Escape New York City At A State Park With Mountain Lakes, Waterfalls, And Forests

Is the endless hustle and bustle of the city that never sleeps grinding you down? Are you in need of an escape into natural abundance and expansive spaces? Minnewaska State Park Preserve offers the perfect natural retreat. Located about 95 miles north of New York City, this stunning park in the Shawangunk Mountain Range is a far cry from urban life. With its awe-inspiring combination of mountain lakes, towering waterfalls, and expansive forests, Minnewaska provides a breathtaking backdrop for anyone aiming to immerse themselves in nature. Whether you're a day-tripper seeking a quick getaway or an outdoor enthusiasts ready for adventure, the park's dramatic landscapes and serene atmosphere make for an ideal destination.

Minnewaska is known for its crystal-clear lakes and cascading waterfalls surrounded by rocky cliffs and lush forests. These water features draw visitors year round, creating a sense of tranquility amidst the rugged beauty of the park. Beyond its scenic lakes and waterfalls, the park boasts miles of hiking trails and climbing routes that wind through the diverse terrain. Additionally, the park provides nine different entrances and parking lots, a gem among city dwellers. Whether you're seeking a peaceful lakeside stroll or a challenging climb up a rocky escarpment, Minnewaska's opportunities for play and observation of nature provide.

Minnewaska State Park Preserve is a haven for water lovers, offering wonderful opportunities to explore its pristine lakes and cascading waterfalls. It's home to several "sky lakes," known for their stunning clarity and aquamarine color, including Lake Minnewaska, Lake Awosting, and Lake Maratanzas. The Lake Minnewaska Loop Trail, a 1.9-mile fan favorite, is an easy, scenic hike offering views of the mirror-like waters and access to a picturesque beach.

Some of the most impressive attractions of the park are its famed waterfalls. Awosting Falls stands at 65-feet and dramatically plunges into Peter's Kill Stream. It's one of the parks most popular features, and is just a short mile out-and-back trip. For a more secluded experience, head out to Stony Kill Falls Trail to arrive at an 87-foot waterfall tucked away from the park's busier areas. The park's most impressive waterfalls, however, is Verkeerder Kill Falls. At 187-feet tall, it reigns supreme as the tallest in the park and can be reached by a moderately challenging 6-mile hike through switchbacks that pass Sam's Point Overlook, an iconic landmark in the park offering panoramic views of the surrounding forested lands. Hiking to Verkeerder Kill Falls takes around four or five hours, but the breathtaking vistas and the sight of the water plunging down the sheer cliff face makes it well worth the effort.

In addition to its waterfalls and scenic lakes, Minnewaska State Park offers a swath of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. With over 50 miles of scenic trails and 24,000 acres of land along the dramatic cliffs of the Shawangunk Mountains, it's an ideal spot for hiking, biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and rock climbing. Trails like Sam's Point Road Loop offer easy, scenic walks, while more challenging routes like Gertrude's Nose reward hikers with stunning views of the surrounding Hudson Valley and pristine sky lakes. For a longer adventure, the 4-mile Carriage Circuit Trail, showcases two of the parks lakes, Awosting and Minnewaska, while hikers are surrounded by the dense hardwood forests of the park.

Those who seek incredible outdoor climbing adventures will find Minnewaska's rocky crags a dream come true. The Shawangunk Ridge, one of the most renowned climbing areas in the Northeast, offers challenging routes with incredible views of the sweeping forests and distant mountains. No matter if you're an experienced climber or a beginner, there are routes for those with varying levels of ability. Visit Minnewaska and you'll quickly see why it's one of the most breathtaking state parks in New York.