Hiking Mates of the Capital Region

It's that time to dust off your bikes and saddle up!

This will start from the Mechanicville parking point and will ride up toward round lake. This will be 6.3 miles one way with a elevation of approx 150ft. I'm guessing steady incline.
I have never done this section of the trail. It will be my first ride out so i suspect I will be slow going.
I'm guessing it will be about 45min to round lake, in the event individuals want to meet at round lake and do one way with me and one way back by themselves. Just let me know if that is what you will be doing.
The Zim Smith Mid-County Trail runs for 11.3 miles between Ballston-Spa and Mechanicville. The paved trail is considered the backbone of a growing trail system, with connections to major tech companies and hiking trails.
The Zim Smith Mid-County Trail runs between Oak St., 0.3 miles south of E. High St. (Ballston Spa), and Elizabeth Street (Mechanicville), with parking available at both endpoints.
Parking is also available at:

• 3 Curry Rd. (Round Lake) ***If you want to meet in Round Lake

I should note that you MUST wear a helmet.
Rain will likely cancel event

Hate your mom? Come on our hike this Sunday!
Love your mom? Give her a card and come on our hike this Sunday!
The hike is about 9 miles total, out and back, with about 1,800 feet of elevation gain. It includes a little bit of rock scramble so it is a strenuous hike. This is NOT a beginner hike; you should be doing regular aerobic exercise to participate. Hike should last about 6 hours. Please read the entire description (you'll be a better person for it).

Details: Combining two of my favorite hikes in the Catskills, we’ll first hike about 2.2 miles (1,175 ft of elevation gain) to the Palenville Overlook, which has the ruins of a 19th Century boarding house overlooking the Hudson Valley and some really cool stone chairs. Next we’ll hike a mile or so (with another 400 feet of elevation gain) along the Sleepy Hollow Horse trail (watch out for headless horsemen!) and then another mile along the Catskill Escarpment to Artist and Sunset Rocks, which have wonderful views of the Hudson Valley, as well as a spectacular view of North-South Lake and the Catskills from Sunset Rock. Meet at the Harding Road Trailhead Parking on the right side of Route 23A in Palenville, about ¼ mile past (West) of the Mobil Station and Post Office. Meet at 8:00 AM; HIKE STARTS AT 8:10AM. Inclement weather or plague of locust postpones. My cell 518-461-3982 if needed. As always, if carpooling, you should always contribute for gas and parking.

Dress for the weather and wear hiking boots. Expect some wet spots on the trail. Bring water, snacks, lunch. Please check yourself for ticks after the hike. No dogs please. For those interested, we will stop for something to eat at the nearby Rip Van Winkle Brewing Company after the hike if the place isn't lousy with moms.

Hiking is an inherently dangerous activity. By attending, you agree you are responsible for yourself and are hiking at your own risk. My cell is 518 4613982 if needed.

***Having experience and ability appropriate to the level of the hike is important to the safety of the group. If I message you, kindly message and text back with your responses, or you will be put on the "Not Going" list. The meetup message system has not worked very well lately, so please text (my number is above). If you use meetup messaging, I will confirm receipt; if you don’t get a confirmation from me it means I haven’t gotten your message (so then please text). I reserve the right to remove anyone from the hike. Please note: No shows, who do not contact me, will be placed on the waiting list of future hikes become full.

Use the following adventure scale rating to see what adventures are right for you!

HikingMates Difficulty Rating System:
(Length-Pace-Difficulty)
Length: A+=13 Miles or More; 1=Fast, A=8 to 12 Miles, B=5 to 8 Miles, C=Under 5 Miles
Pace: 1=Fast, 2=Moderate, 3=Slow
Difficulty: A=Very Difficult, B=Strenuous, C=Average, D=Easy
SOCIAL: Social event only... not a hiking activity.
Example Ratings:
A+1A (13+ Miles, Fast Pace, Very Difficult Terrain)
B2C (5-8 Miles, Moderate Pace, Average Terrain)

We will hike a 4-5 mile loop along the Fred Schroeder and Long Path trails from the Carrick Rd trailhead at the north end of the park. We will stop at both hang glider and high point lookouts to check out the panaramic views. Plan to be out in the woods 2-3 hours. There are a few short hills and areas of uneven terrain but overall not a lot of elevation change. Although this is a beginner hike you should be doing regular aerobic exercise to participate. Dress for the weather and wear hiking boots.

Bring water/snacks. No dogs please. Meet at Carrick Rd trailhead 10:00AM. Forecast of rain postpones the outing. My cell 322-7213 if needed.

VISCHER FERRY NATURE PRESERVE -MEET AT 8PM /HIKE Starts 815PM. .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 the weather,and hiking boots. No sneakers. Bring water, snacks. No dogs please. Also bring ,flashlight /headlamp,bugspray. 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. Please have emergency contact information in your pocket or outer pocket of your pack. 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.