Misery Mountain (Taconic Mountains) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Misery Mountain |
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|---|---|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,671 ft (814 m) ridge high point |
| Parent peak | 42° 39' 20"N, 73° 17' 56"W (NAD83/WGS84) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Berkshire County, Massachusetts and Rensselaer County, New York |
| Parent range | Taconic Mountains |
| Geology | |
| Age of rock | Ordovician |
| Mountain type | Thrust fault; metamorphic rock |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Taconic Crest Trail |
Misery Mountain is a long mountain ridge in the Taconic Mountains. It stretches about 6 mi (9.7 km) and has at least ten clear peaks. This mountain is found in western Massachusetts and nearby New York. The highest point of Misery Mountain is 2,671 feet (814 m) tall.
The western side of the mountain is in New York. The eastern side and its highest point are in Massachusetts. The top of the ridge has both open meadows and wooded areas. You can find trees like red spruce, balsam fir, and other hardwood trees here. Misery Mountain is famous for its amazing views of the Hudson River Valley to the west. A long hiking path, the 35 mi (56 km) Taconic Crest Trail, runs along the top of the ridge. However, it does not go over the very highest peak.
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Exploring Misery Mountain
Misery Mountain has several smaller peaks, but most of them don't have special names. One peak, however, is called Bill's Lunch by hikers. This southernmost peak is about 2,440 feet (740 m) high.
Peaks and Trails
The Taconic Crest Trail crosses some of Misery Mountain's higher points. These include an unnamed northern peak, which is 2,646 feet (807 m) tall. There's also a "false summit" that is 2,611 feet (796 m) high. This false summit is about 3,800 feet (1,200 m) west of the mountain's true highest point. Some parts of the mountain's upper slopes and summit are protected as conservation land.
Where is Misery Mountain?
Misery Mountain is located in several towns. In New York, it's in Stephentown and Berlin. In Massachusetts, it's in Hancock and Williamstown. The Taconic mountain range continues south from Misery Mountain as Rounds Mountain. To the north, it becomes Berlin Mountain. To the east of Misery Mountain is Brodie Mountain.
Water Flow from the Mountain
Water from Misery Mountain flows in different directions.
- The northwest side of the mountain drains into the Little Hoosic River. This river then flows into the Hoosic River, then the Hudson River, and finally into New York Harbor.
- The southwest side sends its water into West Brook, then Kinderhook Creek, and finally the Hudson River.
- The southeast side also drains into Kinderhook Creek.
- The northeast side's water flows into the West Branch of the Green River. This then joins the Green River, and then the Hoosic River.
