Alander Mountain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Alander Mountain |
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 Alander Mountain
Location in Massachusetts
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,239 ft (682 m) |
| Prominence | 272 ft (83 m) |
| Listing | |
| Geography | |
| Location | Copake, New York and Mount Washington, Massachusetts |
| Parent range | Taconic Mountains |
| Geology | |
| Age of rock | Ordovician |
| Mountain type | Thrust fault; metamorphic rock |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Alander Mountain Trail and Alander Loop Trail |
Alander Mountain is a cool peak in the southern Taconic Mountains. It stands about 2,239 feet (682 m) tall. You can find it in both southwest Massachusetts and nearby New York.
The top of the mountain has open, grassy areas and some scrubby bushes. The sides are covered with hardwood trees. From the summit, you can see awesome views of the southern Taconic Mountains. You can also spot the Hudson River Valley and the Catskills.
Many trails cross Alander Mountain. The most famous is the 15.7 mi (25.3 km) South Taconic Trail. This long trail passes just below the very top of the mountain.
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Exploring Alander Mountain
Alander Mountain is a great place for outdoor adventures. Much of the mountain is protected land. It is part of Taconic State Park and Mount Washington State Forest. Other parts are looked after by nature groups.
Camping and Trails
You can enjoy primitive camping on Alander Mountain. This means you can camp in a natural setting. There is a small cabin near the summit. You can also find two campsites on the east side. These are hike-in sites within Mount Washington State Forest.
The main trails are the Alander Mountain Trail and the Alander Loop Trail. They offer different ways to explore the mountain.
Where is Alander Mountain?
Alander Mountain sits right on the border between two states.
New York Side
The western side of Alander Mountain is in Copake, New York. The state line crosses the ridge near the South Taconic Trail. This spot is 2,115 feet (645 m) high. It is the highest point in Columbia County, New York.
Massachusetts Side
The summit (the very top) and the eastern side of the mountain are in Mount Washington, Massachusetts.
Water Flow
Water from the west side of Alander Mountain flows into several brooks. These include Preachy Hill Brook and Noster Kill. Eventually, this water reaches the Hudson River and then Long Island Sound. Water from the east side flows into Ashley Hill Brook. This water also ends up in the Roeliff Jansen Kill.
