Northeast Wild

  Huyck Preserve Huyck Preserve: Wolf Creek Falls: Partridge Run: CROSS COUNTRY SKIING IN RURAL ALBANY COUNTY The Helderberg Hilltowns of Knox, Berne, Rensselaerville and Westerlo comprise 40% of Albany County's geographical area yet they harbor less than 4% of its population.  The Helderberg Escarpment is the major physical divide between the Hilltowns in the western part of the county and the “Flatlanders” living “below the hill” in the Hudson and Mohawk valleys.  Albany County elevations range from sea level down by the Hudson River up to over 2,100' in the Helderbergs.  While the shores of the Hudson River will receive a fair amount of snow throughout the winter, the higher elevations will receive and, more importantly to the cross country skier, retain more snow for a longer period of time.  Thankfully, there are numerous natural areas within the county, many of which are appropriate for exploration on skis. Here are 3 of my favorite wilder, ungroomed desti...

Mar 16, 2015 - PA'S (aka WINDING) FALLS. Bog River Ski Trail.  Jan 6, 2013 - PA'S FALLS ON THE BOG RIVER. 20" - much powder over a wettish base. Bridge over Round Lake Stream. S of the bridge an old road passes the sites of the "Bog River Hilton" & other camps that the state removed soon after purchasing the land eventually reaching a gate at the edge of state land - some blowdown. NW of the bridge an old road (now also canoe carry for those doing the Whitney Loop) goes up over a hill for 2 miles before reaching the bridge over the Bog River. Crossed the bridge & skied downstream a bit to the spectacular falls - lots of water dropping over 20' between icy rock walls. 6+ hours.  Dec 30, 2007 - PA'S & SPLIT ROCK FALLS, BOG RIVER on unmarked trail from Rt.30 (0.2 miles S of Rt.421). 20" in the Tupper Lake area - bit of an icy crust made for more challenging skiing. 1.5 miles on rolling hilly terrain, soon reach Bog River then follo...