13 Most Scenic Minnewaska State Park Trails
Minnewaska State Park is one of 180 New York State Parks spread out throughout New York. The park happens to sit along the Shawangunk Mountain ridge at 2,000 feet above sea level and is filled with rough and rocky terrain. The best way to explore the gorgeous landscape with dramatic ledges, glistening waterfalls, and dense hardwood forests is by hiking on the several Minnewaska State Park trails.
Visitors can also enjoy other fun activities from biking and horseback riding on the carriageway trails, climbing up epic cliffs, swimming in three sparkling lakes, picnicking with beautiful views of New York’s Hudson Valley, and more.
We are very fortunate to live in the Hudson Valley and can call this park our second home. In the last few years, we spent a lot of time exploring the best trails in every season to come up with this list of the top 13 Minnewaska State Park trails.
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Important Information About Minnewaska State Park
There are 2 sections to Minnewaska State Park Preserve, the main area, and Sam’s Point area. Sam’s Point is the most southern point of the park and is located on the highest part of the Shawangunk Mountains. To drive from one section to the other you have to allow at least 30 minutes.
Parking
Before heading out on one of Minnewaska State Park trails, do some research on which parking area is best for your desired trail. There are 4 different parking areas at the State Park:
Main Area
- Main Park Entrance – Lower Awosting Falls parking area, Upper Awosting Falls parking area
- Eastern Side of the Park – Peterskill parking area
- Western Side of the Park – Jenny Lane parking area
Sam’s Point Area
- Southern Part of the Park – Sams Point Preserve parking area
TOP TIP: All of the parking lots tend to fill up very quickly when it’s nice outside. Plan on arriving early to snag a spot.
Driving Distances to Minnewaska State Park
New York City – 2 hours
Albany, NY – 1 hour 15 minutes
Binghamton, NY – 2 hours
Scranton, PA – 2 hours
Danbury, CT – 1 hour 15 minutes
Newark, NJ – 1 hour 40 minutes
Need a car to get to the Minnewaska State Park trails? Pick up a rental car and start planning.
13 Can’t Miss Minnewaska State Park Trails
Minnewaska is such an amazing state park because of the diverse collection of trails for all kinds of visitors. We made a list of the most popular trails (sorted from short to long) to hike within the park. You won’t be disappointed with any of them. Just pick one or a few and get outside!
1. Awosting Falls Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.0 mile
Type of Hike: Out & Back
Elevation Gain/Loss: approximately 100 ft
Location/Parking: Lake Awosting Parking Area (The lower parking lot is closer)
Being one of the most popular features of Minnewaska State Park, Awosting Falls should definitely be on your bucket list. If you park in the lower parking area, it is an easily accessible and quick hike to a 65-foot waterfall plunging down a high cliff into Peter’s Kill Stream.
Please always stay on the trail and pay attention to the signposted near the base of Awosting Falls. Swimming into the pool is strictly prohibited.
If you are up for a longer hike, drive to the upper parking lot and hike down the Sunset Carriage Road (orange blaze marker), or combine Awosting Falls with some of the other gorgeous Minnewaska State Park trails.
How Long Does it Take to Hike the Awosting Falls Trail?
Since this is a quick and easy 1-mile trail, you should plan roughly 45 minutes to 1 hour. You will probably spend more time admiring and capturing photos of Awosting Falls than actually hiking to it.
2. Peterskill Falls Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.2 miles
Type of Hike: Out & Back
Elevation Gain/Loss: 200 ft
Location/Parking: Peterskill Parking Area
Enjoy the scenic views of the dense forest and the calming sound of the Peterskill stream on this quick and easy hike to Peterskill Falls in Minnewaska State Park.
The low elevation gain makes this trail a great option for families with young children or hikers who want to explore other trails in the park on the same day.
TOP TIP: Since the trail map and signs are not reliable, we would recommend disregarding them. Just make a left from the parking lot, passing the sign, towards the water, and follow the stream (to your left) to find the waterfall.
How Long Does it Take to Hike the Peterskill Falls Trail?
This is a pretty quick trail that only took us about an hour to complete at a leisurely pace in the wintertime.
3. Stony Kill Falls Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.5 miles
Type of Hike: Out & Back
Elevation Gain/Loss: 226 ft
Location/Parking: Shaft Road (Park next to the road)
Stony Kill Falls is one of the more hidden places in Minnewaska State Park which makes it the perfect trail for a little bit more solitude.
When you drive or walk past the gates, follow the quick and flat trail to the bottom of Stony Kill Falls. From here, you have the choice to walk up some stone steps to get to a pool where you can even wade in.
Go in early spring or after heavy rainfall to see the waterfall in its best condition.
TOP TIP: When we first tried to hike the trail, we couldn’t find a parking lot at all. Simply because there is none. You can park at the edge of the unimproved road in front of the closed gate.
How Long Does it Take to Hike the Stony Kill Falls Trail?
You should plan anywhere from 1 hour to 2 hours depending on how long you spend near the falls. The trail to the falls is fairly easy.
4. Mossy Glen Footpath Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.7 miles
Type of Hike: Out & Back
Elevation Gain/Loss: approximately 200 ft
Location/Parking: Lake Awosting Parking Area (Lower)
Even though Mossy Glen Footpath Trail is one of the shorter trails in the park, you will be able to see diverse terrain on this fun hike.
Follow the Peterskill Stream, which will guide you through lush forests and larger boulders, across wooden bridges. Watch out for small waterfalls hiding in the woods in the spring or after heavy rainfall.
You can easily connect this trail with other Minnewaska State Park trails in the area. We hiked Mossy Glen Footpath Trail as part of our trail to the Rainbow Falls.
How Long Does it Take to Hike the Mossy Glen Footpath Trail?
If you simply want to complete just the Mossy Glen Footpath Trail without continuing on other connected trails, you should plan for about 1.5 hours. We found this trail to be extremely calming and enjoyed stopping along the creek to take it all in.
5. Lake Minnewaska Loop Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.9 miles
Type of Hike: Loop
Elevation Gain/Loss: approximately 260 ft
Location/Parking: Lake Awosting Parking Area (Upper)
Lake Minnewaska is undoubtedly one of the gems in the preserve. To fully appreciate the beauty of this area, take an easy stroll around the whole lake.
On your way, you will get very close to the water, you can even take a break at the gorgeous beach, and you can stand on dramatic cliffs enjoying stunning vistas of the surrounding area.
If you want to extend your adventure, take some of these connected Minnewaska State Park trails along the loop for a full day of hiking:
- Castle Point Trail
- Millbrook Mountain
- Gertrude’s Nose Trail
- Hamilton Point
- Beacon Hill
How Long Does it Take to Hike the Lake Minnewaska Loop Trail?
We completed the loop trail in just about 1.5 hours at a leisurely pace. The trail is very easy along a gravel path so we enjoyed taking in the views and stopping along the way to look out over the lake.
6. Sam’s Point Road Loop
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 3.1 miles
Type of Hike: Loop
Elevation Gain/Loss: 275 ft
Location/Parking: Sams Point Preserve Parking Area
This peaceful, easy route along Lake Maratanza is a great choice for all ages and skill levels. After a short incline, the trail stays flat until you reach Sam’s Point Overlook. The infamous ledges offer a real wow factor with their epic views of the surrounding area.
If you can’t get enough of hiking, add the quick Ice Caves loop or even the stunning Verkeerderkill Falls to your trip.
TOP TIP: Sam’s Point Road Loop is one of the best trails within Minnewaska for wildflowers and birdwatching.
How Long Does it Take to Hike the Sam’s Point Road Loop Trail?
If you are just planning to hike the Loop Road without connecting to other trails, you should allow for roughly 2 hours to be safe. The trail follows a very easy gravel path.
7. Ice Caves
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 3.3 miles
Type of Hike: Out & Back
Elevation Gain/Loss: approximately 500 ft
Location/Parking: Sams Point Preserve Parking Area
When hiking the Ice Caves you will experience adventurous terrain which requires maneuvering through tight spaces, over massive boulders and slippery surfaces.
The name of the trail is a little misleading. Before knowing anything about this trail, we expected to see some ice formations during the hike. Due to inclement weather which leads to bad trail conditions, this trail is closed during the winter and sometimes even in late fall and early spring. Therefore, it is very difficult to see any actual ice in the caves. Nevertheless, we really enjoyed this hike and would do it again in a heartbeat.
TOP TIP: Since the terrain is very rocky and can be slippery, it is best to wear footwear that provides good support and is comfortable and closed.
How Long Does it Take to Hike the Ice Caves Trail?
Exploring Minnewaska’s Ice Cave Trail will require anywhere from 2.5 to 3 hours on average. But do keep in mind that it may take longer depending on the number of hikers and the trail condition. The path is usually slippery, so proceed with caution in certain areas.
8. Verkeerderkill Falls
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 5.9 miles
Type of Hike: Out & Back
Elevation Gain/Loss: approximately 1,000 ft
Location/Parking: Sams Point Preserve Parking Area
Another stunning waterfall in Minnewaska State Park is Verkeerderkill Falls, located in the Sam’s Point Preserve area.
The trail to the waterfall is stunning and adventurous itself. Enjoy dramatic vistas of the surrounding area while walking next to pine trees along the ridgeline. The views of the colorful trees in the fall from here are unbeatable.
There are some small rock scrambling sections on the way which were fun but our favorite part of the hike was to cross the top of the waterfall, to get to the opposite side to see the whole beauty of Verkeerderkill Falls.
How Long Does it Take to Hike the Verkeerderkill Falls Trail?
If you want to hike to Verkeerderkill Falls, plan to hike for the day. This hike usually takes around 4 to 5 hours to complete for most hikers. The trail is very scenic which makes stops along the way a must.
9. Rainbow Falls Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 6.5 miles
Type of Hike: Loop
Elevation Gain/Loss: 688 ft
Location/Parking: Lake Awosting Parking Area (Lower)
While hiking to the Rainbow Falls, you will see everything Minnewaska State Park Preserve has to offer. From wandering in lush green forests along Peterskill Stream to crossing romantic bridges, seeing dramatic views of the Catskills, and of course admiring the main attraction, the beautiful Rainbow Falls.
Even though some parts of the trail, especially the Minnewaska Carriage Roads, are easy to walk on, there are some rock scrambling sections and steep cliff areas we would not recommend for children.
How Long Does it Take to Hike the Rainbow Falls Trail?
On average the trail can be hiked anywhere from 3 to 4 hours. We needed about 4 hours to complete the hike in the winter when it was icy and slippery.
10. High Peterskill Trail
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 6.5 miles
Type of Hike: Out & Back
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,650 ft
Location/Parking: Mohonk Preserve Parking Area, Coxing Creek Parking, or Minnewaska State Park (lower parking area)
High Peterskill is a very forestry trail through swampy sections covered with planks, cute streams, and dramatic cliffs leading to a waterfall. You can also find historic remnants, like the graveyard of the Enderly’s, whose families owned farms, sawmills, and blacksmith forges in the area.
If you are interested in hiking this trail, we would highly recommend starting at the Lower Awosting Falls parking area. That will also give you the chance to add a quick 1-mile hike to the stunning Awosting Falls to your itinerary.
How Long Does it Take to Hike the High Peterskill Falls Trail?
This is a pretty decent hike and we would suggest allotting about 4 to 5 hours to complete the trail. You can extend this trail with a hike to the Awosting Falls which would add another 1 hour or so.
11. Gertrude’s Nose Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 6.9 miles
Type of Hike: Loop
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,135 ft
Location/Parking: Lake Awosting Parking Area (Upper)
For many, Gertrude’s Nose is one of the best hikes in the Hudson Valley. It is a long, moderate trail with several tough inclines but you will get rewarded with diverse terrain and stunning views.
Starting at the Upper Lake Awosting Area, you can enjoy vistas of the pristine lake, before making your way up to the main highlight, Gertrude’s Nose, an epic cliff escarpment that looks like a nose.
On your way up, you will hike through dense forests, climb up Milbrook Mountain, cross several streams and enjoy breathtaking paths along the cliffs.
TOP TIP: Watch your steps, because this trail can get very muddy and slippery.
How Long Does it Take to Hike the Gertrude’s Nose Trail?
Gertrude’s Nose is one of the more popular Minnewaska State Park trails and can usually be completed in about 5 hours, depending on how fast you hike and how many times you stop along the trail.
12. Hamilton Point and Castle Point Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 8.3 miles
Type of Hike: Loop
Elevation Gain/Loss: approximately 1,184 ft
Location/Parking: Upper Awosting Parking Area
Are you looking for a trail with more solitude? Then the Hamilton Point and Castle Point Loop are for you!
Starting at Lake Minnewaska, you will still have to share the trail with a bunch of other people but the more you make your way up to Hamilton Point, the fewer hikers you will find. Plan plenty of stops to enjoy the outrageous views from the cliffs. If you love waterfalls, also visit Rainbow Falls and Awosting Falls which altogether will make an epic day trip.
How Long Does it Take to Hike the Hamilton Point and Castle Point Loop Trail?
The whole loop will probably take you 4 to 6 hours. For the extra hikes to the Rainbow Falls and Awosting Falls, you will need at least 1.5 to 2 hours more.
13. Carriageway Circuit Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 9.2 miles
Type of Hike: Loop
Elevation Gain/Loss: approximately 1,000 ft
Location/Parking: Upper or Lower Parking Areas at Minnewaska (the trail is shorter from the upper lot)
The Carriage Circuit Trail is a combination of the Upper and Lower Carriage Roads, showcasing two incredible lakes, Lake Minnewaska and Lake Awosting. Check out their beaches, where you can take a good rest after hiking on the wide carriage roads through dense hardwood forests.
This trail offers a wide variety of activities throughout the year. From spring to fall it is a lot of fun exploring the trail and stunning vistas on a bike or a horse, whereas in the winter you can ride down on your cross-country skies and admire the breathtaking ice formations on the cliffs.
TOP TIP: Don’t forget to pick some blueberries when you get a chance to enjoy this trail between the end of July and the middle of August.
How Long Does it Take to Hike the Carriageway Circuit Trail?
The Carriageway Circuit is a long trail but mainly provides easy terrain. Therefore, we would recommend planning around 5 to 6 hours to enjoy the whole loop. Allot some more time to relax at the beautiful lakes.
What Do You Need to Hike Minnewaska State Park Trails?
Proper Hiking Footwear
Most of the time, you will hike through rough and rocky terrain in Minnewaska State Park, therefore, we would definitely recommend wearing over the ankle hiking boots. However, you may be able to get by with hiking sneakers for a few of the easier trails on gravel paths.
Comfortable Clothing
On some of Minnewaska State Park trails, you will experience some easy to moderate rock scrambling sections, so comfortable and flexible hiking clothes are a must. You will definitely want to wear clothes that stretch.
Be aware of the weather and dress accordingly. The summers can be extremely hot while the winters can be freezing.
Hiking Daypack
A daypack is essential for your hikes. Our first choices when hitting the trails are the comfortable lightweight Deuter 21L Speed Lite (for women) and Deuter 28L Trail daypacks.
Stay Hydrated and Fueled
Just like on any hike, make sure you bring lots of water with you. The higher the temperature and the longer the hike, the more liquids your body will need.
Besides staying hydrated, you also need to fuel your body by bringing snacks. You don’t want to be stuck out on the trail wishing you had something to eat. Try to pack foods that give you energy, like granola bars, nuts, or dried fruits.
Tips for Visiting Minnewaska State Park
Remember the Opening Hours
Minnewaska State Park is accessible year-round but the opening hours vary seasonally. Usually the gates to the parking lots open at 9 AM, but to be safe check the park’s website before you go.
Start Early
Especially when visiting Lake Minnewaska and Sam’s Point Preserve which experience a lot of congestion on good-weather days from spring to fall. But even in the other areas in the park, it can be difficult to find parking, since the lots are not big.
Your best bet to find a spot for your car is to enter the park a little before 9:00 AM when it opens.
If you don’t get lucky to park in Minnewaska, try to visit another nearby state park or recreation land and come back another day.
Pay Your Entrance Fee
To enjoy Minnewaska State Park trails, you have to pay an entrance fee of $10. At the main entrance (to get to Lake Minnewaska and Awosting Falls) you will purchase your ticket at the gate, at the other entrances, look out for a ticket booth or a guard shack.
TOP TIP: If you live in New York or visit it frequently, you can save a lot of money on visiting New York State Parks when purchasing an Empire Pass. The pass costs $80 dollars for access to all State Parks and the State Dept. of Environmental Conservation areas for 1 year.
Check Seasonal Closures
Check the park’s website for trail closures before heading to the park. Due to poor conditions, these Minnewaska State Park trails are usually closed throughout the winter months and in bad weather conditions:
- Gertrude’s Nose Trail
- Ice Caves (sometimes even closed in late fall and early spring)
Join Upcoming Events
You can participate in great programs in Minnewaska State Park Preserve all year long. Depending on the season, you can join a guided hike, go birdwatching, or explore more secluded areas of the park (e.g. Shingle Gully Ice Caves).
When you are a true (New York) State Park lover, you can even volunteer on the ‘I Love My Park Day’ to help repair some of the trail surfaces and define the path for hikers not to get off the trail.
Best Time To Go
In our opinion, there is never a bad time to visit the Minnewaska State Park trails. We have explored the preserve in every season and have yet to be disappointed.
Winter – Enjoy the winter by cross country skiing along the carriage roads or strap on your snowshoes and hit the trails. Some of our favorite things about Minnewaska in the winter are the fascinating ice formations along the cliffs at the carriage roads, and the frozen Awosting Falls and Rainbow Falls.
TOP TIP: In the wintertime, you will need microspikes or crampons for most of the trails.
Spring – When temperatures start to warm, the snow and ice begin to melt. With all that water roaring down the waterfall, you will find them in their best condition. On top of that, you can admire beautiful wildflowers popping out of the soil on all of Minnewaska State Park trails.
Summer – Minnewaska State Park Preserve is not just a great destination for some adventurous hikes. Relax at the park’s beaches and take a dip in Lake Minnewaska or Lake Awosting to cool off from the hot sun.
Fall – Who doesn’t know about the fascinating New York fall foliage? Admire the stunning change of the leaves from the high Shawangunk Ridge peaks across the Catskill Region.
What is your favorite Minnewaska State Park Trail? How many trails on the list did you hike?
Let us know in the comments below!
Our Other Resources for Minnewaska State Park
- Explore the Awosting Falls Trail in Minnewaska State Park
- Hike to the Unforgettable Verkeerderkill Falls in Minnewaska State Park
- Stony Kill Falls: Best Kept Secret in Minnewaska State Park
- How to Hike the Dramatic Gertrudes Nose Trail
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