Outstanding views of New York State fom the Taconic Crest Trail high up on the ridge in Williamstown.  We hiked from Route 2 at the top of the ridge on the shepards well trail down the mountain for a car spot. The Hopkins Memorial Forest is a 2,600-acre research site operated by the Williams College Center for Environmental Studies (CES). It includes a wide variety of forest types, from recently overgrown farmland to old woodlot stands of the 19th century. Old farm roads, stone walls, and partially visible cellar holes reflect the complex human history of the property.

Much of this information is recorded in Farms to Forest, a naturalist’s guide published by the Center for Environmental Studies and available in local bookstores. (excellent read!) This book also features a “guided” tour of the ecology of the lower loop trail. Research projects are in progress throughout the forest. To avoid disturbing them, please stay on trails and do not remove stakes, flags, or other markers.

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