Hike Rating: Moderate 3.36 miles ridgeline hike with 600 feet of total elevation gain with options for less.

Join DCR Interpretive Coordinator Alec Gillman on one of the most beautiful mountaintops to experience the best the Taconic Ridge has to offer…sixty five acres of wild azaleas. Berry Hill named for William Berry, a Revolutionary War veteran who owned land here is filled with the sweet smell of blooms of many varieties of the pink wild flowers and at 2,060-feet, Berry Pond is the highest natural water body in Massachusetts. We will hike the Berry Pond shoreline and then follow the Taconic Crest Trail to Tower Mountain then return on the Pine Mountain Trail to visit Tilden Swamp with its bog vegetation. Our hike will start at the dirt parking lot known as the New York Overlook with commanding views of the Catskills and Albany. Berry Hill is also a well known hawk watching site and many different varieties of wildlife can be seen here at this high elevation. Come explore this hidden gem on the New York Massachusetts border, one of our greatest State Forests filled with the most exciting trails and grand vistas!

We will hike rain or shine. As always be prepared for rocks, mud and roots, bring trekking poles and a snack! Well behaved dogs are welcome. Maps and bottled water provided. More details are on www.hilltownhikers.com . Please email [email protected] or call/text 413-302-0312 if you have any questions.