Minnewaska State Park
Minnewaska State Park Preserve: The Sky Lakes of the Shawangunk Ridge
Perched high atop the Shawangunk Ridge, Minnewaska State Park Preserve is a dramatic landscape of sheer white cliffs, dense hardwood forests, and crystalline “sky lakes” that reflect the changing skies. Unlike typical parks, this 22,275-acre preserve feels like a fortress of nature, offering challenging terrain and panoramic views that stretch across the Hudson Valley.
Visitors are drawn here by the promise of adventure. Whether you’re hiking to the thundering 187-foot Verkeerder Kill Falls, squeezing through the icy crevices of Sam’s Point, or swimming in the cool waters of Lake Minnewaska, the park offers an experience that is both rugged and refined. Known as “The Gunks,” this area is a world-class destination for rock climbing and technical hiking.
At a Glance
- Location: 5281 Route 44-55, Kerhonkson, NY 12446 (Main Entrance)
- Size: 22,275 acres
- Entry Fee: $10 per vehicle (Empire Pass accepted)
- Open: 9:00 AM to Sunset (Year-round)
- Key Features: 4 Waterfalls, 3 Sky Lakes, Ice Caves, 50 miles of trails
- Reservation Required: YES (For Sam’s Point Area only, mid-April to mid-Nov)
⚠️ CRITICAL: The Tale of Two Hubs
Do not make the mistake of driving to the wrong entrance! Minnewaska is massive and has two distinct main entrances that are a 20-minute drive apart.
- HUB A: Main Entrance (Route 44/55) – Go here for Lake Minnewaska, Awosting Falls, swimming, and carriage roads. No reservation required.
- HUB B: Sam’s Point Area (Cragsmoor) – Go here for the Ice Caves, Verkeerder Kill Falls, and Sam’s Point Overlook. Reservation REQUIRED (April 15 – Nov 15) on weekends and holidays.
Parking lots fill up quickly, often by 10:00 AM on nice weekends. Arrive early!
The Waterfalls of Minnewaska
Minnewaska is home to some of New York’s most spectacular waterfalls. From easily accessible cascades to plunging giants hidden deep in the forest, here are the four you need to know.
1. Awosting Falls (60 ft)
The most iconic and accessible waterfall in the park. Located near the Main Entrance (Lower Parking Lot), a wide, gentle carriage road leads you to the base of this plunging 60-foot drop. The Peterskill stream roars over a massive rock shelf into a clear pool below. It’s majestic year-round, but especially powerful after rain or during the spring melt.
2. Verkeerder Kill Falls (187 ft)
Accessible only from the Sam’s Point Area, this is the highest waterfall in the Gunks. The hike is moderate to strenuous, traversing rocky terrain with scarce shade, but the reward is a breathtaking view of the water plummeting 187 feet into a rocky ravine. This is a true wilderness waterfall.
3. Stony Kill Falls (87 ft)
A “hidden gem” located in the northern section of the preserve (Shaft 2A Road, Wawarsing). Often overlooked by the crowds at the main gates, Stony Kill drops 87 feet over stratified rock. The hike is short but steep, leading to a serene pool at the top and the base of the falls below.
4. Rainbow Falls
Located near Lake Awosting, this waterfall is best seen in the wet season. In dry summers, it can trickle to nothing, but when flowing, it’s a stunning sight accessible via the Rainbow Falls Trail or Castle Point Carriage Road.
The Ice Caves
Located in the Sam’s Point Area, the Ice Caves are a geological marvel. These are not underground caverns but massive crevices in the quartz conglomerate rock. The rock falls have created a microclimate so efficient that ice and snow often remain inside well into July.
The Experience: The trail loops through these crevices, requiring you to climb ladders, squeeze through tight spots, and duck under low overhangs. Does fill the air with a distinct chill, offering a refreshing break from the summer heat. Note: The Ice Caves trail is closed in winter due to dangerous ice buildup.
Swimming at the Sky Lakes
Minnewaska creates a unique swimming experience in its “sky lakes”—acidic, crystal-clear bodies of water fed only by rain, sitting atop the ridge.
Lake Minnewaska
The crown jewel of the park. A designated swimming beach is open during the summer months (typically mid-June to Labor Day) with lifeguards on duty. The water is cool and refreshing, surrounded by white cliffs.
Lake Awosting
For the adventurous swimmer. To reach the swimming area at Lake Awosting, you must hike or bike approximately 3.5 miles (one way) from the Main Entrance. This “slab rock beach” is remote, pristine, and far less crowded than Lake Minnewaska. Lifeguards are generally on duty during peak hours.
Trail Guide: Hiking & Biking
With 50 miles of footpaths and 35 miles of carriage roads, Minnewaska caters to everyone from casual strollers to hardcore hikers.
| Trail Name | Distance (Loop) | Difficulty | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Minnewaska Loop | 1.9 mi | Easy | Views of lake and cliffs, Carriage Road |
| Awosting Falls | 1.1 mi | Easy | Waterfall, Wide path, Family-friendly |
| Ice Caves & Sam’s Point | 3.3 mi | Moderate | Ladders, Caves, Views, Unique Geology |
| Gertrude’s Nose | 6.7 mi | Hard | Dramatic cliffs, Technical footing, Best views |
| Verkeerder Kill Falls | 5.6 mi | Moderate/Hard | Documentation 187ft Waterfall, Rocky, Exposed |
Camping Nearby
Minnewaska State Park Preserve is a day-use park, meaning there are no campgrounds inside the park boundaries. However, excellent options exist nearby.
| Campground | Type | Distance | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sam Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway | Tent (Walk-in) | 5 mins | High-quality tent sites, Pavilion, Showers (run by AAC) |
| Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park | RV & Cabin | 15 mins | Family resort, Water park, Full hookups |
| Kenneth L. Wilson Campground | State Park | 35 mins | Traditional wooded sites, Dog-friendly |
FAQ
Are dogs allowed at Minnewaska State Park?
Does Minnewaska fill up?
Can I swim in Awosting Falls?
