is 860-306-9627 feel free to call or text if you have questions. Cell phone coverage is spotty and in some places non-existent. Look for Dorothy's black Jeep Liberty and Kate's red Nissan Versa!