Hiking Minnewaska State Park Preserve in New York | Trail Journal
Image Source: New York State Parks Blog
This past fall, I went to New York with my boyfriend to explore the city and his hometown. Although I loved every moment downtown, from eating at the most delicious restaurants to walking around Central Park, one of my favorite activities we did was hiking at a state park in Northern New York.
We were motivated to get our hike done at Minnewaska State Park Preserve before the rain rolled in. The drive up there was beautiful and very Twilight-esque with the overcast weather. Winding roads, small towns, mountains, and tall trees greeted us. Once we made it into the park, we drove straight up to the visitor center to take a quick restroom break before we began our journey.
Off the bat, I loved their visitor center and how informational it was. The walls were filled with facts about the park, the plants, wildlife, and fun interactive elements for kids and adults. There is also a cozy living room spot with large windows overlooking the lake – making you feel like you stepped into a cabin. Before we left, I snagged a sticker and postcard for my memory box.
We hiked the Carriage Road Loop (AllTrails map below) that ran along the perimeter of Minnewaska lake. It reminded me of a park I visited in Texas called Meridian State Park, which also has a trail that loops around the outside of the lake. You should check it out if you’re ever in North Texas.
Seeing the water, the views of the mountains, the native trees, and the plants had me in awe. As a native Texan who’d only been to New York City once prior, I never thought this state would have natural spaces like this. It’s never really talked about, and I’m grateful I got to see it in a different light – away from buildings and honking cars.
Off My Camera Roll
Signing Off,
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Quick Facts About Minnewaska State Park Preserve
The park sits 2,000 feet above sea level on the Shawangunk Mountain ridge
Visitors will come across waterfalls, lakes, cliffs, and forests
There are 50 miles of trails
What To Do at Minnewaska State Park?
Hiking
Biking
Swimming
Scuba-Diving
Rock Climbing
Bouldering
Paddling
Horseback riding
Cross-Country Skiing
Park Information
Address
5281 Route 44-55
Kerhonkson, NY 12446
Phone
845-255-0752
Entrance Fee Price
$10 per car
Will you be in New York soon? I loved every second on the trail at Minnewaska State Park Preserve, and I cannot wait to go back to see more of what it offers. If you are ever in the area, you should add this to your list of places to visit in New York!
