Minnewaska State Park Preserve

Minnewaska State Park Preserve occupies more than 24,000 acres along the Shawangunk Ridge in Ulster County, roughly 90 miles north of New York City. The park is defined by its sky lakes, two of which, Lake Minnewaska and Lake Awosting, sit on open quartz conglomerate ridges at elevations above 1,600 feet. The water in both lakes runs a clear, tea-brown color from the natural tannins of the surrounding pitch pine and scrub oak ecosystem. Combined with the long, smooth carriage roads that trace the ridgeline and the dramatic waterfalls tucked into the hollows below, Minnewaska draws day-hikers, cyclists, swimmers, and photographers in every season.

The Sky Lakes and Ridgeline Carriage Roads

The carriage roads are the backbone of the preserve and the primary reason most visitors come. Originally built in the late 1800s to serve a pair of resort hotels, these wide, well-graded paths now form a network of 35 miles open to hikers and cyclists, complemented by about 50 miles of footpaths for hikers. The most popular loop follows the rim of Lake Minnewaska, offering open views of the Hudson Valley to the east and the Catskills to the north. The longer carriage road route to Lake Awosting, approximately 4.1 miles one way from the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center to Awosting Beach, passes through some of the most remote and open terrain on the ridge and rewards visitors with a second swimming lake that sees far less traffic. Note that in 2026, a portion of the Lake Awosting Carriage Road is closed for restoration, though access to Awosting Beach remains open during the swim season, June 20 through Labor Day, September 7. The carriage roads are generally gentle and accessible, making them a reasonable choice for families with older children and riders on hybrid or mountain bikes.

Waterfalls and Footpath Trails

Below the ridge, a network of narrower footpath trails leads to several notable waterfalls. Awosting Falls drops roughly 60 feet into a cool, shaded gorge and is reachable via a short walk from the lower Awosting parking area near the main entrance on Route 44/55. Rainbow Falls and Stony Kill Falls are accessible by longer backcountry routes and require more effort, but both see far fewer visitors. The footpaths are rougher and often wetter than the carriage roads, with creek crossings and exposed rock faces that demand attention. These trails offer a fundamentally different experience from the ridge, moving through hemlock ravines and alongside boulder-strewn streams rather than across open sky.

Swimming at Lake Minnewaska

Lake Minnewaska has a small, sandy beach area open for swimming during the summer season, generally from mid-June through Labor Day, when lifeguards are on duty. The water is cold and clear, and the surrounding white cliffs and ridge vegetation give the setting a quality that is hard to find at more conventional swimming holes. No motorized boats are permitted on the lake. Swimming outside the designated beach area and outside of lifeguard hours is not allowed.

Sam’s Point Area

The Sam’s Point Area sits at the southern end of the park and is managed as a separate entry point. This section of the ridge is home to one of the highest dwarf pitch pine barrens in the northeastern United States and contains the entrance to Verkeerder Kill Falls and the Ice Caves, a series of deep crevices in the conglomerate rock that retain ice well into summer. Sam’s Point requires weekend and holiday parking reservations from mid-April through November 15, with the 2026 season opening April 18. Visitors arriving without a reservation during that window may be turned away, so planning ahead is essential.

Pet Policy

Leashed dogs are permitted on most trails and carriage roads throughout the preserve. The maximum leash length is six feet. Dogs are not allowed in buildings or in camping, picnic, or bathing areas, and are not permitted at beaches or on groomed cross-country ski trails when those trails are open for skiing only. The same leash rules apply at Sam’s Point. Owners are required to clean up after their dogs throughout the preserve.

Wildlife to Be Aware Of

Timber rattlesnakes live on the Shawangunk Ridge and are most likely to be encountered on sunny days near rocky ledges, open outcrops, and stone walls along ridge trails. They are venomous and should never be approached or handled. Give any snake you spot a wide berth and continue on your way. Black bears also live in the region and may be encountered anywhere in the preserve. Never feed or approach wildlife, keep food and scented items attended at all times, and carry out all trash. The park does not provide trash receptacles, so plan accordingly. Beyond wildlife, the terrain itself presents real hazards. Wet rock surfaces along cliff edges and at creek crossings on the footpath trails can be extremely slippery, particularly after rain or in shaded, mossy areas. Hiking boots with grip are strongly recommended over trail runners or casual footwear.

Practical Information

Minnewaska State Park Preserve is located at 5281 Route 44/55 in Kerhonkson, New York, with the main parking area and Lake Minnewaska beach accessible from that highway. The nearest towns with services are New Paltz, about 9 miles to the east, and Ellenville to the southwest. Weekend and holiday parking reservations are required at the Sam’s Point Area from mid-April through November 15, with the 2026 season opening April 18. Reservations can be made through ReserveAmerica or by phone. Entry is $10 per vehicle. An Empire Pass covers entry at most state parks across New York and is available in two forms: a physical one-year pass for $80 or a digital one-year pass for $72. The park is open year-round, though facilities including the beach and some restrooms operate seasonally. Winter visits on snowshoe or cross-country ski are popular when conditions allow.