Shawangunk Trails

Besides the thirty-five 3500 foot peaks in the Catskills, there are many other smaller mountains to climb. In addition, there are hundreds of miles of trails to hike. There are also MANY other places to hike also. I have divided the Trails section into list of All Trail, the Catskills, the Shawangunks, Bear Mt/Harriman, East Hudson, West Hudson, New Jersey and Other Trails. The All Trails list is almost 250 different trails and may load slowly on your computer. The "divided" list should load more quickly.

You can view all the Shawangunk Trails here.

Clicking on will bring up an index of trails. Clicking on will return you to the top of the page.

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Minnewaska: Castle Point - Hamilton Point

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	8.6 mi	1083 ft	MSR Maps	GPSies

Park at the parking lot in Minnewaska State Park on NY 55 just outside of Gardiner and New Paltz. The cost is $6. Walk toward the lake and follow the red blazed Minnewaska Carriageway. Ignore the first junction with the Upper Awosting Carriageway and continue to the blue blazed Castle Point Carriageway. Turn right here where a sign marks the way. The carriageways are not in good shape for carriages but allow hikers to make excellent time. Watch for the views along the way. Looking to your left you will shortly see Patterson's Pellet. In a little while the ledges and cliffs that make up the Gertrude's Nose Trail and Gertrude's Nose itself come into view. Stay on this until carriageway as it slowly ascends to Castle Point. The views along the way are nice but those from the Point are superb. As you continue on the aqua blazes of the Long Path can be found along with the blue blazes you have been following. The trails run concurrently for some time as they snake through Battlement Terrace. From the Terrace the view of Lake Awosting is magnificent. The lake is very blue and about 1.5 miles long. The trail passes beneath the imposing rocks of the Terrace and meets the yellow blazed Hamilton Point Carriageway. The aqua blazes continue almost straight ahead as the Long Path breaks off here. At this point the carriageway turns left to Hamilton Point or right toward Lake Awosting. You can make several choices here depending on your conditioning and the time you have. Turn right on the carriageway and descend gradually until an unmarked trail turns off to the left. The trail is obvious but there are no signs or blazes. This trial leads to the Wolf's Jaw were impressive slabs of rock hang over the trail. This short spur trail meets the Long Path again as it descends from the Hamilton Point Carriageway. Turn left on this trail and cross a small creek. You will start to ascend back toward the Carriageway. You reward for taking this route is The Tunnel. This is an area where the rocks have cracked and others have fallen on top of them forming a sort of "tunnel". The passage is narrow particularly with a full pack! After The Tunnel is a low rock overhang. The trail then ascends back to the yellow blazed Hamilton Point Carriageway where you should turn right. The trail descends some and them climbs to Hamilton Point which gives more spectacular views of the ravines below and the ridges on the others side. Continuing along there are more views especially at Echo Rock. Shortly after this the carriageway meets The Millbrook Mountain Carriageway. Continue on the yellow blazes until they meet the red blazed Minnewaska Lake Carriageway. Turn left an continue on around the lake back to the parking area.

Minnewaska: Gertrude's Nose and Millbrook Mountain

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	6.5 mi	1177 ft	MSR Maps	GPSies

Park at the parking lot in Minnewaska State Park on NY 55 just outside of Gardiner and New Paltz. The cost is $6. Walk toward the lake and follow the red blazed Minnewaska Carriageway. Ignore the first junction with the blue blazed Castle Point Carriageway and continue to the junction with the yellow blazed Millbrook Mountain Carriageway. Along the way watch for Patterson's Pellet, a large glacial erratic which is rather famous. It has its own sign! Stay on this until the red blazed Gertrude's Nose trail leaves to the right. Be prepared for a more difficult hike as this is a trail and it starts to rise and fall almost immediately. Within less than a mile you will be at Gertrude's Nose. Continue on the red trail as it follows the cliff face and warps around onto Millbrook Ridge. In slightly more than a mile you will be on the highest point of the ridge, Millbrook Mountain. At this point you can follow the yellow blazed Millbrook Mountain Carriageway back. Watch for the red blazed Millbrook Mountain Trail as it turns left or north. This trail is often wet especially when it has rained. You may feel like you are hiking down a stream bed until you cross Coxing Kill and start to ascend again. The ascent is rather long and steep at times. The last part of the trail parallels the outlet of Lake Minnewaska. At the end of the trail turn right on the red blazed Minnewaska Carriageway. Follow this "road" as it winds its way around the lake and back to the parking area. There are several nice viewing areas overlooking the lake including a gazebo set high on a rock ledge. There is also a small wooden arch bridge that passes over another part of the carriageway.

Minnewaska: Lake Awosting and Mossy Glen

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	9.8 mi	1263 ft	MSR Maps	GPSies

Park at the Lake Minnewaska lower parking area on Routes 44/55. Walk to the end of the parking area to pick up the Lower Awosting Carriageway. This extends 2.75 miles to the shores of Lake Awosting where it meets the Lake Awosting Carriageway. Turn left and continue on the carriageway passing the junction with the green Upper Awosting Carriageway on the left. This allows you to visit the best viewpoints over Lake Awosting to the west and north. The views extend all the way to the Catskills. The lake extends about 1.1 miles to the west. The high acidity prevents most flora and fauna from inhabiting the lake. As you walk around the lake a ranger's cabin appears on the right side of the path. The carriageway rises as you continue. This allows good views of the rocky "beach" on the opposite shore. Return to the junction and take the Upper Awosting Carriageway east for about 1.4 miles watching for the Blueberry Run Trail where it crosses the Carriageway. Turn left, walk a short distance and then turn right on the Mossy Glen Trail. This trail runs along the Peters Kill and will take you back to the Lower Awosting Carriageway in about about 1.2 miles. Walk back to the car.

Minnewaska: Lake Minnewaska to Lake Awosting

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	9.9 mi	1150 ft	MSR Maps	GPSies

Park at the Lake Minnewaska upper parking area on Routes 44/55. Walk to the upper end of the lake and turn right toward the western shore of the lake. After walking down the hill, turn right onto the green blazed Upper Awosting Carriageway. There are many other possible carriageways and trails to use to get to the lake. After about 3.5 miles, the black blazes of the Lake Awosting Carriageway will become evident. Along the way several interesting landmarks can be seen and several trail options exist. At about 3.0 miles there is a lookout that gives a view of Rainbow Falls. The "falls" is simply a cataract off a cliff and the volume of water determines how impressive it is. In the same area the Long Path heads off to the right down to the base of the falls and on to the Lower Awosting Carriageway. Turning left on the long path as it crosses the Upper Awosting carriageway will take you up onto Litchfield Ledge but this makes getting to the lake more difficult. On the carriageway you will pass under the Ledge and can see the impressive rock cliffs rise above you.

When the black blazes appear, turn right (north) and Lake Awosting will appear very shortly. The lake extends about 1.1 miles to the west. The high acidity prevents most flora and fauna from inhabiting the lake. As you walk around the lake a ranger's cabin appears on the right side of the path. The carriageway rises as you continue. This allows good views of the rocky "beach" on the opposite shore. As you round the western end of the lake keep a sharp eye out for the aqua blazes of the Long path on the right. There is no sign and the first few blazes are very faint! Turn left and the top of the path and then right at the next "junction". You will be headed for Murray Hill which appears in about .5 miles. From here views to the west reveal the Sam's Point Preserve. To the west are Margaret Cliff, Castle Point and Hamilton Point. Continue on the Long Path for about 1.5 miles and pass by Margaret Cliff which has similar views to Murray Hill. Be prepared for a steep descent into the ravine below over a rocky trail. From the bottom the Long Path again begins to ascend toward the Hamilton Point Carriageway. The total distance is about a mile but along the way there are several interesting formations. Just before crossing the stream at the bottom of the ravine, an unmarked trail goes to the left. A short distance up this trail is the Wolf's Jaw where a rock formation hangs over the trail. Continuing on the Long Path brings you to The Tunnel. Here cracks in the rocks have been given a rock "roof" forming a short but narrow tunnel. After The Tunnel, the Long Path continues its ascent (steep at times) up to the Hamilton Point Carriageway.

This carriageway leads back to the parking area. The distance is about 4 miles and it offers some good views and several attractions such as Echo Rock. After several hundred feet on the carriageway, the Long Path turns left, enters the woods and approaches the base of the cliff that is Castle Point. The Long Path works its way up to this upper level through a series of ledge and foot and hand holds. Some are more challenging than others! From castle Point the views of Lake Awosting, Sam's Point, Gertrude's Nose and the other surrounding features is truly impressive. After taking in the view, continue on the blue-blazed carriageway back to Lake Minnewaska and the parking area. This is a distance of about 4 miles most of which is downhill. This is good since you are now in your ninth mile of the hike.

Minnewaska: Millbrook Mountain from Lake Minnewaska

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	6.2 mi	1090 ft	MSR Maps	GPSies

Park at the main parking area for Lake Minnewaska State Park. Walk to the lake and down the Lake Minnewaska Carriageway to the left. Continue on the carriageway as it runs along the western shore of the lake. At the southern end of Lake Minnewaska watch for the red Millbrook Mountain Trail heading south. Over the next .7 miles the trail descends over 350 feet to The Coxing Kill. It then start to ascend up to Millbrook Mouton gaining back the 350 feet in .5 miles. At this point you may walk out along the ridge on the Gertrude's Nose trail for a bit for more spectacular views. Return to Millbrook Mountain and turn onto the yellow Millbrook Mountain Carriageway which initially heads west and south but then loops around to head northeast back to the lake. The carriageway is almost flat gaining a little over 125 feet in 2.8 miles before descending back to the lake. Be sure to take a look at Patterson's Pellet, a large glacial erratic, along the way.

Minnewaska: Millbrook Mountain from the Trapps

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	7.9 mi	1100 ft	MSR Maps	GPSies

WARNING: The Town of Gardiner appears to be issuing parking tickets for cars parked at The Trapps lot for longer than a half hour.

Park at the Trapps parking area on Route 44/55 or, as an alternative, park at the Mohonk Preserve Visitor's Center or the paid parking lot west of the iron bridge. Walk to the iron bridge and head up to the left to the carriageway. After a few hundred feet turn left and up the ridge on the Millbrook Mountain Trail. The trail has a few ups and downs over the next 2 miles but the main attraction are the views from several spots along the ridge. Over the next .8 miles the trail climbs 470 feet to Millbrook Mountain but the views are even more spectacular! Technically at this point you are at the point marked as Millbrook Mountain but there are more views ahead if you stay on the trail for another .7 miles. When you return to Millbrook Mountain, you can simply retrace your path to the parking area but this is a little boring. Turn north on the red Millbrook Mountain Trail and start to descend. In the middle of this descent watch for the blue Coxing Kill Trail on the right. Turn onto this trail which descends for 1.75 miles until it meets the Trapps Road. You may want to avoid this trail in wet weather as the lower part can be very wet. Turn right on the Trapps Road which will return you to the iron bridge in about 1 mile.

Minnewaska: Millbrook Ridge and Gertrude's Nose (Loop)

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	9.7 mi	1490 ft	MSR Maps	GPSies

WARNING: The Town of Gardiner appears to be issuing parking tickets for cars parked at The Trapps lot for longer than a half hour.

Park at the Trapps parking area on Route 44/55 or, as an alternative, park at the Mohonk Preserve Visitor's Center or the paid parking lot west of the iron bridge. Walk up to the Bridge and follow the "To Trails" signs. Look for the blue blazes for the Millbrook Ridge Trail on your right after a VERY SHORT distance. This trail ascends Millbrook Ridge and heads toward the highest point called Millbrook Mountain. You will pass several intersecting trails on your right, most notably Bayard's and Millbrook Mountain Trail. Keep to your left on the ridge and continue following the blue blazes for about 2.7 miles. Stop to take in the wonderful views of the valleys and mountains beyond. The walk is sometimes along the cliff edge and at other times through the forest further in from the ridge line. As you get closer to Millbrook Mountain the ascent becomes steeper and more difficult as it traverses rocky outcroppings. You may be fooled several times into thinking you are at the top! At the intersection of the Millbrook Ridge Trail and the red Millbrook Mountain Trail is the highest point on the ridge, Millbrook Mountain. The Millbrook Mountain Carriageway also meets these trails at this point. The maps indicate that the Gertrude's Nose Trail starts here with red blazes. The blue blazes actually continue with few if any red blazes until you reach the Nose. You will hike for about another 1.7 miles until the trail opens onto a exposed rock face.

Gertrude's Nose is an amazing rock formation with deep cracks and spectacular views of the surrounding valley and mountain ranges. There are easier ways to get to the Nose but the Millbrook Ridge is the most fun! Follow the red blazes as they lead you past many steep dropoffs and some additional cracks and crevices. Be careful as many of the cracks are deep and wide enough to accommodate a person! The walk along the exposed rocks continues for about .5 miles as the trail descends slightly to a small ravine before climbing again. The climb involves several short but sometimes steep areas and ends at the yellow blazed Millbrook Mountain Carriageway after about .5 miles. Turning left here will take you on a longer route to Patterson's Pellet overlooking Lake Minnewaska and almost to the shores of the lake itself. It then joins the Millbrook Mountain Trail. This is definitely the LONGEST way back so TURN RIGHT on the carriageway to ascend Millbrook Mountain again. This time the ascent is very gentle compared to the last time! At the top turn left onto the red blazed Millbrook Mountain Trail. Watch for the blue blazes of the Coxing Trail on your right in less than .2 miles. This trail is often wet after it rains and you may want to return the same way you came up on the Millbrook Ridge Trail. Follow the Coxing Trail for 1.6 miles until it meets Trapps Road. Turn right here on this wide carriageway and walk 1.0 miles back to the bridge. From here walk down the shoulder of Route 55 to the parking area.

Minnewaska: Millbrook Ridge and Gertrude's Nose (Out and Back)

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	9.7 mi	1632 ft	MSR Maps	GPSies

A variation of this hike is to stay on the Millbrook Ridge Trail when you arrive at Millbrook Mountain. This adds about 150 feet to the climbing distance and .1 miles to the hike. It is drier than the Coxing Trail in wet weather. Descending Millbrook Mountain can be challenging because of the sometimes steep descents on the open rock faces.

Park at the Trapps parking area on Route 44/55 or, as an alternative, park at the Mohonk Preserve Visitor's Center or the paid parking lot west of the iron bridge. Walk up to the Bridge and follow the "To Trails" signs. Look for the blue blazes for the Millbrook Ridge Trail on your right after a VERY SHORT distance. This trail ascends Millbrook Ridge and heads toward the highest point called Millbrook Mountain. You will pass several intersecting trails on your right, most notably Bayard's and Millbrook Mountain Trail. Keep to your left on the ridge and continue following the blue blazes for about 2.7 miles. Stop to take in the wonderful views of the valleys and mountains beyond. The walk is sometimes along the cliff edge and at other times through the forest further in from the ridge line. As you get closer to Millbrook Mountain the ascent becomes steeper and more difficult as it traverses rocky outcroppings. You may be fooled several times into thinking you are at the top! At the intersection of the Millbrook Ridge Trail and the red Millbrook Mountain Trail is the highest point on the ridge, Millbrook Mountain. The Millbrook Mountain Carriageway also meets these trails at this point. The maps indicate that the Gertrude's Nose Trail starts here with red blazes. The blue blazes actually continue with few if any red blazes until you reach the Nose. You will hike for about another 1.7 miles until the trail opens onto a exposed rock face.

Gertrude's Nose is an amazing rock formation with deep cracks and spectacular views of the surrounding valley and mountain ranges. There are easier ways to get to the Nose but the Millbrook Ridge is the most fun! Follow the red blazes as they lead you past many steep dropoffs and some additional cracks and crevices. Be careful as many of the cracks are deep and wide enough to accommodate a person! The walk along the exposed rocks continues for about .5 miles as the trail descends slightly to a small ravine before climbing again. The climb involves several short but sometimes steep areas and ends at the yellow blazed Millbrook Mountain Carriageway after about .5 miles. Turning left here will take you on a longer route to Patterson's Pellet overlooking Lake Minnewaska and almost to the shores of the lake itself. It then joins the Millbrook Mountain Trail. This is definitely the LONGEST way back so TURN RIGHT on the carriageway to ascend Millbrook Mountain again. This time the ascent is very gentle compared to the last time! At the top the red blazed Millbrook Mountain Trail turns left. Continue straight ahead on the MillbrookRidge Trail and hike 2.7 miles back to the iron Bridge. From here walk down the shoulder of Route 55 to the parking area.

Minnewaska: Peters Kill from Jenny Lane

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	6.3 mi	1030 ft	MSR Maps	GPSies

Park at the Jenny Lane parking area on Routes 44/55 on the left just before the main entrance to the park heading toward New Paltz. Walk down the road and follow the blazed trail for about a mile where the trail comes out to the road. This is where the High Peters Kill Trail begins. This trail follows the ridge along the Peters Kill as it works its way down to the stream. Along the way there will be views to Mohonk and beyond. You may be able to hear the stream at times and catch a glimpse of it below. The walk along the trail is a little less than two miles and drops 600 feet before crossing a bridge. The trail continues along the Peters Kill but another option is to bushwhack up the stream bed and along the banks. This is the best way to take in all the interesting sites. There are several small falls with two of the larger ones near where the stream crosses under the road about 1.4 miles from the bridge you crossed. The last falls has the highest drop but the volume is usually small. A little below this at the penultimate falls there is an old power generation plant. Still visible are the wooden pipers and some of the controls can be seen inside the building. When you reach the road cross over to the Awosting Falls Carriageway. Within half a mile from the road, you will be at the falls. Follow the carriageway up to the main gatehouse. You may walk the trail back to the car or simply use the road.

Minnewaska: Stony Kill Falls

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	1.2 mi	218 ft	MSR Maps	GPSies

Begin on Route 44/55 that runs from Route 209 toward Gardiner and New Paltz. Watch for the sign for the Hudson valley Resort. Across from this sign turn onto Minnewaska Trail. Quickly make a left turn onto Rock Haven Road. Follow this road until it narrows and the pavement deteriorates. Turn left on Shaft 2A Road. Drive to the end and park by the gate. Notice that parking is VERY limited. Do NOT park others in! Go around the gate and head down the dirt road. Notice the fenced in area on the right. This is Shaft 2A which is an access shaft to the aqueduct that carries water from the mountains to New York City. Across from the shaft is an old helipad. Con tune walking through the abandoned slate quarry toward the opposite side. At this point any "formal" trail ends but you will be on the banks of the Stony Kill. Turn right and pick your way upstream. You may cross the stream at several points. Within minutes you can hear and then see the Stony Kills Falls. The water drops over 80 from the top of a cliff to a pool below. The volume varies with the season and the rainfall but at any time it is still beautiful. Explore the bottom of the falls and the pool. be careful since the rocks can be slippery from being wet, being icy, or being covered with moss. When you are done exploring, retrace your steps to the car

Minnewaska: Three Falls on the Peters Kill (Minnewaska Parking)

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	3.6 mi	680 ft	MSR Maps	GPSies

Park at the Lake Minnewaska lower parking area on Routes 44/55. Walk back to the gatehouse and turn right. Cross the small bridge on the road which spans the Peters Kill. Turn left on the Awosting Falls Carriageway. Within half a mile from where you parked, you will be at the falls. Follow the carriageway down to the base of the falls for an even more impressive view! Continue on the carriageway until you can see the stream going under Routes 44/55. At this point cross the road and follow the stream. You will almost immediately be at Sheldon Falls. Continue along the south and east side of the stream. There is no trail for some time but several paths are obvious. In about .2 miles you will see the ruins of a stone building. This is an old power plant. At some point, depending on your individual route, you will pick up a red-marked trail. About .2 miles passed the power plant is Peters Kill Falls. The red trail turns to a yellow one for a short distance and this ends at the blue-blazed High Peters Kill Trail. Cross the bridge here and get ready for a 400 to 500 foot climb onto the ridge. The climb is eased by many twists and turns. Continue on this trail back to the parking area. The total distance from the bridge to the parking area is about 1.6 miles.

Minnewaska: Three Falls on the Peters Kill (Peters Kill Parking)

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	4.6 mi	980 ft	MSR Maps	GPSies

A slightly different approach to this same loop is shown here. Park at the Peters Kill parking area on Routes 44/55. Walk back to the picnic area and go straight ahead on the red blazed Peters Kill Loop Trail. Descend a rather long steep hill to the Peters Kill. As you start your walk you will notice "Climbers Only!" areas to the right and left. Look ahead as you descend the hill for a nice view of the distance peaks and ridges. At the base of the hill turn right on a yellow blazed trail. Follow this along the Peters Kill until it intersects with the blue blazed Peters Kill High Trail. Turning right leads to the Lost City which is a series of high stone monoliths that are a favorite of climbers. Cross the bridge here and get ready for a 400 to 500 foot climb onto the ridge. The climb is eased by many twists and turns. Continue on this trail back to the parking area. The total distance from the bridge to the lower Minnewaska parking area is about 1.6 miles. Be sure to take in the views of the opposite rim of the gorge. When the leaves are few the Peters Kill sometimes can be spotted below. A view of the Trapps also presents itself at one point. Cross Routes 44/55 with great care and enter the lower Minnewaska parking area. Follow the road to the gatehouse and turn right. Cross the small bridge on the road which spans the Peters Kill. Turn left on the Awosting Falls Carriageway. Within half a mile , you will be at the top of the falls. Follow the carriageway down to the base of the falls for an even more impressive view! Continue on the carriageway until you can see the stream going under Routes 44/55. At this point cross the road and follow the stream. You will almost immediately be at Sheldon Falls. These falls are a series of cascades over some well-worn rock formations. Continue carefully picking your way along the south and east side of the stream. There is no trail for some time but several paths are obvious. The rocks may be slippery at times and several areas require some balance and jumping (landing) ability. In about .2 miles you will see the ruins of a stone building. This is an old coal-fired power plant. At some point, depending on your individual route, you will pick up a red-marked trail. About .2 miles passed the power plant is Peters Kill Falls. The red trail then meets up with the red-blazed trail back to the parking area.


Minnewaska: Tunnel Loop

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	7.8 mi	1364 ft	MSR Maps	GPSies

Park at the Lake Minnewaska upper parking area on Routes 44/55. Walk to the upper end of the lake and turn right toward the western shore of the lake. After walking down the hill, turn left and walk on the carriageway around the lake. Pass the turn to the Upper Awosting Carriageway(green)) and the next one to the Castle Point Carriageway (blue). At the next Y in the path turn right onto the yellow-blazed Hamilton Point Carriageway. Continue on this path and you will pass Echo Rock and several other good lookouts over the Palmaghatt Ravine. Of course the best views are from Hamilton Point itself which is about 3 miles from the parking area.

Keep on the yellow path as it descends down after Hamilton Point. After a walk of less than one mile the Castle Point Carriageway branches to the right and ascends to Castle Point. The Long Path (aqua) turns left into the woods. Continue on the yellow path for about half a mile until and unmarked but obvious trail turns to the left. This trail passes under the Wolf's Jaw. Just after the Wolf's Jaw watch for the aqua blazes of the Long Path on the left. Turn onto the Long Path and cross the small stream. The trail immediately begins to wind its way upwards back to the junction on the Hamilton Point Carriageway. The most interesting point along the way is The Tunnel. The passageway is narrow but very short. It can be wet and, unless you are willing to get very low, packs may be a problem. The trail then makes several rather significant ascents spaced with a few flat areas before you are back a the carriageway.

Turn right and follow the yellow and aqua blazes for about 500 feet. At this point the Long Path turns left into the woods. Be prepared to do some real climbing. You must be able to get some good hand and footholds and pull yourself up in several places. The reward is an exhilarating feeling when you get to the wonderful views on top of Castle Point. From here you can see Lake Awosting, the Sam's Point Preserve and you can look across the ravine at the Gertrude's Nose trail and Millbrook Mountain. Follow the blue-blazed carriageway for about 4 miles back to the parking area. Along the way take in some of the views from Kempton ledge and other unnamed viewpoints. As you approach the lake a view open up on the left. Several Catskill peaks can be seen even when a haze is lying on them.

Mohonk: Overcliff - Sky Top - Undercliff

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	7.2 mi	1250 ft	MSR Maps	GPSies

Park at the Trapps parking area on Routes 44/55 just before the hairpin turn. Walk up the road and cross the Trapps Bridge. At the fork in the path, turn left onto the Overcliff Carriageway. The signs are generally informative but DO NOT always match the descriptions in the guidebooks or the names used on maps. After about 2.5 miles Overcliff ends at the Rhododendron Bridge. Cross the Bridge and turn left on the Old Minnewaska Carriageway. Do not make any turns off this path for at least a mile. The carriageway begins to ascend and makes some turns right after the bridge as it winds its way upward. There are some nice views along the way. Bypass the left turn onto Long Woodland Drive and the right onto Home Farm Road. Shortly after this Short Woodland bears left and Lake Shore Road goes right. Take the right onto Lake Shore and then the next right onto Forrest Drive. Look for the Spring House on the left. Walk up the trail behind the spring house and watch for the red arrows that mark the path to the Crevice. WARNING: The Crevice is narrow and steep. Climbing with a pack on your back may be impossible. There are ladders at some points but other places require finding hand and foot holds. The last part is the hardest since it is the most narrow and requires some strength to boost your body up onto the rock ledge at the top. You may use the Spring Path route that is usually used as the return route. The Crevice is one way only up! See the end of this description. At the top of the Crevice is a wide rock ledge that offers a great view of the surrounding area. You can also look over the edge at the talus slopes below. A bridge over the Crevice offers a peek down into the depths you have just conquered. The fun is not quite over. After crossing the bridge, another near vertical ascent is required. At the top is a set of stairs and the paths to the Smiley Tower. The Tower offers a 360 degree view of the area. Perhaps the most striking view is of Mohonk Lake and the Mohonk Mountain House. From the Tower head to the opposite side from the crevice. Head down Sky Top Path to the stairs down to the Labyrinth. Along this short .2 mile path are several gazebos and benches that overlook the lake. The path through the labyrinth is marked by the red arrows that lead to the Crevice. You may follow these or go down to the Spring Path to make life easier. If you want to avoid the Crevice altogether you may use the Spring Path to get to the Tower and then retrace your steps back to the spring on the same path. The spring is only about .25 miles from the stairs. Return on from the spring to the Rhododendron Bridge the same way you came. This distance is about one miles. Turn left over the Bridge on the Undercliff Carriageway. In 2.3 miles you will be back at the Trapps Bridge. Along the way watch for groups climbing the cliffs and boulders along the trail. This is a favorite spot for climbers from all around.

Sam's Point: All Points

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	10.3 mi.	1403 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

The hiking trails throughout the Sam's Point Preserve vary from open carriageway to narrow "maintained" trails through the brush, over the bogs and around many interesting rock formations. There are several different variations in length from the trail through the Ice Caves and to Sam's Point which is about 4 miles to the 10.5 mile complete loop. The ecology is a pine barrens with some hardwood sections and many boggy areas. Verkeerder Kill falls is well worth the visit as are the Ice Caves. These "caves" are actually tectonic caves formed when part of the mountain pulled away forming deep crevices in the rock.

Park in the lot at the Visitor's Center at Sam's Point. Be sure you pay the parking fee or buy a pass that is godd for a year. As you walk toward the trails, you may bear to the left or right. Bear to the left and begin to hike up the loop road on a gentle grade. Watch on your left for some of the shacks used by blueberry pickers in years gone by. These shacks are all but gone but hark back to an era when berry picking was a commercial venture. At about .3 miles the South Gully Trail branches left off the loop road. This trail leads down to Route 52 and is a hike all by itself. There are several waterfalls and cascades along the trail as it parallels a stream. Continue to walk along the loop road. At about 1.0 mile there will be a short side trail that goes to the shore of Lake Maratanza. Depending on the level of the lake, this may or may not prove interesting. At this point you will start to see TV and other communications towers on your left. The High Point Carriageway bears to the left off the loop road at 1.2 miles. Bear left and at 1.6 miles turn left on the trail to Indian Rock. The Rock is a large glacial erratic from which there are very good views. The first part of this trail is a boardwalk since it passes over a bog. Continue to walk on the trail following the blazes on the rocks carefully. The blazes may be hard to follow but the trip is 1.0 mile detour is worth the effort. Back on the carriageway, continue north to 3.85 miles and turn right on the High Point Trail which makes a steep but short ascent. Near the top of this ascent is where the fire tower was located. Turn right to stay on the High Point Trail and walk through the scrub to High Point. A USGS marker is embedded in the rock at this location. Continue the hike by dropping down the ledge and walking the High Point Trail along the escarpment to 6.25 miles. Along the way there are some fantastic views! The Long Path continues straight ahead on its way to Lake Awosting. Turn right a make a steep descent on the Verkeerder Kill Falls Trail. At 6.5 miles you will be at the lowest point on the hike. Here you will be looking down into the ravine formed by the falls. The falls are best viewed when there has been some rain. Since you will now have to cross over the stream above the falls to continue the hike, avoid this route when there have been massive amounts of rain. Observing the falls from each side gives slightly different views. Continue on the trail and be prepared to hike UP the trail for the next 1.7 miles until the trail ends on the access road to the ice caves at 8.25 miles. Walk down the heavily eroded road to the entrance to the "caves". Walk carefully on the wooden ladders and rocky path through this area. Constant use has polished both wood and stone making it very slippery. Upon exiting the caves walk up the road to the loop road and turn left at 9.25 miles. Walk on the road until another side trail appears on the right. Walk this trail out to Sam's Point to take in more views and to see if you can spot your car in the lot. Walk back out to the main trail and down to the Visitor's Center and your car.

Sam's Point: Around Lake Awosting

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	13.6 mi.	1755 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

The hiking trails throughout the Sam's Point Preserve vary from open carriageway to narrow "maintained" trails through the brush, over the bogs and around many interesting rock formations. There are several different variations in length from the trail through the Ice Caves and to Sam's Point which is about 4 miles to the 10.5 mile complete loop. The ecology is a pine barrens with some hardwood sections and many boggy areas. Verkeerder Kill falls is well worth the visit as are the Ice Caves. These "caves" are actually tectonic caves formed when part of the mountain pulled away forming deep crevices in the rock.

Park at the Visitors Center at the Sam's Point Preserve and start out on the Loop Road to the right. Hike up the Loop Road passing the spur trail to Sam's Point on the left. THis hike is already long but you may visit the lookout if you wish. Turn right on the road that goes down to the ice caves. Turn then a left onto the Verkeerder Kill Falls Trail which has the aqua blazes of the Long Path. This trail has some beautiful views out over the flat valley on your right. Straight ahead on the trail you will see the cliffs of Castle Point and Hamilton Point at Minnewaska State Park and the blue waters of Lake Awosting. The trail drops 500 feet in about 1.75 miles to the lowest point on the hike at Verkeerder Kill Falls at 2.9 miles into the hike. There are lookouts on both sides of the falls. The falls are more interesting when there has been some rainfall but this makes crossing the stream above the falls more dangerous! After observing the falls from the far side, continue on the trail as it rises to a trail junction over the next .3 miles. Turn right to stay on the Long Path and head to Lake Awosting. Older maps show this part of the trail as "Closed" or "Do not enter" but the land has been purchased by the Preserve and is now open to the public. The trail at first passes over mostly open rock and hikers have constructed many small cairns along the way. After about 1.1 miles Mud Pond or Lake Haseco came into view at 3.9 miles with a nice viewpoint overlooking the water. As you continue on the trail, a path to the right goes down to the shore of the pond. Back on the trail there is a wooden walkway over some muddy areas and Fly Brook. After another mile at about 5 miles you will be at a lookout over Lake Awosting at the southwestern end of the lake. Follow the short side path to the left and down to the Lake Awosting Carriageway around the lake. THis route leaves the aqua blazes of the Long Path and is marked in black. Turn right on the carriageway to walk anticlockwise around the largest of the three sky lakes. There are several nice viewpoints along the shore that offer points to take pictures. Some of the viewpoints are on areas of land that jut out into the lake which has an incredible deep blue color. You will pass by the stone "beach" and on the other side of the beach the carriageway ascends to viewpoints above the lake which are stunning! This will be at about 6.75 miles into your hike. Continue on the carriageway as it wraps around the outlet end of the lake and starts to head southwest. The path along the opposite shore of the lake is more direct. You will pass a ranger's cabin and then the final viewpoint near the end of the lake. Walk back up the path to return to the lookout over the lake and the aqua blazes of the Long Path. The lake is about 3.6 miles round and you will now be at about 8.6 miles into the hike. Follow the Long Path back to Verkeerder Kill Falls at 10.8 miles. Cross over the stream and begin a long 1.75 mile climb back to the road above the ice caves. The trail gains elevation and passes over a lot of uneven and large rocks which you may remember from the hike down to the falls. Turn right at the road and then left at the loop road to get back down to the Visitors Center.

Sam's Point: Berrypickers Trail Double Loop

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	10.9 mi.	965 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

The hiking trails throughout the Sam's Point Preserve vary from open carriageway to narrow "maintained" trails through the brush, over the bogs and around many interesting rock formations. There are several different variations in length from the trail through the Ice Caves and to Sam's Point which is about 4 miles to the 10.5 mile complete loop. The ecology is a pine barrens with some hardwood sections and many boggy areas. Verkeerder Kill falls is well worth the visit as are the Ice Caves. These "caves" are actually tectonic caves formed when part of the mountain pulled away forming deep crevices in the rock.

Park in the lot at the Visitor's Center at Sam's Point. Be sure you pay the parking fee or buy a pass that is godd for a year. As you walk toward the trails, you may bear to the left or right. Bear to the left and begin to hike up the loop road on a gentle grade. Watch on your left for some of the shacks used by blueberry pickers in years gone by. These shacks are all but gone but hark back to an era when berry picking was a commercial venture. At about .3 miles the South Gully Trail branches left off the loop road. This trail leads down to Route 52 and is a hike all by itself. There are several waterfalls and cascades along the trail as it parallels a stream. Continue to walk along the loop road. At about 1.0 mile there will be a short side trail that goes to the shore of Lake Maratanza. Depending on the level of the lake, this may or may not prove interesting. At this point you will start to see TV and other communications towers on your left. The High Point Carriageway bears to the left off the loop road at 1.2 miles. Bear left and at 1.6 miles turn left on the trail to Indian Rock. The Rock is a large glacial erratic from which there are very good views. The first part of this trail is a boardwalk since it passes over a bog. Continue to walk on the trail following the blazes on the rocks carefully. The blazes may be hard to follow but the trip is 1.0 mile detour is worth the effort. Back on the carriageway, continue north to the trail junction with the High Point Trail and the Smiley Carriagewayat about 3.85 miles. Continue straight ahead on the carriageway but be aware that it is not well-marked in places and can have some very wet spots along the way, The path descends to about 4.75 miles where it begins to rise some. At 5.15 miles informal pathways lead off to the left to Naponoch Point. You may bushwhack out to the area or save this trip for later. After this the carriageway turns east and at 5.5 miles the Berrypicker's Path branches off to the right. Make the turn and be prepared for a 1.8 mile uphill walk across open rock and through scrub pines. Along the way hikers have created cairns and other designs with stones. At the end of this trail you will be in the area where there was once a fire tower. Descend to the High Point Carriageway and turn left to start back to the Visitors Center. At 98.7 miles the spur trail to Indian Rock will be on your right. When you reach the Loop Road at 9.1 miles, turn left to complete the loop around Lake Maratanza. At 9.4 miles you will pass very close to the shore of the lake on the Loop Road. When you reach 9.9 miles, the road to the ice caves turns left. Stay on the Loop Road passing by the spur trail to Sam's Point at 10.3 miles. Walk the final .5 miles down to your car.

Sam's Point: Greater Ice Caves

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	4.9 mi.	1576 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

The hiking trails throughout the Sam's Point Preserve vary from open carriageway to narrow "maintained" trails through the brush, over the bogs and around many interesting rock formations. There are several different variations in length from the trail through the Ice Caves and to Sam's Point which is about 4 miles to the 10.5 mile complete loop. The ecology is a pine barrens with some hardwood sections and many boggy areas. Verkeerder Kill falls is well worth the visit as are the Ice Caves. These "caves" are actually tectonic caves formed when part of the mountain pulled away forming deep crevices in the rock.

This hike is a bushwhack to the Greater Ice Caves which were never a commercial venture. They are much more impressive than the caves on top of the Sams Point plateau. Take Route 52 through Ellenville towards Cragsmoor. Just before the road heads up the mountain turn left on Berme Road. Just before the fire station on the right, turn right and park in the upper parking area. Walk to the kiosk and look for a path that's heads up through a quarry. After this the path is a bushwhack that follows some woods roads and then a barely discernable path to the caves. This is VERY steep in places. Many of the caves are accessible but be careful since a slip could mean a serious injury. One or more of the caves will have ice far into the summer.

Sam's Point: Lake Awosting Loop on Berrypicker's Path

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	13.3 mi.	1412 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

The hiking trails throughout the Sam's Point Preserve vary from open carriageway to narrow "maintained" trails through the brush, over the bogs and around many interesting rock formations. There are several different variations in length from the trail through the Ice Caves and to Sam's Point which is about 4 miles to the 10.5 mile complete loop. The ecology is a pine barrens with some hardwood sections and many boggy areas. Verkeerder Kill falls is well worth the visit as are the Ice Caves. These "caves" are actually tectonic caves formed when part of the mountain pulled away forming deep crevices in the rock.

For this hike, park at the Conservation Center lot and pay the $7 fee for one time use or buy a yearly pass for $40. Head toward the Loop Road and bear right up the hill toward Sam's Point. Visit Sam's Point the next time you come since this hike is long enough already. After about a mile on the loop road, turn right onto Ice Caves Road and then left onto the Verkeerder Kill Falls Trail. Again, save the Ice Caves for another day when you will be hiking less than 13 miles! The Verkeerder Kill Falls Trail drops to the falls at one of the lowest points on the hike after about 1.7 miles. Along the way there are some nice views and various birds can be seen riding the air currents.

To continue on the hike CAREFULLY cross the Kill above the Falls. This can be easy or very difficult depending on the water level. Walk along the edge of the ravine to get the best look at the falls. When you have had your fill. walk back to the Long Path and continue the hike. In a short distance, the trail climbs steeply but briefly up to the escarpment. In .2 miles you will be at the trail junction where the High Point Trail turns left to go to High Point and then heads back to the parking area. Turn right here to stay on the Long Path and follow its aqua markers. The trail continues through the pine barrens environments and over rocky outcroppings. In. .7 miles a small but beautiful pond with the misleading name of Mud Pond will appear on the right. Continue passed the pond for about another mile and you will be on a rocky cliff overlooking Lake Awosting. This is a good place to stop for a moment or longer.

Continue on the Long Path until you see a path down to the road around Lake Awosting. Go down the path and turn left a the bottom. Hike clockwise around the lake for 1.2 miles. JUst as the ranger cabin comes into view turn left on the Smiley Carriageway. This is not marked with any blazes and can be hard to follow the first time you are on it. In .7 miles you will cross Fly Brook which can run high at times. Immediately after the brook turn left up the hill toward Stony Kill. After 1.1 miles you will cross the Stony Kill which usually has little or no volume so close to its source. After this the carriageway becomes steeper and very rocky in places. As it flattens at the top it is not unusual to find a large amount of standing water on the path.

In .9 miles the Berrypicker's Path turns left and is marked with rock cairns and old pots and pans. This is listed as an unmaintained trail but seems to be well marked. In additional to light blue blazes, hikers have set up many rock cairns and added many fanciful stone designs. The trail lasts for 1.75 miles at which point it meets the High Point Trail on the left. The views from here are good in all directions. Walk on the High Point Trail for a short distance. You can continue to High Point and return or descend on the right directly to the Smiley Carriageway. The carriageway joins the Sam's Point Loop Road after 1.7 miles. Turn right on the loop road and walk 1.1 miles back to the Conservation Center.

Sam's Point: Lake Awosting Loop on Smiley Carriageway

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	13.1 mi.	2000 ft.	MSR Maps	GPsies

The hiking trails throughout the Sam's Point Preserve vary from open carriageway to narrow "maintained" trails through the brush, over the bogs and around many interesting rock formations. There are several different variations in length from the trail through the Ice Caves and to Sam's Point which is about 4 miles to the 10.5 mile complete loop. The ecology is a pine barrens with some hardwood sections and many boggy areas. Verkeerder Kill falls is well worth the visit as are the Ice Caves. These "caves" are actually tectonic caves formed when part of the mountain pulled away forming deep crevices in the rock.

Park in the lot at the Visitor's Center at Sam's Point. Be sure you pay the parking fee or buy a pass that is godd for a year. As you walk toward the trails, you may bear to the left or right. Bear to the left and begin to hike up the loop road on a gentle grade. Watch on your left for some of the shacks used by blueberry pickers in years gone by. These shacks are all but gone but hark back to an era when berry picking was a commercial venture. At about .3 miles the South Gully Trail branches left off the loop road. This trail leads down to Route 52 and is a hike all by itself. There are several waterfalls and cascades along the trail as it parallels a stream. Continue to walk along the loop road. At about 1.0 mile there will be a short side trail that goes to the shore of Lake Maratanza. Depending on the level of the lake, this may or may not prove interesting. At this point you will start to see TV and other communications towers on your left. The High Point Carriageway bears to the left off the loop road at 1.2 miles. At about 1.5 miles a trail to the left leads to Indian Rock. Although this glacial erratic is interesting and has a nice view, save it for another, shorter hike. Continue north on the carriageway to 2.75 miles where there is a junction with the High Point Trail and the Smiley Carriageway. Continue straight ahead on the carriageway but be aware that it is not well-marked in places and can have some very wet spots along the way, The path descends to about 3.85 miles where it begins to rise some. At 4.15 miles informal pathways lead off to the left to Naponoch Point. Come back again to visit this area. After this the path turns from north to east. At 4.5 miles the Berrypicker's Path branches off to the right after which the carriageway rises and falls several times until it reaches Fly Brook at 6.6 miles. A trail to the upper part of Stony Kill Falls turns to the left while you should bear to the right and cross Fly Brook. Follow the carriageway which becomes more well-defined bearing left at a T. This will lead to the shores of Lake Awosting near the ranger's cabin at 6.6 miles. Turn right on the Lake Awosting Carriageway to continue anticlockwise around the lake. Near the inlet end there are several nice viewpoints. Just after rounding the end of the the lake, find a path to the right at about 8.55 miles which leads to the Long Path. Turn right on the aqua blazed Long Path to head southwest toward Verkeerder Kill Falls. At 9.5 miles you will pass by Mud Pond or Haseco Lake which is the source of Fly Brook. Some wooden walkways help to cross a few wet areas. Part of the trail here passes through some laurel tunnels before ascending to some rocky outcrops which overlook the lake. The trail continues along these outcrops until it descends to the falls at 10.5 miles. Be careful crossing the stream above the falls. You will now hike 1.5 miles and gain 450 feet to the road that goes the ice caves. Along the way the trail is rocky and can be wet. There are some nice views of the valley below and some of Lake Awosting and Castle Point if you look back over your shoulder. Turn right on the road and walk up to the Loop Road. Turn left and walk about 1 mile back to where you are parked.

Sam's Point: Lake Awosting via Long Path

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	9.1 mi.	1290 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

The hiking trails throughout the Sam's Point Preserve vary from open carriageway to narrow "maintained" trails through the brush, over the bogs and around many interesting rock formations. There are several different variations in length from the trail through the Ice Caves and to Sam's Point which is about 4 miles to the 10.5 mile complete loop. The ecology is a pine barrens with some hardwood sections and many boggy areas. Verkeerder Kill falls is well worth the visit as are the Ice Caves. These "caves" are actually tectonic caves formed when part of the mountain pulled away forming deep crevices in the rock.

Park at the Visitors Center at the Sam's Point Preserve and start out on the Loop Road to the right. Hike up the Loop Road passing the spur trail to Sam's Point on the left. This hike is already long but you may visit the lookout if you wish. Turn right on the road that goes down to the ice caves. Turn then a left onto the Verkeerder Kill Falls Trail which has the aqua blazes of the Long Path. This trail has some beautiful views out over the flat valley on your right. Straight ahead on the trail you will see the cliffs of Castle Point and Hamilton Point at Minnewaska State Park and the blue waters of Lake Awosting. The trail drops 500 feet in about 1.75 miles to the lowest point on the hike at Verkeerder Kill Falls at 2.6 miles into the hike. There are lookouts on both sides of the falls. The falls are more interesting when there has been some rainfall but this makes crossing the stream above the falls more dangerous! After observing the falls from the far side, continue on the trail as it rises to a trail junction over the next .3 miles. Turn right to stay on the Long Path and head to Lake Awosting. Older maps show this part of the trail as "Closed" or "Do not enter" but the land has been purchased by the Preserve and is now open to the public. The trail at first passes over mostly open rock and hikers have constructed many small cairns along the way. After about 1.1 miles Mud Pond or Lake Haseco came into view at 3.5 miles with a nice viewpoint overlooking the water. As you continue on the trail, a path to the right goes down to the shore of the pond. Back on the trail there is a wooden walkway over some muddy areas and Fly Brook. After another mile at about 5 miles you will be at a lookout over Lake Awosting at the southwestern end of the lake. Turn around and follow the Long Path back to Verkeerder Kill Falls at 6.5 miles. Cross over the stream and begin a long 1.75 mile climb back to the road above the ice caves. The trail gains elevation and passes over a lot of uneven and large rocks which you may remember from the hike down to the falls. Turn right at the road and then left at the loop road to get back down to the Visitors Center.

Sam's Point: Main Loop

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	8.8 mi.	1220 ft.	MSR Maps	GPsies

The hiking trails throughout the Sam's Point Preserve vary from open carriageway to narrow "maintained" trails through the brush, over the bogs and around many interesting rock formations. There are several different variations in length from the trail through the Ice Caves and to Sam's Point which is about 4 miles to the 10.5 mile complete loop. The ecology is a pine barrens with some hardwood sections and many boggy areas. Verkeerder Kill falls is well worth the visit as are the Ice Caves. These "caves" are actually tectonic caves formed when part of the mountain pulled away forming deep crevices in the rock.

Park in the lot at the Visitor's Center at Sam's Point. Be sure you pay the parking fee or buy a pass that is godd for a year. As you walk toward the trails, you may bear to the left or right. Bear to the right on the Loop Road toward Sam's Point. This hike leaves out many of the "attractions" in favor of a slightly shorter(?) hike. As you ascend the road there will be good views from open rocks ledges on the right. Pass by the side path to Sam's Point and continue on to the road. Turn right on the road that goes down to the ice caves. Turn then a left onto the Verkeerder Kill Falls Trail which has the aqua blazes of the Long Path. This trail has some beautiful views out over the flat valley on your right. Straight ahead on the trail you will see the cliffs of Castle Point and Hamilton Point at Minnewaska State Park and the blue waters of Lake Awosting. The trail drops 500 feet in about 1.75 miles to the lowest point on the hike at Verkeerder Kill Falls at 2.9 miles into the hike. There are lookouts on both sides of the falls. The falls are more interesting when there has been some rainfall but this makes crossing the stream above the falls more dangerous! After observing the falls from the far side, continue on the trail as it rises to a trail junction over the next .3 miles. Bear left on the red High Point Trail. For the next 2 miles this trail follows the edge of the escarpment on its way to High Point. The trail has some fantastic views over the valley and you can always take a look back at where you have been and ahead to where you are going. As the trail approaches High Point it passes through some brush. The trail here may be wet depending on the recent rainfall and the brush may be thick. The red blazes are painted on the rocks and may be hard to see. At about 5.4 miles, you will climb a steep spot and be on High Point which is marked by a USGS benchmark. Continue on the trail for another .3 miles to an area where there was once a fire observation tower. You can still see the iron moorings of the tower embedded in the rock. Walk down the trail to where it ends on the High Point Carriageway. Turn left to start back to the Visitors Center. The carriageway gains some elevation until and 7.25 miles the spur trail to Indian Rock appears on the right. Continue on the carriageway to the Loop Road at 7.6 miles. Turn right on the road in the area where there are several communications towers. The road now continuously descends over the next 1.2 miles until you are back in the parking lot. Along the way you may see what remains of the sheds used by blueberry pickers back in the day when that was a commercial enterprise. At 8.5 miles the South Gully Trail will be on the right. This trail is a nice hike on its own and is part of the Long Path. When the South Gully Trail gets to Route 52, It connects to the Shawangunk Ridge Trail.

Sam's Point: Napanoch Point and Berrypicker's Trail

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	10.9 mi.	1137 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

The hiking trails throughout the Sam's Point Preserve vary from open carriageway to narrow "maintained" trails through the brush, over the bogs and around many interesting rock formations. There are several different variations in length from the trail through the Ice Caves and to Sam's Point which is about 4 miles to the 10.5 mile complete loop. The ecology is a pine barrens with some hardwood sections and many boggy areas. Verkeerder Kill falls is well worth the visit as are the Ice Caves. These "caves" are actually tectonic caves formed when part of the mountain pulled away forming deep crevices in the rock.

Park in the lot at the Visitor's Center at Sam's Point. Be sure you pay the parking fee or buy a pass that is godd for a year. As you walk toward the trails, you may bear to the left or right. Bear to the left and begin to hike up the loop road on a gentle grade. Watch on your left for some of the shacks used by blueberry pickers in years gone by. These shacks are all but gone but hark back to an era when berry picking was a commercial venture. At about .3 miles the South Gully Trail branches left off the loop road. This trail leads down to Route 52 and is a hike all by itself. There are several waterfalls and cascades along the trail as it parallels a stream. Continue to walk along the loop road. At about 1.0 mile there will be a short side trail that goes to the shore of Lake Maratanza. Depending on the level of the lake, this may or may not prove interesting. At this point you will start to see TV and other communications towers on your left. The High Point Carriageway bears to the left off the loop road at 1.2 miles. At about 1.5 miles a trail to the left leads to Indian Rock. Although this glacial erratic is interesting and has a nice view, save it for another, shorter hike. Continue north on the carriageway to 2.75 miles where there is a junction with the High Point Trail and the Smiley Carriageway. Continue straight ahead on the carriageway but be aware that it is not well-marked in places and can have some very wet spots along the way, The path descends to about 3.85 miles where it begins to rise some. At 4.15 miles informal pathways lead off to the left to Naponoch Point. Turn left here for a short bushwhack out to this viewpoint. You may also find some areas where there have been campfires. Return to the main path and at 4.4 miles another path heads left or north toward Jacob's Ladder. You may turn here and walk about .4 miles since there are some views on this descent. Turn around and walk back to the main carriageway and turn left. At 5.6 miles the Berrypicker's Path branches off to the right. Make the turn and be prepared for a 1.8 mile uphill walk across open rock and through scrub pines. Along the way hikers have created cairns and other designs with stones. At the end of this trail you will be in the area where there was once a fire tower. Before descending back to the High Point Carriageway, follow the High Point Trail .3 miles to High Point. A USGS marker is embedded here in the stone. Retrace your path and descend to the High Point Carriageway and turn left to start back to the Visitors Center. At 9.3 miles the spur trail to Indian Rock will be on your right. When you reach the Loop Road at 9.7 miles turn right. The communications towers will be on your right. At 10.6 miles you will pass by the South Gully Trail and the berrypicker's shacks. From here it is a short walk to your car.

Sam's Point: South Gully Trail and Loop

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	8.2 mi.	1977 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Take New York State Route 52 east from Ellenville. The road will begin to climb the Shawangunk Ridge as soon as you leave town. The road winds up along the ridge and there are several pulloffs on the way up. On a clear day park at one of these areas and enjoy the view of the valley and the Catskills beyond. Just as the road leaves town look on the left as you pass over a bridge. There is a beautiful waterfall with small rapids below it. Watch for a sign on the right that says Cragsmoor and turn to the left at this road. Follow Cragsmoor Road to the hamlet of Cragsmoor and bear left near the library and post office. Watch for the turn to the right onto Sam's Point Road. Follow the road to the Conservation Center parking area. Be sure to put your pass in the window or pay the fee at the Center.

Walk toward the beginning of the loop road and bear to the left. Walk up the hill and pass the first set of Berrypicker shacks. Watch for the aqua markers of the long path. Three of these markers on the left side of the road mark the start of the South Gully Trail which will be part of the Long Path. Turn left onto the trail. The trail passes some of the shacks and then starts a LONG descent toward Route 52. In about .7 miles you will cross Gully Road. Along the way there are several small but pretty cascades but nothing compared to what awaits AFTER crossing the road. Turn left on Gully Road and walk just slightly up the hill and across the road. Pick up the trail again.

For the next 1.5 miles you will be treated to the roar of the stream that passes through the gully. The volume will depend on the season and the amount of rain. There are MANY opportunities to walk off the trail and down to the stream to take pictures, wade on a hot day or just enjoy the views. Many of the cascades show parallel layers of sedimentary rocks of varying hardness. As the water falls over the rocks they erode and fall to the base of the cascade. The last half mile of the trail is slightly uphill and then flat out to Route 52. The return hike is slightly more strenuous as you retrace your steps UP 1400 feet back to the Sam's Point Loop Road. At the road you can continue on around the lake as shown in the map here. You can also extend the hike with any of the many "side trips" that are available or go directly back to the Conservation Center.

Sam's Point: South Gully Trail Only

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	6.1 mi.	2143 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Take New York State Route 52 east from Ellenville. The road will begin to climb the Shawangunk Ridge as soon as you leave town. The road winds up along the ridge and there are several pulloffs on the way up. On a clear day park at one of these areas and enjoy the view of the valley and the Catskills beyond. Just as the road leaves town look on the left as you pass over a bridge. There is a beautiful waterfall with small rapids below it. Watch for a sign on the right that says Cragsmoor and turn to the left at this road. Follow Cragsmoor Road to the hamlet of Cragsmoor and bear left near the library and post office. Watch for the turn to the right onto Sam's Point Road. Follow the road to the Conservation Center parking area. Be sure to put your pass in the window or pay the fee at the Center.

Walk toward the beginning of the loop road and bear to the left. Walk up the hill and pass the first set of Berrypicker shacks. Watch for the aqua markers of the long path. Three of these markers on the left side of the road mark the start of the South Gully Trail which will be part of the Long Path. Turn left onto the trail. The trail passes some of the shacks and then starts a LONg descent toward Route 52. In about .7 miles you will cross Gully Road. Along the way there are several small but pretty cascades but nothing compared to what awaits AFTER crossing the road. Turn left on Gully Road and walk just slightly up the hill and across the road. Pick up the trail again.

For the next 1.5 miles you will be treated to the roar of the stream that passes through the gully. The volume will depend on the season and the amount of rain. There are MANY opportunities to walk off the trail and down to the stream to take pictures, wade on a hot day or just enjoy the views. Many of the cascades show parallel layers of sedimentary rocks of varying hardness. As the water falls over the rocks they erode and fall to the base of the cascade. The last half mile of the trail is slightly uphill and then flat out to Route 52. The return hike is slightly more strenuous as you retrace your steps UP 1400 feet back to the Sam's Point Loop Road. At the road you can continue on around the lake as shown in the map here. You can also extend the hike with any of the many "side trips" that are available or go directly back to the Conservation Center.

Shawangunk Ridge Trail: Ellenville

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	3.4 mi.	1286 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

The Shawangunk Ridge Trail runs from High Point State Park in New Jersey to Sam's Point Preserve, The hike may be broken into sections. This section is an out and back hike from Route 52 outside of Ellenville near the Sam's Point Preserve.

Park in the pull off 1.7 miles south of South Gully on Route 52 heading out of Ellenville. Walk along side the road for about .2 miles and turn right into the woods on the Shawangunk Ridge Trail. At .55 miles there is a confusing junction but this offers some options. Bearing slightly right and up the ridge leads to a series of views but not much else. Turning sharply tot the right leads down along Old Route 52 but requires a very long walk to reach any real destination. Continuing straight ahead keeps you on the Shawangunk Ridge Trail. The trail climbs to near the highest point on the ridge over the next .7 miles. It then rolls along the ridge toward Ellenville. Walk as far as you like and then return to your car.

Shawangunk Ridge Trail: Graham Fire Tower

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	5.3 mi.	800 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Drive to the hamlet of Godeffroy on Route 209 about 5.5 miles north of Port Jervis. Watch for the Guymard Turnpike on the east side of the road. Turn onto the turnpike and drive about .7 miles to a T. Turn right to follow the turnpike as it ascends and passes by one end of Guymard Lake. In about .2 miles park on the side of the road. The train tracks are active so look and listen before crossing to the other side to pick up the Shawangunk Ridge trail. Turn left and head northeast on the wide and flat woods road that parallels the Conrail tracks. After 1.7 miles of absolutely flat walking, look for red blazes going up the hill to the right and turn onto another woods road. The road wanders up the mountain heading south, then east, then southeast. At a little over 2 miles you will cross the white trail that you will use on the way back. The fire tower shares the top of the hill with cell towers and a nice little cabin. There is an access road for the cell towers which would probably be the quickest and easiest route to the top. The entire first flight of treads on the tower is missing from the steps to discourage anyone from climbing on the now closed tower! Find the blazes of the white trail to start back to the car. At some points this trail comes very close to the edge of the cliff but there are no real views. The white trail twists and turns but heads generally north. This route is much more of a trail than the red blazed woods road you used on the way up. Parts of it are rough as it gets little use. The last .3 miles are a rather steep descent along a small stream. In this section there is barely a trail and lots of rocks to negotiate. After slightly over a mile, you will be back on the SRT just slightly north of the turn for the red trail. Turn left and enjoy the flat hike back to the car.

Shawangunk Ridge Trail: Wurtsboro

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	2.4 mi.	660 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

The Shawangunk Ridge Trail runs from High Point State Park in New Jersey to Sam's Point Preserve, The hike may be broken into sections. This section is an out and back hike from the VFW on VFW Road off Sullivan Avenue outside of Wurtsboro. Find the trail behind the VFW and begin to climb almost 600 feet in the next mile. As you climb onto the more exposed part of the ridge near the top, watch for views of the Catskills, the Basha Kill Wetlands and the valley below. Walk along the ridge for as long as you like but be aware that this is out and back. At about 1.2 miles the trail starts a serious descent and this may be a good time to turn around. Follow your path back to the car.

Shawangunk Ridge Trail: Wurtsboro to Ellenville

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	8.6 mi.	2730 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

The Shawangunk Ridge Trail runs from High Point State Park in New Jersey to Sam's Point Preserve, The hike may be broken into sections. This section is a through hike from Wurtsboro north to Route 52 outside of Ellenville near the Sam's Point Preserve.

Park a car in the pull off 1.7 miles south of South Gully on Route 52 heading out of Ellenville. Drive to the VFW in Wurtsboro on VFW Road off Sullivan Avenue. You may use back roads to get to Wurtsboro or drive there on Route 209. The trail starts with a nice "warm up" of 600 feet of elevation gain over the first .95 miles. From here there are views of the Basha Kill to the southwest and the Catskills to the north. The Wurtsboro Airport and the massive Kohl's Distribution Center dominate the valley below. Immediately after the climb the trail descends into the next gap on the ridge. The descent is a little steep in places losing 400 feet in .45 miles. There is a small stream at the bottom just before the next climb. Over the next.9 miles the trail rises 470 feet but the reward are the views from the ridge. The views of the Catskills and the ridge across from the Shawangunk Ridge dominate the views. From this ridge you begin a steep descent to the lowest point on the route except for the very beginning. The trail drops 600 feet in the next .85 miles to Roosa Gap. There is another small stream here surrounded by ferns in season. Watch for the flowers from tulip trees in the spring and summer. The next section of the trail is a .7 mile climb that gains 725 feet. After this, the trail continues to rise but does so very gently for the next .8 miles. In the first part you will cross Roosa Gap Road. As you climb the ridge you can look back at the ridge you just left. At 5.15 miles the trail descends agrain for . miles and then begins to climb. The climb is gentle at first but then steepens some. This climb lasts 1.8 miles and rises to 780 feet, the highest point on this section of the trail. This part of the trail skirts the edge of the ridge before crossing over to the highest point. Along the way some interesting rock formations present themselves. One rock tower stands away from the edge of the cliff and is very interesting. From the highest point the trail drops VERY steeply, losing 700 feet of elevation in about .5 miles. The trail makes its way down to the woods road that is the Old Route 52. The Long Path heads north from here as the road turns left. Picke up the yellow trail that leads UP to Route 52 where your car is parked. This trail is less than 1 mile long and passes over a small stream with a waterfall. From that point there is a short but steep ascent to the main road. As you turn left on Route 52 to get back to the parking area, watch for hang gliders plying the air currents above the area. Also take advantage of the beautiful views from the parking areas along the road. Don't forget to go get your other car in Wurtsboro!