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 Reporter |
Summary: NY and MA are separated by a long mountainous ridge - the Taconic ridge. The Taconic Crest Trail runs along most of this ridge. Berlin mountain is the highest point on this trail, and also the highest point in Rensselaer County. There are many routes to the summit. For this trip, I chose Comstock Hollow. Continue walking east along the old road. The roads in this valley are unmarked so navigation can be tricky. The climb is very gentle for the first two miles. There is a hairpin turn where the road crosses a brook. There are two trails leading to the ridge from this point. The first left at the head of the hairpin curve is a steeper, but shorter route. I chose the second route which climbs steadily to the ridge. When you reach the ridge, turn left (north) on the Taconic Crest Trail (marked with white diamons). Continue for 0.9 miles to the summit which is open and flat. To the east rises Mount Greylock in MA. To the south you can see the ski slopes on Jiminy Peak. Trailhead: From Troy, take Rte 2 east to Petersburg, NY (about 18 miles). Then, turn right (south) onto Rte 22 south for 5 miles to Berlin. Turn left onto SouthEast Hollow Rd at the edge of the village. After 2.1 miles, turn left onto Comstock Hollow Rd. This is a dirt road (seasonal) and very rutted - so be careful (high clearance vehicle recommended!). Continue for about 0.5 miles to one of pull-offs on the right side of the road. Park so that you do not block the road. (Lat:42.679 Lon:-73.328) Trail Guides for Berlin mountain: Natural Areas of Rensselaer County 2nd edition by Glen Martin Editor (Environmental Clearinghouse of Schenectady) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: NYS DEC Ranger Region 4 (518) 686-5317 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by George Senft, who has posted 26 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Lupe on 11/2/2008 Hiked this trail on 11/1 with my 13-year old. We followed Comstock Hollow Rd and realized that we did not need to park on side of the road. At the last house on the left, comstock Rd. narrows out, but just up about .25 miles is a small parking lot. We followed the narrow road and did not do the "hair pin" turn, but went straight, crossed the stream (what out for rainy periods...stream can be deeper and swifter. It is small, but you will get wet feet). We saw the three forks and chose the far right one as one reviewer suggested. From there on trail was ok, but at the top, it can get confusing and markings are poor. Pay attention to where you are. The trip to the summit, is kind of steep, but pleasant. Will not do this trail again. 
Reviewed by Roone on 9/4/2007 Hiked this " unmarked" trail on Sun.,Sept2,2007 - under a nearly cloudless sky with low humidity and still air and at times a much appreciated cool breeze. I was a little confused by references to a "hairpin Turn" which to me is 180 degrees. Instead,just after crossing the tiny stream,choose the trail that is approx. 90 degrees to your right. It's an old dirt road that evolves into a steeper,tree-skid type road that climbs to the well-marked Crest Trail. Carefully note this unmarked intersection for your return to Comstock hollow! - Adding to comments from previous reviewers,from summit we could see the northern and central Catskills,perhaps even Slide Mt. Albany,NY'S 40 story Corning Tower was visible looking due west through binoculars.
Reviewed by R + E on 7/9/2007 Here's another attempt to clarify what to do at the "hairpin turn." The trail that George calls the "second route" and Tom calls the "right path" is also the continuation of Comstock Hollow Road after it crosses the creek. If you have the North Berkshire Trails map (from Williams College 2002) this road is shown and that is what you want -- this road/trail hairpins back (going south) and then turns southeast and then turns into a trail. It joins the Taconic Crest at a trail junction that is just shown as a stub of a trail on the map. It's a nice hike with good views from the top. Enjoy it! 
Reviewed by Tom on 10/5/2006 Did this hike last week on a nice fall day. The views at the top are nice - Mt Greylock is right there and you can see Jiminy Peak's trail system as well. The hike up is pretty boring and the ridge path is ok but very tame. Just to be clear, when you get to the creek where you are faced with decision on which path to take ... go right, not left. I only saw 2 options - not 3 that reviewer AG talks about. The left option is steeper and that trail ends 3/4 of the way up to the ridge. Not a good option! Go right
Reviewed by AG on 8/8/2005 If you're looking for solitude and beautiful scenery this is the hike for you. Drive up another 3/4 mile on the dirt road for a shorter hike. Pass two large fields on your right and park. To ammend the directions to the trail I took, walk straight the whole time, passing the hairpin turn to your right, until you get to a small creek. The path will split in three directions. Take the right most path (the central path is very steep and peters out to a bushwhack). After .5 miles, you will see DEC signs followed by another fork. Bear left up the mountain. The trail is moderately steep and goes partially along a ridge. It ends directly at the summit. Have fun! Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: New York Hiking, New York Trails, New York Hikes, Rensselaer County Hiking, Rensselaer County Trails, Rensselaer County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||