Minnewaska State Park Preserve

Hiking in Minnewaska | Climbing in Minnewaska

irst there was Mohonk Mountain House, then there was the Cliff House at Lake Minnewaska. The modern history of the property that today makes up the Minnewaska State Park Preserve goes back to 1879 and Alfred Smiley. Alfred, and his brother Albert, had previously opened the Mohonk Mountain House. In the 1870's there was a, disagreement, and Alfred parted ways with Albert and went down the ridge and created a new resort, Cliff House.

For decades the rivalry between the resorts continued, but the brothers reconciled and cooperatively created a network of carriage ways leading visitors between the two establishments. These carriage ways today form the backbone of access to the natural wonder that is the northern Shawangunk Ridge. These fine roadbeds pass uninterrupted between what is today the Mohonk Mountain House Resort, the Mohonk Preserve and Minnewaska State Park Preserve. They form a labyrinth of easy strolling, hiking, biking, horseback riding and cross country skiing year round. This unique construction is one of the primary features making the publics use of the northern Shawangunks so attractive and accessible.

The property continued as a resort, first with Cliff House and later with Wildmere right up until 1979 when the last guest checked out. Cliff House burned down in 1978, and finally Wildmere was destroyed in 1985. For years after the closing of the resort, the property remained in a contentious limbo as various groups and factions fought over its ultimate and best use. The Marriott Corporation was in the process of negotiating the purchase of the land for development into a resort and conference center when, at the last minute, a coalition of local and state environmentalists convinced New York State to purchase the remaining portions of land it did not already own and create the Minnewaska State Park Preserve in 1987.

The battle over the property went on for over seven years, but ultimately resulted in the solidification of an uninterrupted series of preservation entities keeping the northern Shawangunk Range perpetually free from development. To our benefit there now exists over 25,000 acres of forever wild land less than two hours drive from the heart of New York City.

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Minnewaska State Park Preserve is the "public" portion of this collection of properties. On its northern borders is the Mohonk Preserve, created by the Smiley family from its land holdings, and on its souther borders is Ice Caves Mountain Preserve, administered by the Nature Conservancy. Minnewaska State Park Preserve, now encompassing approximately 12,000 acres, provides public access into the heart of this incomparable landscape.

A visit to Minnewaska brings unparalleled opportunities for relaxation and endless recreation. Whatever your outdoor interests, from rock climbing to swimming, from quite strolls to family gatherings, from the study of nature to hunting, Minnewaska provides the setting. All you have to do is provide the energy and imagination. And the supplies, equipment and gas to get there!

When you consider visiting Minnewaska, you should keep in mind that it is a DAY USE state park. There are no accommodations and no overnight stays are allowed. You should also keep in mind that because of the fragility of the natural environments to be found in Minnewaska, they strictly limit the number of people allowed into the park at any one time. The result of this last bit is;

VISITOR WARNINGS

• Total capacity of the park is limited by the number of parking spots in its various parking lots. With unusual frequency, on weekends or beautiful summer or fall days mid week, Minnewaska State Park Preserve will frequently close before it actually officially opens. Once the park closes it reopens hourly and admits only so many cars as have left. If you get to Minnewaska in the morning and it's already closed, go to Plan B, your chances of getting in are very very slim.
• If the Park Police discover you abusing the Park or ignoring the clearly posted restrictions, they will issue a ticket and you will be subject to fines and other penalties, up to arrest. Know this as fact. The limitations on your use of the park are really very few, simple and easy to follow, (see below).

The ecology of Minnewaska is extremely fragile and the only way to preserve it is to limit the impact we humans can have. The best way to limit that impact is to limit how many of us can get to it and tramp across it. But, even with these restrictions, Minnewaska welcomes over half a million visitors annually. It's open all year providing recreation in all weathers. It is, in fact, one of the best cross country ski locations in the Middle Hudson Valley!

The Park Police serve two very different functions: their primary role is to aid and assist visitors to the Preserve and help in their enjoyment of the resource, but their secondary role is to protect the environment from those same visitors. Minnewaska State Park Preserve is potentially a very dangerous place as it is crisscrossed with cliffs, ravines and escarpments. Trails and Overlooks are frequently adjacent to cliff edges. And everywhere you go in the Preserve, you are surrounded by extremely fragile environment. So please play by the rules, stick to developed paths and established trails.

Recreation Opportunities

• Hiking - There are miles of carriage ways, established trails and rough trails for you to ramble, hike and stroll. Degree of difficulty ranges from level paths to gently rolling hills to steep inclines. For more complete information on Hiking in Minnewaska, CLICK HERE!
• Bicycles - Bicycling is permitted on all carriage ways. Mountain biking and single track is not allowed anywhere in the park. Cyclists must at all times wear helmets, yield to and warn pedestrians and horses.
• Boating - Car-top boats are permitted on Lake Minnewaska. Boating requires the issuance of a permit, obtainable from the Park Office or from the Palisades Interstate Park Commission. As a part of the Palisades Park system, Minnewaska honors Palisades Park permits.
• Horseback Riding - Horses and the use of horse drawn carriages is permitted on carriage ways, subject to your obtaining a permit. There is no fee for the permit and it can be obtained at the Park Office.
• Swimming - Swimming is permitted in both Lake Minnewaska and Awosting Lake, but only at the designated swimming areas, AND only when a lifeguard is on duty.
• Rock & Cliff Climbing - This is a relatively new activity available at Minnewaska. It is restricted to a single area of the park, the Peter's Kill Escarpment. A permit is required, and permits are restricted in number each day. For more information on Rock & Cliff Climbing in Minnewaska CLICK HERE!
• Cross Country Skiing and Winter Sports - Minnewaska is one of the best locations in the Mid-Hudson Valley for cross country skiing. There are areas specifically developed for the sport as well as all carriage ways are open. During the winter months there is a concession at Minnewaska where you can rent skis and obtain instruction. Sledding and downhill skiing are not permitted anywhere in the park.
• Picnicking - Picnicking is permitted in the designated picnic areas. Naturally, hikers out on the trails are free to settle down for a trail side lunch or snack. Raised portable grills are, however, only permitted in the designated picnic areas. In order to protect the woodlands, ground fires are not permitted anywhere in the park.
• Hunting - Hunting in the park is restricted to deer within very specific areas of the park, and only in season.
• Fishing - Technically, fishing is permitted in both Lake Minnewaska and Awosting Lake and if you want to angle in either body of water you will need to obtain a permit either from the Park Office or from the Palisades Interstate Park Commission. However, there are no fish. The ecology of Minnewaska causes these two bodies of water to be to acidic to support fish.
• Scuba Diving - Scuba Diving by certified divers is permitted in Lake Minnewaska. Divers must report to the park preserve office prior to entering the water.
• Appreciating & Observing Nature - Minnewaska and the northern Shawangunk Range provide unparalleled opportunities to observe and appreciate nature. Within Minnewaska are located globally rare plant communities including dwarf pine ridge barrens. Minnewaska has a variety of animals making their homes within the park, including bear, fox, bobcat and migratory birds.
• Solitude - Being so close to New York City, and as described above, being such a popular park destination, Minnewaska can be awash with people. But there is something very unique about it at the same time. Because of it size and the extent of the developed trails, a short walk away from the main gathering areas of the park will provide you with complete isolation from your fellow visitors. Many have commented that when they go out onto the trails they don't see other people for hours.
• Nature Programs - Minnewaska has an ever changing series of guided walks, planned hikes and lectures focused on the natural environment of Minnewaska. Programs are created for everyone in the family, from the youngest child to adults. For a complete listing of upcoming events at Minnewaska, check the New Paltz Calender.
• Handicapped Accessible - Minnewaska State Park Preserve is completely handicapped accessible. The very nature of the park makes certain areas more dangerous than others for people with physical challenges and some paths and trails would be extremely difficult to navigate in a wheel chair. But the wide choice of trails and carriage ways makes the park a totally enjoyable experience whatever physical challenges the visitor may have. The park does not restrict access to any part of the park as a result of a visitors physical challenges. They rely on the common sense of the individuals involved to set their own restrictions.

Regulations

To ensure that others enjoy their visit to Minnewaska State Park Preserve, please remember that:

• The park opens daily at 9am. User fees and closing hours are posted at the park entrance and are adjusted seasonally. Information is available at the Park Office regarding Empire Passports for frequent park users, senior citizens discount, and Access Passes for persons with permanent physical disabilities.
• Minnewaska is a "Carry In - Carry Out" park. Trash receptacles are not provided; you must take your trash out with you.
• Glass containers are not permitted.
• Alcoholic beverages are not permitted.
• Only radios used with earphones are permitted.
• Designated parking areas are provided for your safety. Parking in other areas is not permitted.
• Camping and camp fires are not permitted.
• For your safety, remain on clearly marked paths and carriage ways.
• Pets are permitted on carriage ways and paths. Pets must remain on a leash at all times. Pets are not permitted on any beaches.

Information

Park hours vary from season to season. Check in advance for hours.

Minnewaska State Park Preserve
PO Box 893
New Paltz, NY 12561
(914)255-0752
(914)255-3503 - fax

For after-hours assistance call:
NYS Park Police: (914)786-2781

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Overview Map of Minnewaska State Park Preserve

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Minnewaska State Park Preserve is part of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission and is also a part of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.