Alander Mountain

Alander Mountain
Highest point
Elevation 2,239 ft (682 m)
Coordinates 42°05′17″N 73°30′16″W / 42.08806°N 73.50444°W / 42.08806; -73.50444Coordinates: 42°05′17″N 73°30′16″W / 42.08806°N 73.50444°W / 42.08806; -73.50444
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, 2,239 feet (682 m) is a prominent peak of the south Taconic Mountains; it is located in southwest Massachusetts and adjacent New York. Part of the summit is grassy and open and part is covered with scrub oak and shrubs; the sides of the mountain are wooded with northern hardwood tree species. Views from the top include the southern Taconic Mountains, the Hudson River Valley including the Catskills. Several trails traverse Alander Mountain, most notably the 15.7 mi (25.3 km) South Taconic Trail, which passes just beneath the summit.

Much of the mountain is located within Taconic State Park and Mount Washington State Forest; other parcels have been conserved by non-profit organizations. Primitive camping is allowed on Alander Mountain; a cabin is located near the summit and there are two hike-in campsites on the east slope within Mount Washington State Forest.

The west slope of Alander Mountain is located within Copake, New York. The point where the state line crosses the ridge next to the South Taconic Trail is, at 2,115 feet (645 m), the highest elevation in Columbia County. The summit and east side is within the town of Mount Washington, Massachusetts. The west side of Alander Mountain drains into the Preachy Hill Brook, then into the Noster Kill, Bash Bish Brook, the Roeliff Jansen Kill, thence the Hudson River and Long Island Sound. The east side drains into Ashley Hill Brook, then Bash Bish Brook and the Roeliff Jansen Kill.

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