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    Minnewaska State Park Preserve

    4.5 (167 reviews)

    Minnewaska State Park Preserve Photos

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    Minnewaska State Preserve Waterfalls
    Dr. Conrad U.

    Far from the rat race and museums of New York is an hour drive away from the hustle and bustle of life. Winnewaska State Preserve is an iconic wonder where the air is fresh, waterfalls are all over and the beautiful sounds of water flowing endlessly fills your soul. Minnewaska State Preserve Waterfalls has one of the most soothing trails alongside water dripping from the hills and mountains that makes you feel relaxed and hypnotized for its unending sounds of heaven. After a half a day of walking, we set up in one of the tables and had lunch around the beautiful landscape of trees and birds signing their songs. Bathrooms are available and parking was more than sufficient. Entrance is 10 dollars per car and the Park Rangers are the best in the world.

    path for the lake trail
    Ramen

    I love this place, so many great trails and places to go. All seasons it's a great place to go- in summer you can swim in the lake at the beach. If you passed the swimming test you can swim farther in the lake- but otherwise you swim at the beach. In the winter there are ice falls and snowshoeing and in the spring and fall you can do picnics and other things!

    Micah M.

    There are countless hiking/biking trails, restrooms and picnic tables. The shortest hike to a waterfall, Awosting Falls, is just over half a mile. This park is a great place to visit in the fall and see beautiful Autumn leaves. In the summer, it affords swimming opportunities. When there is snow, cross country skiing is an enjoyable activity to engage in. My only complaint is that if you don't get to the park early, there will be no parking until others depart.

    The Lake of course
    Amanda G.

    This place is ridiculously beautiful and I finally got a chance to check it out when two of my plus size hiking groups did a collab earlier this month. We did the Carriage Road Loop which took us from low-lying beach and water features to dramatic cliffs and sheer rock faces. A ton of bang for your buck in 2 miles! The hard pack trail was at least partially accessible. I saw a person in a power chair and a couple of folks with strollers. There are plenty of inviting rocks to have a rest break. There's also a beautiful visitor center with flush toilets and historical exhibits. Things to know: -Parking fills up so you need to be at that gate at least 20 minutes before opening. -$10 payable by cash or card at gate There are a ton of trails so you can add on as you see fit! 20/10 will return!

    The lake
    Mandi S.

    What a beautiful state park! Another gem that is part of the NYS park system so grab your Empire pass and hit the trial. While in the Hudson Valley area on spring break we came here on a hike with the family. If you have young kids it is not super stroller friendly, so I absolutely recommend a baby carrier if you have littles. I'll make the journey a bit easier. About halfway through the trail opens up and there are large fields you can sit and relax or have the kids run free for a bit. Perfect spot for a snack and a water break. The main building when you walk in is beautiful, modern and informative. They have booklets where you can go to the different stations and create leaf embossings on leaves that are native to the area. Really beautiful and a nice keepsake. In April there was still a little snow on the trail so keep that in mind. You may want to dress in layers. Definitely worth checking out and then hit up New Paltz for lots of delicious lunch options.

    Carolyn F.

    On the way home with my daughter who loves the "hairpin turn" Route 44/55 just east of Minnewaska state preserve park. Entrances and exits, parking all along 44 and 55. Just before the hairpin turn, we stopped for our traditional photograph overlooking the "Gunks" ( Shawungunk mountains) a favorite spot for adventurous and fearless, Rick climbers. TIP: don't let the people behind you make you feel rushed. One missed up on this winding road and it's about 150 feet down, if you're lucky. ROCK CLIMBING ENTHUSIASTS: Please visit one of the official places to get up-to-date information about potential rockslides and dangers. Be observant and cautious.

    The Critical J.

    PROS: Amazing place to go hiking. the scenery is unbeatable, place is super clean, all kinds of hiking trails (short to long, easy to hard). Nice amount of parking and even a visitor center CONS: Not one single garbage can anywhere, not even in or around the visitor center. Also, they demand $10 per car, $100 per bus which is a ripoff since many other places provide free parking OVERALL: Throw away your trash in the bathroom and get some cash from the ATM cause this is one of my favorite hiking spots now

    Minnewaska State Park Preserve in New Paltz, NY.
    Tom D.

    A beautiful and well maintained state park preserve. We enjoyed our short hike around the lake this afternoon, while taking in the incredible scenic views. Not crowded at all (but it is currently mid-September also). Dogs on a leash are allowed. "A must see" if you are in the New Paltz area.

    Ada W.

    Beautiful park in the autumn! Came on a tuesday oct 11,2022 and the fall colors were nice, but I think its still a tad early before peak colors. Maybe by next week it'll look more vibrant. Its a $10 parking fee per car. We got there around 115pm and parked by the visitors center. Visitors center is nice with bathrooms and has various info about the area but I didnt get a chance to read it. The center and the trails werent too busy at this time and day. I came with my 10 month old baby in a carrier and took the easy carriage road trail around the lake. Its about 2 miles and trail was wide and super easy. Its a beautiful nature walk for family and my baby enjoyed looking at the trees. The leisurely stroll probably takes less than an hour if u rush through it but it took me about 1.5 hours because of pictures and just sitting by the lake enjoying the views. The trail branches out to numerous other trails but we didn't take them. There are also bikers so just be mindful of them. After finishing the loop around the lake, we drove down to the awosting falls parking lot. Its a short mile walk to the awosting falls. Also wide and easy trail. The falls were beautiful. Baby loved looking at them. The trail continues further past the falls but after we reached the falls, we just walked back to the car and left for home. So I have no idea whats beyond. We spent a nice 3.5 hours at the state park even with stopping to feed the baby and whatnot.

    High Peter Kill Trail, Oct 2020
    Sanjna S.

    Awesome trails and wonderful vistas! Just hour and half away from NYC this park has that classic New England feel with crisp air and smell of fresh pine. I really enjoyed the trail "Bull Wheel to High Peter Kill" - we did this with a few friends on a perfect fall day to see all the autumn colors. We parked in the Peter Kill parking lot and started the trail from there - which I highly recommend since the "harder" portion of the trail is encountered first when momentum is high and then ends with a softer easier path. We packed a some sandwiches and enjoyed them on a sunny edge of the cliff about 40min into the trail - it was perfect! We ended the trail near the edge of the road and walked over to Lower Awosting Parking lot, from where we went to the waterfall. The waterfall was "ok" not as amazing as a the trial and heavy foot traffic as it's easily accessible from the lot. Biggest reason why I refused to give that last star is because of the attitude of the park rangers. I get it, people are equally aggressive in trying to get into the lots but I dunno there could be some sort of form of better management. Like after driving 90min imagine having to only wait another hour or more to get a spot to park?!! insane but also very much a consequence of the pandemic restrictions. Anyways, I was able to secure my spot by getting out of the car and walking through peter kill lot - and I found a empty spot in the back even though the ranger in front wouldn't allow anyone in. I told him I found a spot so let my car come in - at which point my husband who was waiting along the shoulder a little further came up. Phone signal is terrible in the park so cross ya fingers that you find a way to manage and coordinate!

    Lourdes M.

    This park is highly recommended ... a family and pet friendly. The trail around the lake is fairly doable and accommodates any age. Magnificent view of the lake from the top . The trail to the falls is an easy mile hike too. I could imagine how beautiful the mountains will look like during fall. There is a limited parking to guests during the visit as we all know that due to Covid , state parks are only open at 25% capacity. We did not make it to the ice cave part of the state park . We will do it next time around. There is a swimming / beach area on the lower point. There are various trails that will lead to different parts of the preserve. A construction is going on , it seems they are putting up something interesting for the visitors . Carry in , carry out kind of park . Lots of porta toilets aside from standard toilets. $10 to get in. $5 for a map. Bring your own drinks and food. There are no place to get it inside the park.

    Jonghan L.

    Breathtaking. Absolutely stunning. Came here for a day hike on a Saturday arriving right when it opened at 9am. Beware, the parking lot was nearly full when we got here so do come here early! We did the Gertrude's nose hike which is a solid 5-6 hours long hike depending on which specific route you take. Along the path there were a few scrambles so I would consider this trail a moderate in difficulty, despite a lot of trailheads online claiming that this was "difficult" and had a lot of upward and downward scrambles (there was a few, but nothing insurmountable for an infrequent hiker like myself). Views were breathtaking, especially at Gertrudes Nose where you can literally get beautiful panoramas of the Hudson Valley. Highly recommend for the adventurous spirit!

    Steph Y.

    Came here two weeks ago on my time off with a friend and loved my hike here. Came here on a weekday and parking was not an issue. Really great views of nature and its just absolutely beautiful after it snows. It was definitely not a challenging hike which is good because I didn't have snow shoes! I loved going to the waterfall, nothing like that winter crisp air. We stopped by the visitors center afterwards to use the restrooms and the building was very cozy and clean. You can also get a view of the lake from there :)

    Looking across the lake toward start of trail and beach

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    This place is awesome, only advice you need is come EARLY otherwise parking can be a nightmare. You're welcome.

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    Ask the Community - Minnewaska State Park Preserve

    Can you swim by the falls?

    I don't believe so. The water by the fall isn't that deep and I did not see anyone swimming by the fall at the time I went (FYI - I went in last August).

    Can you swim in the lake?

    Yes, however, there are barriers to stay within and lifeguards are provided for a plus.

    View All 3 Questions

    Review Highlights - Minnewaska State Park Preserve

    We also took a very pretty hike through the woods down to the Awosting Falls, which was a nice view too.

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    Kaaterskill Falls - March 2026

    Kaaterskill Falls

    4.6(166 reviews)
    33.3 mi

    The falls are truly incredible…read more The trail down to the bottom of the falls, is a bit tricky. But so incredibly worth it. I would suggest not to believe the sign saying 189 steps.... it is definitely more! Take drinking water because you'll need that for sure. We went back in August and the heat was definitely there. The parking lot was pretty packed but throughout the trails people were pretty evenly spaced out. Not so much at the base of the falls themselves but there was still plenty of room to move around freely.

    One of the tallest waterfall in NY, similar height to Taughannock Falls. Physical requirement is…read moredifferent tho, Kaaterskill Falls has about 500foot of elevation change and a lot of slippery stone steps at the end, if you come here when the weather is still cold. Parking: most people park at the Laurel-House Road parking area, because it is the closest. Or you can park at Mountain Top Historical Society, the old train station, which an extra mile. Starting from the old railroad station is nice, you can still see some old tracks on the ground. Walk to the overlook is fairly easy, once you get to the start point of Lower falls junction, it is where you need to be prepared. I recommend hiking shoe, especially in colder months where the ground is wet and iced. When you reach to the stone steps, they can get slippery. I am surprised no one fell in late March. Half of the steps were cover in ice and people were wearing regular sneakers. Once you reach the base of the two tier falls, the view is tremendous. If water levels are high, you can feel the energy of the water. There is a lot of spray from the falls when you get close. There is short trail to the middle tier pool. It was iced up during winter, spikes will definitely be useful. The end was amazing too. So close to the lead of the waterfall. You can keep going and follow Escarpment trail and follow the edge of the valley. There is monument for fireman Frank Layman who died during firefighting in 1900, at his monument, you can see route 23A bend around mountain. And if you keep going, there are a couple viewpoint to overlook the valley. Nice break points to enjoy the view and rest your legs.

    Photos
    Kaaterskill Falls - View Of Stream

    View Of Stream

    Kaaterskill Falls
    Kaaterskill Falls

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    Mohonk Preserve - Mohonk Mountain House Tulip Festival 2025

    Mohonk Preserve

    4.4(82 reviews)
    3.6 mi

    New Paltz / Gardiner, NY - I have hiked and biked through the Mohonk Preserve many a times over the…read moreyears, in all seasons, and it is one of my favorite wild places! Some of the trails I love the most are the Bonticrou Crag & Table Rocks (breathtaking views; the rock scramble is fun and challenging but there is an easier way up via the Bonticou ascent path), Labyrinth & Lemon Squeeze, and Sky Top Trail by the Mohonk Mountain House. On weekends and in the warmer seasons/good weather especially, the parking lots fill up early (like by 8:30-9am). There are 5 main trailheads, and the day use fee is at current writing $15 for hikers or $20 for cyclists/climbers/horseback riders (children 15 & under are free). At the heart of the preserve lies the Mohonk Mountain House, which is actually a private property. The area around the mountain house is amazing but unfortunately it is rather arduous to visit for many due to the parking lot distance, as it's a bit of a hike in from the preserve's trailheads (pleasant & easy, but about 4.5 miles in so that's ~9 miles roundtrip), unless you're a paying guest at this all-inclusive resort property and are allowed to park in the on-site lot. I've done it both the hard & easy ways, so to avoid sweat if not tears, I'll let my Yelp community in on some hacks of less strenuous ways to see the mountain house and its surroundings (short of paying $1Kpp as an overnight guest)... 1. $ - You can buy a $35 hiking day pass, to park at the "closer" parking lot at the Gatehouse, which is still 2.1 miles out from the mountain house (4.2 miles roundtrip, but better than 9 miles). 2. $$$ - Be a day guest and book a dining or spa experience at the property, and you can park on site. 3. $ - Visit during their special annual events like the gingerbread house competition in December or the tulip festival in April-May, passes for which are a much more affordable $15-$35 (2025 rates). This allows you to park at the mountain house and not have to hike in. So there! Mohonk Preserve is one of the most beautiful places in the Hudson Valley, with so much incredible scenery (including fall foliage!) and things to do - hiking, biking, rock climbing, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, row boating, and even a via ferrata though that's only for hotel guests - and is a dream for outdoor lovers!

    A well-maintained and scenic area for hiking, walking and biking and just being in nature…read more There are multiple hikes and biking opportunities in the preserve and is a cheaper option to access trails than staying at the mountain house. We had a pass from the local library which covered one car but typically its $35 per car. If you park at the mountain house it's that much per hiker. Since they get this money they can ensure the trails are well marked, there are friendly faces to greet you and they had a bike repair station too. Parking at the preserve and hiking in will add a few miles but you can still see the lemon squeeze, eagle cliff and Skytop. Portopotties are at the trailhead. We got to the trailhead around 8:30 am and there were still spots available. Since it had rained a lot the day before, the trail was a bit muddy and slippery (surprisingly made it through without falling!). Parts of the hike were easy (on carriage roads) and other parts like the labrynth and lemon squeeze were challenging with lots of rock scrambling and tight crevices. You can climb to Skytop tower and snap iconic photos below. By the mountain house, they had a pretty garden, spa, tennis, archery, rowing activities and lots of little viewpoints. Everyone recommends getting there early as when the weather is nice, it will get crowded. After hiking, you can go into New Paltz and try some of the local restaurants in town.

    Photos
    Mohonk Preserve - Tulip Festival 2025

    Tulip Festival 2025

    Mohonk Preserve - Mohonk Mountain House Tulip Festival 2025

    Mohonk Mountain House Tulip Festival 2025

    Mohonk Preserve - Mohonk Lake boat dock in winter

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    Mohonk Lake boat dock in winter

    Minnewaska State Park Preserve - hiking - Updated May 2026

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