Northeast Wild

  The Huyck Preserve is a non-profit research organization located in the scenic hamlet of Rensselaerville.  The preserve's 12 miles of trails are spread out over 2,055 acres and lie between 1,600' and 1,900' in elevation.  An excellent map can be found on their website (huyckpreserve.org) or picked up at the visitor center on weekdays.   The best starting-off point for the skier is at a small parking area and kiosk on Pond Hill Road across the street from Lincoln Pond.  From there, it is a short walk to the beginning of the Wheeler-Watson Trail which climbs away from the road and soon reaches a 19th century cemetery.  On a clear day, you may get a view to the Catskills before reaching the flat Race Track, an old horse-racing oval.  The Partridge Path's 3 loops are the preserve's newest trails and are ideal for skiing with plenty of ups and downs through open hardwoods with little understory  I especially love skiing the glade on the southwes...

  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...