Snowshoeing Berlin Mountain, Taconic Crest Trail – 2.6.2021

Looking to explore something different? Check out the Taconic Crest Trail. Located on the border of NY and MA, the Taconic Crest Trail is only 45 minutes outside of Albany. It is not an area I have explored very much but hope to do more hiking here soon!

The Taconic Crest Trail is a 37 mile long hiking trail that winds through NY, VT and MA with some gorgeous views along the way. 

Last weekend, Jordan and I met our friend at the Berlin trailhead to do some snowshoeing, while our friend was planning on backcountry skiing.  We hiked up the side of the mountain, following skin tracks (not an actual marked trail, even though there were plenty of trails we could have followed), eventually arriving at the ridge, the Taconic Crest Trail, which we followed until we reached the summit of Berlin Mountain. It was a winter wonderland up there! With signs that were designated for skiing trails, it is a popular place for backcountry skiers. 

I had originally wanted to hike back down to the parking lot via the Crest Trail and the Berlin Pass trail, but we hiked down the main ski trail, which was probably the wrong decision because it was super steep and meant for skiing, not snowshoeing. It was probably rated around a double black diamond—definitely not fun for snowshoeing. However, the views were outstanding! 

I plan on going back soon to check out the “snow hole”, a deep crevasse that can maintain snow inside throughout the warmer months, and Mount Raimer, another mountain close by. 

Berlin Mountain via Taconic Crest Trail (backcountry ski route)
Distance 3.2 miles
Ascent 1242’
Total time 2 hrs, 51 minutes (relaxed pace)

Find the hiking route information here: [https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-york/berlin-mountain] as I don’t recommend snowshoeing down the ski trail.