Once the Pandemic hit in March, I knew that running 30 or more races including one half marathon each month would not likely happen.
I planned to continue to run hoping that the Pandemic would end but just in case, I knew that I needed an additional goal to stay active. Since I was working from home with no travel plans, I would have extra time.
In April, I decided that in addition to running, I would visit 25 trails in my area.
Before 2020, I had NO idea how many nearby opportunities there were for hiking.
I wound up enjoying my trail walks, both solo and with friends, even more than my runs.
So I made the effort to visit as many trails each week as I had time for. Both after work and on weekends.
By June, I changed my goal to 50 trails and to also re-visit the ones I liked in different seasons.
I won’t bombard you with the zillion photos I have (If you follow me on IG – dsc59 you’ve seen them all), just a few!
So here’s a list of the trails that I have visited:
- Mohawk Hudson Conservancy-
- Nature Conservancy –
- Rensselaer Land Trust:-
- Others in Albany County-
- Tawasentha Park Trails
- Thacher Park Trails
- Pinebush Trails
- Five Rivers Trails
- 6 Mile Water Works
- Moh-He-Con-Nuck Nature Preserve
- Normanskill (Stevens) Farms
- Huyck Park Preserve
- Tivoli Lake Nature Preserve
- Ann Lee Pond Preserve
- Pine Hollow Arborteum
- Vosburgh Trails
- Community Gardens Trails
- Normans Kills Ravines
- Others in Rensselaer County-
- Schodack Island Trails
- Papscanee Island Trails
- Rensselaer Tech Park Trail
- Rensselaer Tech Park Waterfall Trail
- Peebles Island Park
- Dickinson Fire Tower Trail
- Others (within an hour’s drive)-
- Lake George Conservancy-
- A few more between 1 hour and 2 hours-
- while on vacation:
- Marginal Way (ME)
- Wells Reserve at Laudholm (ME)
GRAND TOTAL = 74
That doesn’t count the times that I have re-visited many of the places. Unfortunately, a snowstorm arrived on Dec 17 and my hiking adventures ended pre-maturely.
But don’t worry. I have discovered a new love. And there are many more places that I have not hiked yet.
Since it’s Tuesday, I’m joining the link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner)
I’m also linking up here:
with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Laura Norris Running.
Happy Running! Any non-running goals or accomplishments in 2020? Please share.
My First 5K and More... 
Now I regret that I don’t live in your neighbourhood, Darlene.
I’d have a complete list with all the links to all the beautiful trails I’d explore.
Well done on reaching and exceeding your 2020 goal! It just shows that the pandemic had some bright sides to it, too.
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You know I drool at your pics. Now that I hike, I need to get back to Europe.
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73! This is incredible!! Well done Darlene. Goal smashed!
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Yes, thanks but it was one of the easiest and most enjoyable goals I have ever achieved.
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This is so cool! I have committed to hiking one trail a week (it’s what I can reasonably handle right now – most of our trails are about an hour away), and so far, it’s been great. Not all of them are super “trail”-y, but being out in nature and exploring new sights is a much needed diversion. And it’s healthy!
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Now with less daylight I only get to one a week. And with ice and snow, I’m afraid of falling so only easy ones.
It’s so important to get outside as much as possible.
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You’re still visiting preserves so i’d say it hasn’t ended. I am often hampered by dog + husband, but I feel it’s important for husband to get out there.:) I should bookmark this page.
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I wrote this post awhile ago. I didn’t think I would continue in the ice and snow. And I’m just doing the easy ones.
I go mostly by myself. Much easier that way. It’s hard to fit my schedule with my friends. The husband would hamper me for sure. Though not everyone is comfortable by themselves. The harder ones I had company. But the more I go I’m getting less fearful of getting lost or falling lol.
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I pretty much always just expect to get lost. Obviously I’m still here so I find my way eventually.
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but you don’t do long hikes or climb mountains so I think you’re ok. lol
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I have absolutely LOVED seeing all of your hiking adventures in 2020. you really visited some beautiful places and got some amazing photos. What a great way to explore outside!
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I agree. I wonder why it took me so long.
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What a great place to live with so many awesome hikes nearby! This is a great resource post for others in your community. Thanks for sharing all the lovely pictures!
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I wish I discovered these places sooner. But I guess. I didn’t need them. I hope to add more places to my list starting in the spring.
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This is fantastic, Darlene! I wish I had more options for hiking without a 30-minute drive (at the minimum) to get there. Walking/hiking is such a great form of exercise. Honestly, I didn’t fully respect it as much as I should have until after my knee surgery (2017), and walking was my main go-to until I was cleared for running.
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I really love. I hope I keep it up once the pandemic ends and races happen.
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I love to hike and have enjoyed seeing all of your photos!
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And I yours.
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Well, you certainly have access to a lot of trails!
I haven’t set any goals like that at all. I really enjoyed (and still do) exploring the local trails both here and up at the lake; it’s nice to get familiar with them and experience them through the changing seasons. I do hope to explore more of the Ice Age Trail segments this year. We shall see.
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I agree. I need to revisit them in different seasons.
The ice age trail looks beautiful.
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Wow, I know you did alot of hiking but I had no idea you’ve been to that many trails! I don’t think we have many within driving distance from me (I only know of about 3 or 4). What a great way to explore this year!
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I had to count. I am lucky. There are many more that I haven’t been to.
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I didn’t realized you had visited that many trails! Simply wow! I have enjoyed following along reading about your runs/walks and looking at the gorgeous pictures.
Thanks for linking up with us!
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I had to count. Lol. There’s so many many too.
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I loved seeing all of your trail photos last year. Sounds like adding in that new challenge and new scenery was a great stress relief for you!
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It sure was. I hope to keep it up even when this is all over.
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That’s a lot of trails! I love hiking and trail running. I would do it more but I can’t take my dog everywhere and she needs to ru too. 😉
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Most of our trails allow dogs. I see a lot of them.
I usually go alone or with a friend so I have more leeway.
There are so many more that I have not gone to yet.
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A lot of our trails allow dogs too but my dog is not very social so I rather not worry about it.
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Good idea then.
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Oh my gosh, that’s a lot of trails! What a fun idea to make a goal to hike them all.
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that’s what happens when you are stuck on the computer ALL day. I did not hike them all, there are quite a few more to hit next year. At least one good thing to come out of this pandemic.
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Those hikes look beautiful! You took full advantage of those trails in 2020!
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I tried. To be continued in 2021
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