Hiking Guide: Mohonk Preserve & Minnewaska State Park

The Shawangunk Ridge — pronounced "SHON-gum" and affectionately known as "the Gunks" — is a dramatic white quartz conglomerate ridge that rises above the Hudson Valley like a natural fortress. Stretching from northern New Jersey to the Catskill foothills, the ridge encompasses some of the most spectacular hiking terrain on the entire East Coast, with cliff-top trails, pristine sky lakes, pitch pine barrens, and views that stretch for miles in every direction.

The heart of the Gunks hiking experience lies in two adjacent protected areas: Mohonk Preserve and Minnewaska State Park Preserve. Together they encompass over 30,000 acres of wild, protected land laced with more than 100 miles of trails and historic carriage roads. The terrain ranges from gentle walks along wide gravel paths to challenging rock scrambles along exposed cliff edges.

From Birchwood in Accord, NY, both Mohonk Preserve and Minnewaska State Park are approximately 20-25 minutes by car, making them perfect for morning hikes followed by an afternoon lounging by the pool. This guide covers the best trails, practical logistics, and seasonal tips to help you plan the perfect hiking day.

For a broader look at outdoor activities in the region, see our complete Hudson Valley guide.

Mohonk Preserve is one of the largest private nature preserves in the country, protecting 8,000 acres of the Shawangunk Ridge. A day pass is required (available at the visitor center or online), and the fees go directly to maintaining trails and protecting the landscape. It is well worth it.

Top trails at Mohonk Preserve:

• Bonticou Crag: A moderate 3.5-mile loop that culminates in a thrilling rock scramble to a summit with 360-degree views. This is the most popular and iconic hike on the Preserve. The scramble section involves climbing over large boulders — sturdy shoes are essential. Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous.
• Table Rocks: A 3-mile loop to a stunning cliff-edge viewpoint overlooking the Catskills. Less crowded than Bonticou and equally rewarding. The final approach crosses an open rock platform — breathtaking in autumn. Difficulty: Moderate.
• Spring Farm Carriage Road: A gentle 2-mile walk along a wide gravel path through meadows and forest. Perfect for families, joggers, or anyone wanting an easy stroll in beautiful scenery. Difficulty: Easy.
• The Trapps Connector: Access the famous Trapps cliff face — the center of rock climbing activity. Even if you do not climb, the walk beneath the towering cliffs is impressive. Difficulty: Easy to Moderate.

Arrive early on weekends — the Mohonk Preserve parking areas fill up fast, especially during peak fall foliage season. Weekday mornings are the best time for a quieter experience.

Minnewaska State Park Preserve covers over 22,000 acres and is home to the stunning sky lakes, dramatic waterfalls, and sweeping cliff-top views that make the Shawangunk Ridge legendary. The park is managed by New York State and charges a per-vehicle parking fee — a fraction of the cost of a comparable experience anywhere else in the country.

Top trails at Minnewaska:

• Lake Minnewaska Loop: A 2-mile loop around the pristine sky lake on a wide carriage road. The turquoise water surrounded by white cliffs is one of the most photographed spots in the region. Easy difficulty, wheelchair accessible for much of the route.
• Gertrude's Nose: An 8-mile point-to-point or loop hike along a dramatic cliff edge with expansive views of the valley below. One of the finest ridge walks in the Northeast. Difficulty: Strenuous.
• Castle Point via Carriage Road: A 7-mile loop combining carriage roads and footpaths with spectacular views from Castle Point. Includes Lake Awosting along the way. Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous.
• Awosting Falls: A short 0.5-mile walk from the upper parking area to a beautiful 60-foot waterfall. Excellent for families or as a quick stop. Difficulty: Easy.

Swimming is permitted at Lake Minnewaska and Lake Awosting during summer months when lifeguards are on duty. There is nothing quite like a swim in a sky lake after a long hike.

The Sam's Point Area of Minnewaska State Park is the wildest and most remote section of the Shawangunk Ridge accessible by trail. Located at the southern end of the ridge, Sam's Point protects one of the best examples of a ridgetop dwarf pine barrens ecosystem in the world — a globally rare habitat of wind-stunted pitch pines, blueberry bushes, and exposed white rock.

The star attraction is Verkeerderkill Falls, a dramatic 180-foot waterfall that plunges off the edge of the ridge. The 3-mile round trip hike to the falls is moderate in difficulty, with well-maintained trails and boardwalks through the otherworldly pine barrens landscape. On clear days, the views from the ridge extend across the entire Hudson Valley.

More adventurous hikers should explore the Ice Caves, a series of deep rock crevasses that retain ice well into summer. The Ice Caves trail adds about 2 miles to the Verkeerderkill Falls hike and involves some scrambling through narrow rock passages — a thrilling experience that kids and adults alike find unforgettable.

Sam's Point is about 30 minutes from Birchwood in Accord, NY. It tends to be less crowded than the main Minnewaska or Mohonk areas, making it an excellent choice for those seeking solitude. The parking area is smaller and does fill up on peak weekends, so arrive before 9 AM in autumn. Be aware that the area occasionally closes during high fire-danger periods in dry summers.

A little planning goes a long way toward a great hiking day on the Shawangunk Ridge. Here are the practical details our guests at Birchwood ask about most often.

Parking & Entry:

• Mohonk Preserve: Day pass required ($15-30 depending on season). Purchase online in advance on busy weekends. The West Trapps and Spring Farm lots fill first.
• Minnewaska State Park: $10 per vehicle parking fee. The main lot can fill by 9 AM on fall weekends — arrive early or visit midweek.
• Sam's Point: $10 per vehicle. Smaller lot, fills quickly. No overflow parking available.

What to Bring:

• Sturdy hiking shoes with ankle support — the rocky terrain demands them
• At least 2 liters of water per person — there are no water sources on most trails
• Sun protection — the cliff tops are fully exposed with no shade
• Layers — ridge-top temperatures can be 10-15 degrees cooler than the valley floor
• Trail map or downloaded offline map — cell service is unreliable on the ridge

Seasonal Considerations: Spring brings wildflowers and waterfalls at peak flow. Summer is ideal for sky lake swimming. Fall offers world-class foliage and the best visibility. Winter hiking is possible but requires microspikes and extra caution on icy carriage roads. Check our seasonal guide for more details.

Half the pleasure of a great hike is what comes after — and this is where staying at Birchwood in Accord, NY really pays off. After a morning on the trails, you are just 20-25 minutes from your own private retreat with every comfort you could want.

Recovery at Birchwood: Slide into the heated pool to soothe tired muscles. Settle into the hot tub with mountain views. Stretch out on the patio with a cold drink. There is no better post-hike reward than having a luxury estate all to yourself.

Refueling options:

• The Mountain Brauhaus in Gardiner — a classic German beer hall with hearty food and a lively atmosphere, right near the Gunks trailheads
• Main Street in New Paltz — dozens of restaurants and cafes, from Thai to tacos to craft beer. See our New Paltz guide.
• High Falls restaurants — just minutes from Birchwood with excellent options for a post-hike meal
• Cook at Birchwood — grab supplies from a farm stand or market and cook together in the gourmet kitchen

A day on the Shawangunk Ridge followed by an evening at Birchwood is the quintessential Hudson Valley experience. Book your stay and start planning your trail itinerary. View our gallery to see where you will be recovering after each adventure.