Rounds Mountain facts for kids

Rounds Mountain is a cool peak that stands tall at about 2,257 feet (688 meters). It's part of the Taconic Mountains, which stretch across western Massachusetts and eastern New York. This mountain is special because its top, called the summit, is a "bald" area – meaning it doesn't have trees. The rest of the mountain is covered in beautiful forests with trees like maple and oak.

From the top, you can see amazing views! To the west, you'll spot the wide Hudson River Valley. To the east, you can see the Green River and Kinderhook Creek valleys near Hancock, Massachusetts. A long path called the Taconic Crest Trail, which is about 35 miles (56 kilometers) long, goes right over the mountain. Many parts of the mountain's upper areas and its summit are protected land, helping to keep them natural.

Where is Rounds Mountain?

Rounds Mountain is located in two different places at once! Part of it is in Stephentown, New York, and the other part is in Hancock, Massachusetts.

To the south of Rounds Mountain, across a valley where the Kinderhook Creek flows, you'll find Poppy Mountain. To the southeast, there's Potter Mountain. If you follow the Taconic Ridge north from Rounds Mountain, you'll reach Misery Mountain.

Water Flowing from the Mountain

The water that runs off the west side of Rounds Mountain flows into a stream called East Brook. This stream then joins the Kinderhook Creek. From there, the water travels all the way to the Hudson River and eventually reaches the Long Island Sound. The water from the east side of the mountain also flows into Kinderhook Creek.