Minnewaska State Park Preserve Trails

Directions:

Take New York Thruway (Interstate 87) to Exit 18. Turn left onto NY 299 (west) and drive through the town of New Paltz. Turn right on NY 44/55 and drive 5 miles to park entrance (on left).

General Description:

Rising more than 2,000 feet above sea level, a line of white cliffs, 20 miles long and five miles wide marks the Shawangunk Mountain range (affectionately known as The Gunks). A mere 90 minutes from Manhattan, Minnewaska State Park Preserve, situated on the dramatic Shawangunk Mountain ridge in the Hudson Valley is one of our favorite places to go mountain biking in New York State.

Over 40 miles of hard-packed dirt / gravel carriage roads (hiking trails are off-limits to mountain bikes) climb to 2,000 feet and wind along the Shawangunk ridges offering the most awesome panaromic views. Clear streams cut through sheer white cliffs and ledges to emerge in sparkling waterfalls. The lush forests overlook the fertile Hudson Valley below and blanket the hills with lush greens in summer and brilliant fall foliage in Autumn.

The carriage roads travel through dense hardwood forest layered with a thick understory of mountain laurel and rhododendron. When the mountain laurel blooms in late Spring, it is like mountain biking through a pink and white cloud forest. The Minnewaska State Park trails lead to and wind around two emerald green glacial lakes, Lake Awosting and Lake Minnewaska. Both lakes offer designated swimming areas during the summer (when lifeguards are on duty). Lake Minnewaska, near the main parking area, is a great place for a post ride swim. The swimming area is small and can get quite crowded on weekends, but it is spectacular with the surrounding white cliffs. On the other hand, Lake Awosting requires a ride of about 3 miles and is usually less crowded and more relaxed. It features a beautiful rock beach with scenic vistas and bathhouse.

Bring plenty of water and energy food because these trails cover a lot of ground. There are carriage roads to suit every rider.

If you are lucky enough to encounter the GUMBA Mountain Bike Patrol (members of the GUMBA Mountain Bike Association), stop to chat. You'll know them by the dayglo orange vests they wear. They know the trails well and can give you lots of good information on other good riding spots in the area. You may even want to volunteer to do Bike Patrol or trail maintenance. We joined GUMBA and patrolled for several years at Minnewaska State Park and the Mohonk Preserve. It is a great way to meet people, foster good relations with other trail users and dispell the myth that all mountain bikers are spandexed, kamikaze daredevils and illegal trail builders.

Minnewaska State Park Trails Description:

One of our favorite rides is to bike the Upper Awosting Carriageway (see trail descriptions below) out to Lake Awosting. The the sapphire blue glacial mountain lake is our favorite place to stop for a break or a swim. There is a bath house where you can change into a bathingsuit. After our break, we continue our journey on the Lake Awosting Carriageway and skirt around the lake eventually hooking up with the Castle Point Carriageway which takes us along the exceptionally scenic ridge back to the parking lot.

Hamiton Point Carriageway: (Yellow) 3.3 miles to Hamilton Point, 3.7 mils to castle Point intesection. 4.1 miles to Awosting Beach.
Note: This trail is closed to mountain biking. Trail erosion cited. Check at Park Headquarters for any change in status.

From Junction with Millbrook Mountain: From the junction with Millbrook Mountain Carriageway, this entire route is a one-way long, hard climb up to Hamilton Point. There are many rocky and eroded sections. It descends to the junction with Castle Point Carriageway and continues straight on to Lake Awosting. This trail is scenic with many panoramic views.

Castle Point Carriageway: (Blue) 4.8 miles to Awosting Beach Carriageway
3 miles of gradual ascent before reaching the downhill to Lake Awosting. The return trip on this trail features the same 3 miles as a long downhill back to Lake Minnewaska. This is great when you're a bit tired and just want to cruise most of the way back. Exceptionally scenic with many breathtaking panaromic views.

Upper Awosting Carriageway: (Green) 3.5 miles
Mostly level and easy riding with some gentle climbs in either direction through forest. If you are out at Lake Awosting and are tired, this would be the best trail back to the Lake Minnewaska parking lot. This trail will have the most hikers heading out to Lake Awosting, especially during the summer months. This is the best trail to take with children in tow. We often see families biking and pulling child trailers behind them on this route.

Lower Awosting Carriageway: (Black) 2.6 miles
This trail is less used because it is not directly accessed from the main parking lot at lake Minnewaska. One climb along this trail (heading toward Lake Awosting) is known locally as "Cardiac Hill".

Lake Awosting Carriageway: (Black) 3.4 miles
This trail is fairly rocky and makes a circuit of Lake Awosting. Swimming beach located at middle of lake. There are also other promontories that jut into the water that make excellent spots for a rest and lunch.

Millbrook Mountain Carriageway: (Yellow) 6 miles round trip
Worthwhile spur trip to spectacular views of the Catskills and the Hudson Valley. (At the end of the trail, walk up to top of hill to the right) This is one of my favorite spots. I love to sit on the rock ledge and watch the vultures and hawks swoop and ride the thermal air currents.

Minnewaska Carriageway: (Red) 1.9 miles
If you still have the time and energy, mountain bike around beautiful Lake Minnewaska. The ride includes short steep ascents and descents. Requires good physical condition. This trail will be crowded with hikers during the summer months and fall foliage season. So ride courteously so we all can enjoy these beautiful trails.

Awosting Falls Carriageway: A fairly steep switchback route leads to the 80 foot high Awosting waterfalls where Peters Kill tumbles over a ledge straight down into a rock pool far below. It's an easy 15 minute hike down.

Tip: The parking lots tend to fill up quickly on nice spring and summer weekends so be sure to get there early, shortly after the park opens. Your best bet is to arrive before ten. It's also less crowded then. In the afternoon the trails can get crowded.

For more information:

Lake Minnewaska State Park Preserve:
P.O. Box 893
New Paltz, New York 12561

Phone: (845) 256-0579
TDD: 518-486-1899 (New York State Parks) or 711 (AT&T National Relay)
Website: Minnewsaka State Park

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