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 The “GUNKS”...
Favorite hikes in the Shawangunk Mountains
1. Wurtsboro Ridge
Town of Mamakating, Sullivan County. Distance 4-6 miles, Ascent 400-1,100 feet.
This hike brings some tremendous views in all directions. In clear weather, you can see all the way south to High Point State Park in New Jersey; to the north, Catskill Park, including Slide Mountain; to the southeast, Storm King, Breakneck Ridge, Black Rock Forest and through Harriman State Park; also views along the Basha Kill Wetlands, Sam’s Point, Castle Point and Gertrude’s Nose. A section of this hike runs along the Long Path, and much of it is in recently-acquired state land.
Take NY Route 17 to exit 113 (Wurtsboro, Route 209), through traffic light, 4 miles to Roosa Gap Summitville Road (look for a yellow traffic warning sign and a road to the right marked “firehouse”). Turn right, and turn right again in another 50 feet, onto a narrow, paved road. About 1.4 miles from Rte. 209, on a sharp left bend, there is room on both sides to park. The trail crosses another 100 feet further up the road. Look for the aqua blazes.
From this road, you can hike north 2 miles (or more) and back and see spectacular views in all directions. Or, you can hike south, enjoying views along the ridge and valley below, and explore an old lead mine. For a nice 4 - 4.5 mile hike along the ridge (south from Roosa Gap Rd., with no loop back) park another car in Wurtsboro. (exit 113, right at light onto Sullivan St., (Hiking Shack on right!) At the end of Sullivan, pass the horse ranch, and where the road veers sharply to the right, there’s a left hand turn - pull in and park at the old VFW hall - the trail comes right through there.) If you choose this path, when you reach the top of the ridge, there’s a large rock with directions - indicating Long Path and Wurtsboro Ridge Trail.
Follow the blue markers along the Wurtsboro Ridge Trail. This takes you down past the VFW hall. Continuing on (across 17M) will take you into the Basha Kill Wetlands. The lead mines are about 2 miles from the start (from Roosa Gap Rd), a couple of hundred feet down the hill. County historians claim that these mines are the oldest in New York State, in and out of operation for about three centuries.
 2. Mohonk
Ulster County. 128 miles of paths & carriage roads, Many short climbs, none over 200 feet.
The visitors’ parking area at Mohonk is on Route 44/55 west of New Paltz. There is an entrance fee* that allows you to park and hike along many beautiful trails - the guide (which you receive when paying your fee) will direct you along many beautiful trails, scrambles and short climbs.
Labyrinth Path has lots of crevices and scrambles, (watch warning signs) and is like a real life game of chutes and ladders. Exercise caution. Pinnacle Path has a great ladder and scramble that brings you out onto Sky Top Road, where the Albert K. Smiley memorial stone tower offers superb views. This clifftop walk leads you to a fork; take the left turn, down, and follow signs to Pinnacle Rock. Pinnacle Rock is a photogenic column separated from the cliff. Reservoir Road has overhanging ledges, deep shade and a soft moss base which make for a wonderful walk. Catheral Path leads you uphill through a jumble of rocks with great views. Eaglecliff Road gives you a beautiful walk beneath hemlocks and ledges in the deep, cool shade. Have fun exploring the many beautiful, winding paths, complete with gazebos, gorgeous views, ledges, crevices and HUGE rocks.
*$15 per adult midweek and $20 Weekends. Always call ahead to see if they're allowing day guests on property (when there is a full house day guests are limited) and during the winter some or all of the trails may be closed. When there is snow there is cross-country skiing on some trails. Call 1 800 772-6646 for further information.
 3. Sam’s Point Preserve
Ulster County. 4,600 acre tract, containing one of the best examples of a ridgetop dwarf pine barrens in the world. Part of the 90,000-acre Northern Shawangunk Mountains, whose cliffs, summits and plateaus form a unique landscape of extraordinary ecological significance. Designated a “Last Great Place” on Earth by The Nature Conservancy, the Northern Shawangunks are home to nearly 40 rare plants and animal species and three rare natural communities.
Directions:
From Route 209 in Ellenville, take route 52 south (toward Walker Valley) turn left onto Cragsmoor Road, bear right onto Sam’s Point Road to parking area.
The Trails...
Sam’s Point - A short, easy hike from the entry gate. Sam’s Point offers views of the Shawangunk Ridge stretching for miles to the southwest and northeast. On a clear day, High Point Monument, the highest point in New Jersey, can also be viewed to the southwest.
Loop Road - Starting and ending at the entry gate, the loop road takes you through several plant communities, including oak-heath woodlands, dwarf pine barrens and fern-dominated areas. Remnants of the shacks left behind by nomadic blueberry pickers and Lake Maratanza can also be viewed from the loop road.
Indian Rock Trail - A short, easy hike, the Indian Rock Trail passes through the dwarf pine barrens and emerges into an opening that offers views of the Catskill Mountains located to the north. The trail continues towards a large erratic (a large boulder left by the glaciers) that offers a peaceful resting spot for those who scale to its top.
High Point Carriageway - The High Point Carriageway extends from the Loop Road near Lake Maratanza to the Smiley Carriageway near the Village of Ellenville. It offers an easy hike on nearly level ground through the dwarf pine barrens and is the quickest route to High Point - a scenic overlook that offers spectacular views in all directions.
 High Point - Site of the former High Point Fire Tower, this vantage point offers views of the Catskill Mountains to the north and other scenic vistas in all directions.
High Point Trail - (marked with red blazes) Located between High Point and the Verkeerderkill Falls Trails, the High Point Trail meanders through the dwarf pine barrens and hops across open slabs of Shawangunk conglomerate rock, offering views across the Verkeerderkill watershed and extensive dwarf pine barrens.
 Verkeerderkill Falls / Long Path - (marked with aqua blazes) A favorite among most hikers, this trail leaves the loop road and leads to the Verkeerderkill Falls. As it meanders through open dwarf pine barrens, the trail provides views of the south facing cliffs of Gertrude’s Nose, Margaret Cliff and other unique geologic features. The Wallkill River Valley and Hudson River gap through Storm King and Bear Mountains offer breathtaking views to the southeast.
(This information was provided by Sam’s Point Dwarf Pine Ridge Preserve.)
All of the trails in Sam’s Point Preserve are on the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference’s Shawangunk Map Set (map #9) available at The Catskill Hiking Shack.
 4. Minnewaska State Park Preserve
New Paltz, Ulster County. Minnewaska State Park was created in 1971 when 7,000 acres were purchased from the Lake Minnewaska Resort. The 1,200 acre section that includes Lake Minnewaska was added in 1987.
The Park Preserve is characterized by unique and sensitive environments, valuable for their many rare geological and ecological features. It is situated on the dramatic Shawangunk Ridge, which rises to over 2,000 feet above sea level. Two “sky lakes” - Lake Minnewaska and Lake Awosting - are the scenic centerpieces of the Park Preserve. Hiking is permitted on marked trails and carriageways. Volunteer members of the NY-NJ Trail Conference maintain the 30 miles of hiking trails at Minnewaska. The park is open to the public upon payment of a day-use fee.
Directions:
NY State Thruway to exit 18 in New Paltz. Follow 299 west for about 7.5 miles to its conclusion at the intersection of Routes 44/55. Turn right (onto 44/55) and drive approximately 4.5 miles to the park entrance on the left.
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NY Rte 17 to exit 113 (Wurtsboro / Ellenville). Take Rte 209 through Ellenville to Kerhonkson. Turn right onto Rte 44/55 to the park entrance on the right. (This way, you can stop at The Catskill Hiking Shack in Wurtsboro!)
The Trails...
Hiking trails are generally marked with paint blazes and/or signs, but some are unmarked. Only foot and ski travel are permitted.
Mountain Bikes are permitted on most of the carriageways. Riders should restrict speed and be courteous to other users. NY State law requires that helmets be worn when riding. Mountain bikes are NOT permitted on any hiking trails or off-trail.
Cross-country skiing is permitted on all carriageways and most hiking trails. Information is available at the park’s main entrance off Rte 44/55.
Above information provided by the NY-NJ Trail Conference. See maps 9 and 9A of the Shawangunk Trail Set for updated trails and additional information.
Hiking Distances
All distances are in miles, and are one-way either from the Lake Minnewaska or the Lake Awosting parking lots. The colors of the trail blazes are indicated in parentheses.
| Beacon Hill (orange) |
0.8 miles |
| Around Lake Minnewaska (red) |
1.75 |
| Castle Point Carriageway (blue) |
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| Kempton Ledge |
1.4 |
| Power Line |
2.15 |
| Castle Point |
3.4 |
| Hamilton Point Intersection |
4.2 |
| Hamilton Point Carriageway (yellow) |
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| Echo Rock |
1.75 |
| Hamilton Point |
3.1 |
| Awosting Lake Carriageway Loop (black) |
6 |
| Lower Awosting (black) |
2.6 |
| Upper Awosting Carriageway (green) |
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| Orchard |
0.65 |
| Power Line |
2 |
| Awosting Lake Carriageway |
3.1 |
| Awosting Beach Carriageway |
3.5 |
| Hamilton Point Intersection |
4.1 |
| Millbrook Mountain Carriageway (yellow) |
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| Patterson’s Pellet |
1.4 |
| Gertrude’s Nose Trail |
1.75 |
| Millbrook Mountain |
3.05 |
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