Review Highlights
“The Upper Lot is a bit bigger and is closer to Minnewaska Lake where the public beach is.” in 5 reviews
“Drive through the hippie college town of New Paltz to eat lunch & then head straight into the gorgeous Shawnagunk Ridge.” in 10 reviews
“We did the Gertrude's nose hike which is a solid 5-6 hours long hike depending on which specific route you take.” in 12 reviews
Location & Hours
Kerhonkson, NY 12446
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Amenities and More
Ask the Community
Q:
Can you swim by the falls?
A:
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).
Christy C.4 years agoQ:
Can you swim in the lake?
A:
Yes, however, there are barriers to stay within and lifeguards are provided for a plus.
Ernie F.4 years ago
Recommended Reviews
Overall rating
154 reviews
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Bhee G.Yonkers, NY130170902Jun 30, 2014A beautiful natural reserve state park.
Gods creation is beyond beauty.
This place is amazing.. With it's miles of trails in between the forest and lots of great lake scenery with the smell of greens it's an absolute 5 star.
The map located on every trail us very informative, very detailed so any person wouldn't get lost.
This place is huge and yet it's being maintained properly.. For hiking, picnic, swimming and scenery is a must to see.
An hour and a half drive from home but still it's a good distance and place for family and friends who loves outdoors.
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Oh no 0- Feb 5, 2024Updated review
First time back since early fall. Stopped by today w best friend, Pots & Pans (AKA Stumbleweed). Weekends this time of year are so much different than summertime (when the living is easy, the fishing are jumping, and the cotton is high, etc). Parking lots nearly empty.
Brisk morning. Temps in the low 30's, but windy. Someone remembered to bring hand warmers, thank goodness, and enough for two!! Notwithstanding the dearth of snow in the valley, there was substantial snow at the top (and some ice in shady areas). Microspikes, snowshoes, trekking poles all good this time of year. Air so crisp and clean, nary a cloud to be seen in any direction. Lake Minewaska was frozen over, but probably unsafe. No fishing allowed anyway.
We did a short hike on the Beacon Hill Carriage Road which ended w views of the famous, exclusive Mohonk Mountain House in the distance.
A beautiful day! Minewaska State Park is always 5 stars!!!!!Helpful 3Thanks 2Love this 5Oh no 0Oct 6, 2023Previous reviewVisited earlier in the week with best friend, Natty Bumppo and my two nephews, California Joe and Arizona Anthony. First, offseason weekdays are a pleasure. Easy parking, more solitude. Perfect day. Temps started in the mid-60s and ended in the mid-70s. This being October 2nd, trees were not exhibiting their full spectrum of colors, but there was some reds and yellows here and there.
I call my friend Natty Bumppo because that character was featured in novels by James Fenimore Cooper. NB, among other things, was an Indian scout and tracker. Our destination was Gertrude's Nose. Although we ended up at Castle Point, I believe my friend purposely got us lost and went there for two reasons. First, he realized that the two tenderfoots from out west probably needed the shorter (by about 2 miles) trip, and second, so he could get back to his beautiful bride, the breathtaking maiden Mariahontas, earlier.
Anyway, a beautiful day, 18K + steps. Some carried packs, some didn't. Oh, and the bathroom at the visitors center is super clean.
PSA - please practice Leave No Trace principles.
5 scenic starsSep 15, 2023Previous reviewThis is the 3rd time here this season w best friend, Four Buck, the con artist formerly known as Pots & Pans. One benefit of going w Four Buck is that he qualifies to get us in for free (he is an older friend). So, we saved the $10 car fee.
Another beautiful day, w temps in the 70's, scattered sun, and an angel's breath of a breeze. Perfect conditions. We chose Hamilton Point as our destination, having previously hiked to Lake Awosting and Castle Point (all are in the 7 to 8 mile range, w gently rolling terrain, and numerous scenic views).
Very shortly after we embarked, cautionary signs for aggressive hornets in the area. We did not see any, but Four Buck was ready to provide the first four w names ... Horatio, Henry, Hillary, and Harriet (BTW, how he can tell male from female hornets is a gift very few people have). Shortly afterward, we saw a porcupine, which I nicknamed "Pokey".
After maybe a mile, the trail splits... Hamilton Point via the yellow markers to the right. FB was insistent that the left, unmarked trail was correct. He took it and was missing for about 15 minutes. I believe he took it due to "the call of nature". If so, I'm sure he practiced leave no trace principles and "buried it"!
Hamilton Point was beautiful. From there, you can look down at the valley, and look across at Gertrude's Schnoz (our next planned hike during foliage season). Saw a hawk (I named him "Toma") and a 4' black snake (FB named him "Blackie").
Minnewaska SP is a great destination. Numerous trails. Bring fluids, and carry out what you carry in. Leave no trace. We LITTERly so NO LITTER during the 7.4 mile round trip hike!! Looking forward to the next time.
BTW, the name "Four Buck" has nothing to do with hunting prowess or shooting skills. It's all about a debt paid.
5 stars always!Jun 26, 2023Previous reviewCame back on June 21st, after just being here 3 weeks prior. Last time, best friend, Pots & Pans and I did the Lake Awosting Carriage Road (approx 8 miles). This time, after another hearty breakfast at the Main Street Bistro in New Paltz, our designs were on Castle Point (9.2 miles RT).
Fun fact. I fractured my left wrist about 6 weeks ago, and it's casted. Although I can tie my boots, I still can't tie them as tight as I want for doing that kind of distance. Last time, Pots tied my laces together, and I almost fell! Haha. This time, he tied my boots individually, BUT IN MANY KNOTS!! To the point where I had to cut them off w a knife when I got home. Payback will be a beach.
Anyway, another absolutely magical day, and my best friend, now known as Houdini, formerly known as the con artist, Pots & Pans, and I truly enjoyed the bushes w flowers in bloom, the beauty of nature, the scenic overlooks showing lakes, Gertrude's Nose, Hamilton Point, and much more. Met up w a young man from India who hiked w his young wife (nurse in NJ). Really nice couple. Highlight on the return trip was seeing an unruffled ruffed grouse on the side of the trail. We got w/I a few feet and it was totally unflappable. Houdini nicknamed him (or her) "Rat", as he seems to have a fondness for them.
The other highlight was seeing 5 or 6 vultures circling overhead (no lie). Houdini said they were condors, but I googled them. Condors are not native to the East. Not sure if the vultures were waiting for Houdini or me to drop (too close to call).
Anyway, lots of trails. Bring fluids. Try to visit during the week. AND LEAVE NO TRACE!Jun 1, 2023Previous reviewMinnewaska State Park is a gem, with a maze of hiking trails, two large lakes (Minnewaska and Awosting), and a cool Visitors Center (with clean bathrooms). Nominal fee to enter ($10 per car). Lots and lots (pardon the pun) of parking. Okay - FIRST TIP - Crazy busy on weekends. Lots fill us fast and early. Weekdays so much nicer.
Fun fact - I fractured my left wrist 3 weeks ago, and am in a cast. While I can tie my shoelaces. I can't really tie them tight enough for a long hike w a pack. So I relied on best friend, Pots & Pans, to tie both boots.
They say that the longest journey begins w a single step. Well mine almost didn't begin as my "good friend" tied my laces together, and I stumbled b4 I caught myself! He smirks and says, "I was trying to see if we could get u matching casts." Very funny.
Ok. Perfect day, and I finally took that first step. Upper Awosting carriage trail (get a free map at the entrance shack or vis ctr). Almost 4 miles to Lake Awosting. The solitude (at least during weekdays) and smells of the woods - so incredible. One highlight. We came across a rattlesnake maybe a quarter mile b4 we got to the "beach" at Awosting. Pots almost stepped on it, and nicknamed him "Rat". We estimate 4-ft long. And while Pots can sometimes be a charmer, he wanted no part of that snake. Yikes!
While there are signs at Awosting saying no swimming, most people do. Tip - IF you decide in advance that you want to go in the water, bring water shoes. In other words, while there are no crocs, bring Crocs.
We also heard and saw a baby porcupine on the way back. Almost 8 miles RT. Pots' Fitbit said 27,600+ steps! Worth it, notwithstanding the very first one (and payback will be of the shock and awe type).
Last - please practice LEAVE NO TRACE principles. The park is very beautiful. We need to keep it that way.
5 scenic stars - Dec 4, 2023
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.Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Jun 21, 2023
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!Helpful 0Thanks 1Love this 1Oh no 0 
1434813180Aug 27, 2023On 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.
Helpful 1Thanks 1Love this 0Oh no 0- Apr 14, 2023
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.
Helpful 4Thanks 1Love this 4Oh no 0 - Sep 20, 2023
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.
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Delilah M.NY, NY074Nov 5, 2023We have lots of family and friends visit us from out of state and this is always a place we recommend or bring them to. It's just an absolutely stunning view, a walk around the lake that provides beautiful views from up top and down below. It's not strenuous and people of all ages can enjoy!
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0- Oct 12, 2022
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.Helpful 4Thanks 0Love this 4Oh no 0 
Stefanie F.NY, NY24725Aug 21, 2023The Gertrude's Nose loop is tough, but well worth the views! Wear good shoes, your feet will thank you! No reservations needed on non holiday weeksays
Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0- Ryan C.Huntington Station, NY205202Feb 9, 2024
Had a wonderful time here with my wife and my dog. It had great trails and awesome views. The surrounding towns are very quaint . We're looking forward to coming back in the future.
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