Minnewaska State Park

HVH Pick

Hiking • Swimming

What They Are about

The Minnewaska State Park is a 22,275-acre preserve situated along the impressive Shawangunk Mountain Ridge in Ulster County, New York and has been a significant tourist attraction for decades. You can hike or bike the park on clearly marked trails to see impressive waterfalls and spectacular views.

Stunning foliage, well-marked trails, and picturesque views make Minnewaska State Park a stellar attraction for locals and day trippers alike. The park is located along the oft-photographed Shawangunk Mountain Ridge that rises more than 2,000 feet above sea level and cuts an impressive rock shelf into the landscape. With its rugged terrain, numerous waterfalls, three crystalline sky lakes, dense hardwood forests, clear mountain streams and incising sheer cliffs and ledges, it draws hikers, bikers, and climbers from across the region for its abundance of natural attractions and outdoor activities. Cross country skiing, scuba diving, horseback riding and picnicking are other pursuits enjoyed here.

And after a day at Minnewaska, you can enjoy the campsite in the park or visit the area inns and B&Bs for a comfortable stay. There are also restaurants and boutiques in the nearby college town of New Paltz to complete a weekend visit.

Our Notes

You can park near the entrance that says "awosting falls parking" and walk up on the concrete road -past the entrance to gain access to the short walk/trail to the falls OR you can drive up the mountain to the main parking lot near Lake Minnewaska and walk down the "Sunset Carriage" trail which is much harder but you want a good cardio workout then do that.
At Lake Minnewaska- you can see some lovely views, especially from the stone ledges. There is a 2-mile loop around the lake- concrete road/trail - probably one of the more easier and quicker hikes
It's a three-mile hike to Lake Awosting from Lake Minnewaska
Definitely get here as early as you can get