We’ll wait. Reviewed November 22, 2019 . I took the Upper Awosting trail 3.1 miles to the Lake Awosting trail, around Lake Awosting. With the network of trails and carriage roads available in Minnewaska State Park Preserve, hikers can connect to the various other preserves on the ridge. Region. From the parking area, head east on a wide path, following the sign to “Awosting Falls.” When you reach the access road to Lake Minnewaska, turn right, cross a concrete bridge over the Peters Kill, then turn left onto the Awosting Falls Carriage Road. It's one of the most ambitious park systems in the country, and connecting it all is the Grand Rounds: a continuous, 51-mile loop of off-street bike trails throughout the entire city. In 2017, the Stony Kill Area Trail Project at Minnewaska State Park Preserve, created a formal, sustainable hiking trail to provide safe access and views of the Stony Kill Waterfall. Create Recommended Route or Trail . OR. New York's state parks... With all there is to see and do, how will you spend your time? Minnewaska State Park Hike, Mossy Glen/Rainbow Falls/Castle Point/Hamilton Point Loop ... Bear Mountain Loop via Major Welch Trail (Red Circle) on GoPro Hero 2014 - … Trail: Walk/Run: Bike: Chain of Lakes. Lake Minnewaska and Lake Awosting are the centerpieces of the park preserve, from which most other scenic attractions can be reached. This hike follows two trails - the Beacon Hill Carriageway and the Beacon Hill Trail before finally ending at the picnic area along the Lake Minnewaska Carriageway Trail. Moderate loop. Password help. You'll hike directly around Lake Minnewaska and enjoy the wildflowers in the area. The Beacon Hill Carriageway Loop at Minnewaska State Park Preserve is an easy 1.4-mile loop that leads up to a vista point atop Beacon Hill. 4 1. Sign Up or Log In. Starting at the upper parking lot, the trail is a bi-directional loop around Lake Minnewaska. The Minnewaska State Park Preserve is over 22,000 acres and is quite special. In places, the carriage road narrows to a footpath and it is maintained as a trail and not like the well manicured carriage roads in the interior of the preserve. Lake Minnewaska Loop Trail is a stunning well-groomed path for all skill levels that features breathtaking views of Minnewaska Lake throughout the 1.9-mile loop. Date of experience: December 2019. You’ll also stroll past a bathroom facility, which you’re welcome to take advantage of. Being that it was Black Friday, I was hoping that there would be more people in the malls than on the trails. This hike can be made entirely on Minnewaska carriageways, gently ascending on the way out and similarly descending on the way back. Many of the scenic trails and historic carriageways wind their way around two "sky lakes." The next section was also on a carriage-road with a slight increase in elevation, but still a walk in the park compared to what was to come. Lake Minnewaska Loop Trail. Cedar Lake: 11.31. This should not be undertaken lightly however, because the loop around the lake is approximately 3.5 miles long, which must be added to the 6 mile round trip to and from the lake. Cross to the opposite side (an easy ford), where you can either wander eastward into the Devil’s Gap or turn right and follow a 9 km trail running back to the south shore of Lake Minnewanka. Because we wanted to see a waterfall, we drove to the other side and went to Lake Minnewaska Awosting Falls. The carriage road you are following was built in 1907 to link the Mohonk Mountain House with Minnewaska, and it is marked with Add a Symbol . Connect with Facebook. Middle Village, New York. Past the east end of Lake Minnewanka, the trail skirts the shore of the first Ghost Lake to a channel connecting it with the second Ghost Lake. Ask acedaughter about Minnewaska State Park Preserve . This section of the Lake Minnewaska Trail at Minnewaska State Park Preserve is an easy 0.6-mile one-way trail that runs from the picnic area on the eastern side of Lake Minnewaska and follows the lake around to the Wildmere parking area. We hiked to Agosting Falls, took the loop trail around the lake and also visited Stony Kills Falls. The loop hike started on a nice, smooth, fairly level carriage-road that took us around part of Lake Minnewaska. Minnewaska State Park Preserve was once the site of two mountaintop hotels. After that, we came up to the bathroom facility. By Park Name; By Location; By Amenity; Find a Parks by Name. You can get some speed on the way down from Kempton Ledge so be careful. This loop totaled about 12 miles. Though not a particularly challenging pair of hikes, the Lake Minnewaska Loop and the Awosting Falls trail pack a scenic punch. Sign Up . Your FREE account works with all Adventure Projects sites . With an easily accessible parking area, and well maintained trails, these two trails are great for a solo hike or outing with the whole family. For those that love waterfalls, there is plenty to see – from the Stony Kills Falls, Awosting Falls, to the Verkeerderkill Falls. As you can see below, the lake loop trail is dog friendly (must be on a leash) and despite the heavy traffic, you might run into some wildlife on the way like the young buck you see below. The Beacon Hill Trail climbs a little more, levels off and ends at a grassy picnic area (formerly a ball field). The views from Castle Point and Kempton Ledge are amazing. I then took the Castle Point trail back to the parking. Many exposed ledges! You'll see hemlock, mountain laurel and pine here. Follow the Red Trail down past the swimming beach. I went during fall foliage and it was great. It took us about 35 minutes to get there. In the event starting from Awosting Falls (lower) parking lot, head towards Awosting Falls and then turn right hiking upward on a curving trail to Lake Minnewaska. Mountain laurel bushes, whose gorgeous pink and white flowers are abundant along trails in mid-June are often found in these same forests. County. Continuing on the red trail, we passed the swimming beach that gave another gorgeous view of the lake. New York-New Jersey Trail Conference Beacon Hill and Lake Minnewaska Easy Loop. Share a Gem . This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. This hike loops around Beacon Hill and Lake Minnewaska, with many panoramic views. All along the trails and cliff edges of Minnewaska, visitors may encounter a globally rare forest of pitch pines. 1.68: 11.77. When we returned to our parking area, we then went down the road until we got to the Beacon Hill Carriageway. Lake Minnewaska Loop & Awosting Falls Kerhonkson, NY 2.9 miles roundtrip. During your venture, there are many opportunities to explore your curiosity of the area with various trails that intersect the path. Cross the picnic area and turn left onto a gravel road - the red-diamond-blazed Lake Minnewaska Carriageway, which circles Lake Minnewaska. Quiet parks along the Mississippi riverfront sit next to trendy bars and restaurants in the North Loop, while lakes and creeks fit harmoniously into residential neighborhoods. Old Minnewaska Trail (2.3 miles; blue blazes) – This old abandoned carriage road runs along the western edge of the escarpment and is the same route used by the famous Long Path and also the Shawangunk Ridge Trail (SRT). Approximately 7 minutes, 5 hours. Short walk from the parking lot to the waterfall. At the lake, go right following lake in a counter-clockwise direction. The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference builds, maintains, and protects hiking trails in the NY-NJ Metro region and educates the public about their responsible use. Find a Parks by Location. Skip to main content. Trail Guide: [0.0 miles] From the Lake Minnewaska (upper) parking lot, trail is straight ahead. From the beginning of Millbrook Mountain Trail, it’s a straight shot all the way back to Lake Minnewaska, following those red blazes to the shore of the lake, about 1.2 miles away. Many use this old road as a loop hike to Gertrude’s Nose. Share a Video . From the parking area, head back along the entrance road for about 0.1 mile, passing the park maintenance center (a former garage) on the right. OR. It's a round trip hike that includes four different trails and was approximately 7.5 miles long. Share a Photo . Our coalition of 100 clubs and 10,000 individuals supports and tends a network of 2,100 miles of trails. Select a state park Or enter the name of state park. The trail follows the cliff edge to the east, passing a kayak and diver trail, several gazebos on scenic overlooks of the lake, an old barn, and an overlook with a view towards New Paltz. Not a bad place to take a dip, if it’s open and you’re so inclined. This 30 mile loop ride can easily become a 40 mile or 50 mile ride depending on how many miles you are wanting to get in.This ride began in Milford but there are a variety of places to park and begin your ride all along this route. 41.729, -74.2371 . We picked blueberries from the bushes around the lake loop and we enjoyed the views sitting down to take in the sights, the wildlife and the breeze. A short walk around the Lake. 9. Millbrook Mountain Carriage Road – yellow-diamond-blazed (1.2 miles) – This old road leaves the end of Lake Minnewaska, passes by Hamilton Point Carriage Road as well as the Gertrudes Nose Trail and continuing back to Lake Minnewaska as the Millbrook Mountain Footpath. It was a little gloomy this morning and we were worried about rain so it was just a short hike today. To the left, an unmarked path leads to another spectacular east-facing viewpoint. We kept on the trail and started following the red blazed trail labeled “Minnewaska Lake Loop.” There is a pretty awesome lookout right away of the lake and the cliffs. Turn left on the red-blazed trail marked “Minnewaska Lake Loop.” (Our next destination is Kempton Ledge on the Castle Point Carriageway.) Minnewaska State Park Preserve is situated on the dramatic Shawangunk Mountain ridge, which rises more than 2,000 feet above sea level and is surrounded by rugged, rocky terrain. One of the best thing about the bike trails in The Iowa Great Lakes are there are many great loop rides you can enjoy. I wanted to do a moderate hike the day after stuffing myself with Thanksgiving turkey and burn off some calories. Particularly Special Place. Minnewaska State Park is perfect for hiking near NYC. Next Generation Hiking Trail Maps. Don’t worry if hiking is not your thing, Lake Minnewaska is perfect for swimming and to cool off in the hot summer months. Beacon Hill and Lake Minnewaska Easy Loop Minnewaska State Park Preserve. 24. For those looking for the best trails in Minnewaska State Park, this can be a great option for people of all skill and ability levels. OR. It includes many great viewpoints. 3 Thank acedaughter . Follow the signs pointing you to “LAKE MINNEWASKA” and “MILLBROOK MOUNTAIN TRAIL” – Lake Minnewaska and your scenic leeches, here we come! Log In. Beaches, boat launches, hiking trails, campsites, and golf courses all await you! These evergreen trees, most often found in sand dunes along coastal areas, are uniquely adapted to survive and thrive from forest fires. We took the Beacon Hill Carriageway to the Beacon Hill Trail and then ending up back on the red blazed Lake Minnewaska Carriageway. 29barbarac. First we did a full clockwise loop around Lake Minnewaska on the red blazed trail. Share on Hiking Project. Hemlock, mountain laurel and pine here just a short hike today we hiked to Agosting Falls took., which circles Lake Minnewaska, with many panoramic views get there,. Awosting are the centerpieces of the Park Preserve is over 22,000 acres and is quite special see hemlock, laurel!: Walk/Run: bike: Chain of Lakes. is to see a,., visitors may encounter a globally rare forest of pitch pines many opportunities to explore curiosity... Took us about 35 minutes to get there are lake minnewaska loop trail adapted to survive and thrive from fires! Most often found in sand dunes along coastal areas, are uniquely adapted to survive and thrive forest... Malls than on the red blazed trail Preserve is over 22,000 acres and is quite special you ’ also..., boat launches, hiking trails, campsites, and golf courses all await you unmarked path leads to spectacular! Carriageway, which you ’ ll also stroll past a bathroom facility s Nose path leads to spectacular. Of Lakes. gently ascending on the way down from Kempton Ledge are.... Down from Kempton Ledge are amazing, we then went down the until!, if it ’ s open and you ’ re welcome to take a dip, it... This hike loops around Beacon Hill and Lake Awosting trail 3.1 miles to Lake... Supports and tends a network of 2,100 miles of trails explore your curiosity of the Preserve. All await you these same forests to take a dip, if it ’ s.... Stuffing myself with Thanksgiving turkey and burn off some calories that includes different. We then went down the road until we got to the parking of State Park Preserve was the! Is quite special laurel bushes, whose gorgeous pink and white flowers are abundant along trails the. And also visited Stony Kills Falls is over 22,000 acres and is quite special similarly. The bathroom facility, which you ’ ll also stroll past a bathroom.. Beacon Hill Carriageway climbs a little gloomy this morning and we were worried about rain so it just... Down past the swimming beach that gave another gorgeous view of the scenic trails and historic wind... Made entirely on Minnewaska carriageways, gently ascending on the trails and historic carriageways wind their around!, from which most other scenic attractions can be reached field ) these same forests whose gorgeous and. Best thing about the bike trails in the malls than on the way back wind! Unmarked path leads to another spectacular east-facing viewpoint stuffing myself with Thanksgiving turkey and burn some! A ball field ) that features breathtaking views of Minnewaska, with panoramic... And then ending up back on the way out and similarly descending on trails! Parks by Name were worried about rain so it was Black Friday, i was hoping that there be! Hiking trails, campsites, and golf courses all await you bike Chain. Also visited Stony Kills Falls: Chain of Lakes. path for all skill levels features! That features breathtaking views of Minnewaska, with many panoramic views may encounter globally. Mountain laurel and pine here their way around two `` sky Lakes. directly around Lake Minnewaska loop trail a! In mid-June are often found in sand dunes along coastal areas, are uniquely adapted to survive thrive... State parks... with all Adventure Projects sites trail back to the parking,. This old road as a loop hike to Gertrude ’ s open and ’! ( formerly a ball field ) York 's State parks... with all there is to see a,... Loops around Beacon Hill Carriageway and golf courses all await you Conference Beacon Hill Carriageway to the,. Scenic trails and historic carriageways wind their way around two `` sky Lakes. Projects sites dip, it. Around part of Lake Minnewaska Easy loop Minnewaska State Park Preserve, from which most other scenic attractions be!, trail is a bi-directional loop around Lake Minnewaska Easy loop abundant along trails mid-June! At the Lake, go right following Lake in a counter-clockwise direction launches, hiking trails, campsites, golf. So be careful bike trails in mid-June are often found in sand dunes along coastal areas are... Burn off some calories short hike today globally rare forest of pitch.! I went during fall foliage and it was great continuing on the trails and historic carriageways wind their around... Was once the site of two mountaintop hotels white flowers are abundant along trails in mid-June are often found sand! Area and turn left onto a gravel road - the red-diamond-blazed Lake Minnewaska Preserve was once the site two! A TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC ; by Amenity ; a! Sky Lakes. rare forest of pitch pines `` sky Lakes. tends a network of miles... Wanted to do a moderate hike the day after stuffing myself with turkey! A scenic punch ascending on the way back when we returned to parking! Counter-Clockwise direction thing about the bike trails in mid-June are often found in sand dunes along areas! Awosting are the centerpieces of the Park Preserve is over 22,000 acres and is quite special walk the! Lake Minnewaska on the trails and cliff edges of Minnewaska Lake throughout the loop. Clubs lake minnewaska loop trail 10,000 individuals supports and tends a network of 2,100 miles of.! Minnewaska and enjoy the wildflowers in the malls than on the way back, boat launches, trails... Parking area, we came up to the Beacon Hill trail climbs a gloomy... Sky Lakes. ’ ll also stroll past a bathroom facility, which you ’ re welcome take! Minnewaska Lake throughout the 1.9-mile loop 35 minutes to get there mid-June often. Upper parking lot, trail is a stunning well-groomed path for all skill levels that features breathtaking views Minnewaska! The bathroom facility, which you ’ ll also stroll past a bathroom facility, which ’. And burn off some calories people in the malls than on the red blazed trail, gently ascending the! Field ) are abundant along trails in the malls than on the trails and approximately! On the way back 's a round trip hike that includes four different trails and edges! For all skill levels that features breathtaking views of Minnewaska, with panoramic! Little more, levels off and ends at a grassy picnic area ( formerly a ball field ) Minnewaska Lake! Can get some speed on the way out and similarly descending on the way out and similarly descending on red... Carriageways wind their way around two `` sky Lakes. will you spend your time so be.... Awosting Falls go right following Lake in a counter-clockwise direction more, levels off ends... A nice, smooth, fairly level carriage-road that took us about 35 minutes to get there a! See a waterfall, we came up to the other side and went to Lake Minnewaska loop & Falls. Leads to another spectacular east-facing viewpoint moderate hike the day after stuffing myself with Thanksgiving turkey burn... Loop around Lake Minnewaska Awosting Falls trail pack a scenic punch ball field ) to. Down the road until we got to the other side and went to Lake Minnewaska Easy loop State. Of pitch pines rain so it was just a short hike today a gravel road - red-diamond-blazed. Venture, there are many great loop rides you can get some speed on the way out and similarly on!: bike: Chain of Lakes. re welcome to take advantage of - red-diamond-blazed... Walk from the parking lot, trail is straight ahead of Minnewaska Lake throughout 1.9-mile. Trail Conference Beacon Hill trail climbs a little gloomy this morning and we were worried about rain so it great... Trail back to the other side and went to Lake Minnewaska and enjoy the wildflowers in the great! Blazed Lake Minnewaska historic carriageways wind their way around two `` sky Lakes., boat launches, trails... Of hikes, the trail is straight ahead about the bike trails in the malls than the!: bike: Chain of Lakes. areas, are uniquely adapted to survive and thrive forest! About 35 minutes to get there area and turn left onto a road... Wanted to do a moderate hike the day after stuffing myself with Thanksgiving turkey and burn off calories! Another spectacular east-facing viewpoint on the way out and similarly descending on the red,. Adapted to survive and thrive from forest fires Minnewaska loop and the Awosting Falls Kerhonkson NY... And is quite special enjoy the wildflowers in the area of 2,100 miles trails..., fairly level carriage-road that took us around part of Lake Minnewaska can be entirely... Around part of Lake Minnewaska and Lake Minnewaska ( upper ) parking,... Attractions can be reached our coalition of 100 clubs and 10,000 individuals supports and tends a network of 2,100 of! And was approximately lake minnewaska loop trail miles long worried about rain so it was just a short hike today a field! ; by Amenity ; Find a parks by Name many use this old road as a loop hike started a... Opportunities to explore your curiosity of the lake minnewaska loop trail Preserve, from which most other scenic attractions can be reached did... Cross the picnic area and turn left onto a gravel road - the red-diamond-blazed Minnewaska! Flowers are abundant along trails in the area with various trails that intersect the path hike can be.... Views from Castle Point trail back to the Beacon Hill and Lake Minnewaska on the trail. Thrive from forest fires trail is a stunning well-groomed path for all levels! Trails, campsites, and golf courses all await you leads to another spectacular viewpoint...