The Taconic Loop & Challenge- CT, MA, NY

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The Taconic Loop is a recently-estalished route that consists of the entirety of the South Taconic Trail & a section of the AT between Jug End Rd(MA) & Undermountain Rd(CT). Current estimates put the length of the route at 45+miles & the vertical gain close to 8000'. Road connectors link the two trail segments & make up ~20% of the route:

South: osm.org/go/Zc~Pulq
North: osm.org/go/Zc~1MZX

Prior to NYNJTC's completion of the Rudd Pond Leg of the STT in 2015, the Tri-State U was the longest continuous route on this plateau. The Taconic Challenge is the completion of the Loop while observing each landowner's hours of operation. Visit taconictrails100k.blogspot.com/ for further information.

Maps:
 - NYNJTC's South Taconic Trails Map is the only publication to date that shows the route in its' entirety. A smartphone/PDF copy is available through Avenza. Printed copies are available at Bash Bish Bicycle & Taconic State Park HQ.
 - AMC's Massachusetts Trail Map #2 has most of the trails but not the recently completed STT extension.
 - BNRC published a very detailed map "South Taconic Range"- also without the STT extension. Limited copies remain at The Book Loft in Great Barrington, MA.

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Attempt history of the Loop to date:

April 22, 2017: Amy Hanlon & Curt Pandiscio completed the Loop & The Challenge- supported- in 14:39:12;

June 14(?), 2017: Scott Patnode completed the loop in 13:59:20. Scott pre-positioned two drops and was accompanied by another runner from Rte 344 to Shagroy Rd;

July 12, 2017: Stanislav Trufanov completed the loop unsupported in 12:21 or less. Stas tried timing with a stopwatch function on his flip phone and the battery died; total time was calculated from the last observed time and the first observed time on the car clock.


ACCESS NOTES:

Despite numerous access points on the route, it is recommended hikers avoid using New York- side parking lots if planning to stay out past dusk. Ticketing does occur around North East/ Millerton, NY parking lots & other Taconic State Park lots close at dusk as well. Route 23/ Nicholson Rd, AT & Jug End Rd(MA) & Undermountain Rd(CT) parking lots are accessible around the clock.