Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Two thousand feet above the Hudson Valley, ancient quartz conglomerate cliffs ring impossibly blue lakes. These are the sky lakes—rare glacial pools perched atop the Shawangunk Mountain ridge, their waters so pure they appear almost turquoise against the white stone. Of the five sky lakes that exist in the world, three are found within Minnewaska State Park Preserve.
At nearly 24,000 acres, Minnewaska is New York’s third-largest state park—a wilderness that feels far larger than its boundary lines suggest. Over 50 miles of hiking trails and 35 miles of historic carriage roads wind through dense hemlock forests, past dramatic waterfalls, and along cliff edges with panoramic views stretching to the Catskills and beyond. Whether you’re swimming in crystal-clear Lake Minnewaska, hiking to the iconic Gertrude’s Nose viewpoint, or simply escaping New York City for a day of mountain air, this preserve offers one of the most unique landscapes in the eastern United States.
Park Fast Facts
| 📍 Location | 5281 Route 44-55, Kerhonkson, NY 12446 |
| 🗺️ Region | Hudson Valley / Shawangunk Ridge |
| 📐 Total Area | 23,974 acres (3rd largest NY park) |
| ⛰️ Elevation | 2,000+ feet above sea level |
| 🥾 Trail Miles | 50+ hiking + 35 carriage roads |
| ⭐ Google Rating | 4.5 stars (5,400+ reviews) |
| 🚗 Distance from NYC | ~90 miles (1.5 hours) |
Entrance Fees
| Season | Vehicle Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ☀️ Peak Season (May-Oct) | $10 – $15 | Weekends & holidays may be higher |
| ❄️ Off-Season (Nov-Apr) | $6 – $10 | Lower rates; some areas closed |
| 🎫 Empire Pass | $80/year | Unlimited access to all NY state parks |
Hours: Sunrise to sunset, year-round
The Sky Lakes: A Global Rarity
The Shawangunk Ridge is home to five of the rarest lakes on Earth—”sky lakes” formed when glaciers carved basins into the quartz conglomerate cap of the mountain. Three of these precious lakes lie within Minnewaska State Park Preserve, making this one of the most geologically significant landscapes in North America.
| Sky Lake | Size | Swimming? | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💎 Lake Minnewaska | ~35 acres (½ mi long) | ✅ YES (summer, lifeguarded) | Most accessible; beach area; crystal-clear turquoise water |
| 💎 Lake Awosting | ~93 acres (1⅛ mi long) | ❌ No | Largest sky lake; hiking only; pristine wilderness feel |
| 💎 Lake Maratanza | Small | ❌ No | Remote; accessed via extended hiking |
| 💎 Mud Pond (Lake Haseco) | Small | ❌ No | Bog habitat; unique ecosystem |
The fifth Shawangunk sky lake—Mohonk Lake—is located at the adjacent Mohonk Preserve and Mountain House, outside the state park boundaries.
Why Are the Waters So Blue?
The sky lakes’ stunning turquoise color comes from their unique chemistry. The quartz conglomerate bedrock creates extremely acidic, mineral-free water (pH around 4.5). With almost no algae or suspended particles to cloud the water, light penetrates deeply and reflects the sky’s blue wavelengths. The result is water clarity rivaling Caribbean seas—at 2,000 feet elevation in New York.
Top Hiking Trails
With over 50 miles of footpaths and 35 miles of historic carriage roads, Minnewaska offers trails for every ability level—from easy lakeside strolls to challenging cliff-edge adventures.
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🔵 Lake Minnewaska Loop | 1.9 mi | Easy | Carriage road around Lake Minnewaska; accessible |
| 🔵 Awosting Falls Trail | 1.1 mi (out & back) | Easy | 60-foot waterfall; most popular trail |
| 🟡 Lake Awosting Carriage Road | 7.5 mi (loop) | Moderate | Historic carriage road to largest sky lake |
| 🔴 Gertrude’s Nose Trail | 7.5 mi (loop) | Strenuous | Iconic cliff overlook! Exposed rock; panoramic views |
| 🔴 Castle Point & Hamilton Point Loop | 9.5 mi | Strenuous | Best views in park; cliffs; full-day adventure |
| 🟡 Beacon Hill Trail | 2.5 mi | Moderate | Fire tower summit; 360° views to Catskills |
Gertrude’s Nose: The Signature Hike
The Gertrude’s Nose Trail is Minnewaska’s crown jewel—a 7.5-mile loop that traverses exposed cliff edges with views stretching across the Hudson Valley to the Catskill Mountains. The trail follows the dramatic white cliffs, with the final destination a rocky promontory jutting over a 200-foot drop. This is classic Shawangunk hiking at its finest.
⚠️ Trail Warning: Gertrude’s Nose involves exposed cliff edges and rocky terrain. Not suitable for children, those with fear of heights, or in wet/icy conditions. Allow 4-5 hours for the full loop.
Awosting Falls
The 60-foot Awosting Falls is Minnewaska’s most visited natural feature—and easily accessible via a short, mostly flat trail from the parking area. The waterfall plunges over a sheer rock face into a boulder-strewn pool below.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 📏 Height | 60 feet |
| 🥾 Trail Distance | 1.1 mi round trip |
| ⬆️ Difficulty | Easy (mostly flat carriage road) |
| 💧 Best Flow | Spring (snowmelt) or after heavy rain |
| 🏊 Swimming | NOT allowed at falls |
Swimming at Lake Minnewaska
Lake Minnewaska is one of the few places in New York where you can swim in a sky lake—a truly unique experience. The small beach area offers summer swimming with lifeguards on duty.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 📅 Season | Late May – Labor Day (weather dependent) |
| 🛟 Lifeguards | Yes, during posted hours |
| 🌡️ Water Temp | Cool even in summer (mountain elevation) |
| 🛶 Kayaking | Permitted in designated area |
| 🐕 Pets | NOT allowed in swimming area |
Carriage Roads: Historic Pathways
The 35 miles of historic carriage roads at Minnewaska date back to the 1800s when the Shawangunk Ridge hosted grand resort hotels. Today, these wide, graded paths offer some of the easiest hiking in the park—perfect for families, beginners, and those seeking accessible wilderness experiences.
| Activity | Allowed on Carriage Roads? |
|---|---|
| 🚶 Hiking | ✅ Yes |
| 🚴 Mountain Biking | ✅ Yes (designated roads only) |
| 🐕 Dogs | ✅ Yes (leashed) |
| 🐎 Horseback Riding | ✅ Yes (designated areas) |
| ⛷️ Cross-Country Skiing | ✅ Yes (winter) |
Seasonal Activities Guide
| Season | Best Activities | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🌸 Spring (Apr-May) | Waterfall viewing, wildflowers, hiking | Best waterfall flow; trails may be muddy; no swimming yet |
| ☀️ Summer (Jun-Aug) | Swimming, hiking, cliff views, biking | Peak season; arrive early on weekends |
| 🍂 Fall (Sep-Nov) | Fall foliage, hiking, photography | Spectacular colors mid-October; less crowded |
| ❄️ Winter (Dec-Mar) | Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice viewing | Frozen sky lakes; some roads may close |
Wildlife
The preserve’s diverse habitats—from pitch pine barrens to hemlock forests to cliff-edge ecosystems—support a remarkable variety of wildlife.
| Animal | Where | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🦌 White-tailed Deer | Forest edges, meadows | Common throughout park |
| 🐻 Black Bear | Remote forest areas | Sightings increasing; store food properly |
| 🦅 Peregrine Falcon | Cliff faces | Nesting on Shawangunk cliffs; trail closures may occur |
| 🐍 Timber Rattlesnake | Rocky areas, cliff edges | Stay on trails; give wide berth |
| 🦃 Wild Turkey | Forest edges | Common; often seen on carriage roads |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Minnewaska’s lakes so special?
The “sky lakes” of Minnewaska are among the rarest lakes on Earth—only five exist worldwide, and three are in this preserve. Formed by glaciers carving into quartz conglomerate bedrock atop the Shawangunk Ridge, these lakes sit over 2,000 feet above sea level. Their extremely pure, acidic water creates the stunning turquoise color visitors marvel at.
Can you swim in the sky lakes?
Yes, but only in Lake Minnewaska—the most accessible of the three. A small beach with lifeguards operates from late May through Labor Day. Swimming is NOT permitted in Lake Awosting or at Awosting Falls. The water remains cool even in summer due to the mountain elevation.
Is Gertrude’s Nose hike dangerous?
Gertrude’s Nose involves exposed cliff edges with significant drops. While the trail is well-marked, sections traverse open rock with no barriers. It’s not suitable for young children, those uncomfortable with heights, or in wet/icy conditions. Allow 4-5 hours for the 7.5-mile loop and wear sturdy hiking boots.
Are dogs allowed at Minnewaska?
Dogs are permitted on carriage roads only (not hiking trails) and must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Dogs are NOT allowed in the swimming area, on footpaths, or at Awosting Falls. The carriage roads offer plenty of dog-friendly exploration.
How crowded does the park get?
Minnewaska is extremely popular, especially on summer weekends and fall foliage weekends. The parking lot often fills by mid-morning (10-11 AM) and may close temporarily to new arrivals. Arrive before 9 AM on peak days, or visit on weekdays for a more peaceful experience.
What’s the best time for fall foliage?
Peak fall color at Minnewaska typically occurs in mid-October, though the elevation causes colors to peak slightly earlier than the valley below. The combination of cliffs, sky lakes, and autumn colors makes this one of the most photographed landscapes in New York State.
Plan Your Visit to Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Experience New York’s sky lake paradise—nearly 24,000 acres of cliffs, waterfalls, and three of the world’s rarest lakes, just 90 minutes from the city.
📍 Address: 5281 Route 44-55, Kerhonkson, NY 12446
🌐 Official Website: NY State Parks – Minnewaska
📞 Park Office: (845) 255-0752
