Minnewaska State Park Preserve — Attraction in Town of Rochester

Amazing time here at Minnewaska State Park Preserve. I've known of this place for a few months now and waited a little while until the COVID situation eased down before visiting. I finally decided to make the trip up from the Bronx (1.5-hour drive) on a Wednesday morning. Keep in mind that during the COVID crisis, this place has been filling up due to their liited capacity. Their website will let you know once they have met capacity...it has been around 11:30 AM - 12 PM recently. So plan on getting there early to play it safe. I arrived at 10 AM and the parking lot was practically empty. By the time I left at 1 PM, it was full. Upon entering the park, you self pay at a machine ($10 per vehicle) and can then follow the signs to either the Upper or Lower Parking Lots. There are attendants in the lots guiding you into parking spaces. The Lower Lot of closer and is closest to Awosting Falls. Once you park there, it is ony about a 10 minute walk along the Red Trail to the falls. There are bathrooms there. The Upper Lot is a bit bigger and is closer to Minnewaska Lake where the public beach is. You can walk between the two locations by following the Orange Trail. it is about a mile long but has lots of hills, so prepare for a trek, especially with younger children/older adults. The trail between the two isn't any spectacular. I would suggest to park in the Lower Lot, follow the Red Trail to see the falls and stream and then go back to the car and drive to the Upper Lot, where you can enjoy the Lake. By the time you are finished with the Falls, there will be parking spots freed up by around 12/1ish. The park itself is very clean and well kept. All staff members I encountered were friendly and helpful. I believe there is some construction going on so I can't wait to return to check out the result. I would also like to check out some of the surrounding trails. As always, bring sunscreen/bug spray. Though I didn't have a problem with bugs, it is always a good idea for anyplace with water. Also WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES! Lots of hills and uneven grounds so watch your footing. I arrived at 10 AM and left at 2 PM...you could easily spend an entire day there between the two locations. Lots to see. A must for any photographer. Both the falls and lake...

Great place to visit. Have come here at least once just about every year of my adult life. Had an interesting occurrence yesterday though, 5/13/25. Felt a little nervous because I was hiking by myself, and I was headed back to the parking lot. I was about a mile from the car give or take. Not sure if it’s me or what, but there were a trio of people pass me on the path. 2 were friendly, the other not so much. They passed me going the other way, and got 50ft passed me, and then they turned around and started following me.

A little unnerving to say the least as I was on the upper Awosting carriageway heading back to the parking lot just passed the orchard which is about a mile from the car when they passed me.

I had my heavy backpack on so I was a little slower than I would have liked to be, but I kicked it into higher gear and made it back to the visitor center before them.

Maybe it was all in my head. Had I turned up the path through the orchard that I had come down to the carriageway, I would have known their intentions, but I wasn’t in that good of shape to hike up the hill at that pt. as I had already hiked about 6 miles out and back from Rainbow Falls, so I was kind of tired.

I had thought of bringing my walking stick for some stability and protection but decided against it, and left that in my car.

As they were following me, I could hear them laughing and make loud comments to themselves, so maybe they were just playing with me. But I had my bins and a $1500 camera and all my other gear, and I couldn’t tell what they were up to.

All the time that they were following me, they did kind of keep pace with me. So who knows?!??! But as soon as I got back to the visitor center, I did not see them again.

Pretty odd, eh? Maybe I should have reported it to the office at the Visitor Center, but I just wanted out of there. Next time, I'll be carrying more than just a walking stick if I'm by...

Minnewaska State Park Preserve is a true gem of the Shawangunk Ridge. With its breathtaking cliffs, crystal-clear sky lakes, and miles of carriage roads and footpaths, it offers a diverse and unforgettable experience for nature lovers of all kinds.

Here's what I loved about Minnewaska:

Stunning scenery: The views are simply spectacular. Whether you're gazing out at the vast expanse of Lake Minnewaska, hiking along the dramatic cliffs, or exploring the waterfalls and forests, you'll be surrounded by natural beauty at every turn. Variety of activities: Minnewaska caters to a wide range of interests. You can swim, hike, bike, rock climb, horseback ride, and even scuba dive! There's truly something for everyone. Well-maintained trails: The park is impeccably maintained, with clearly marked trails suitable for all levels of hikers. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging climb, you'll find the perfect path. Peaceful atmosphere: Despite its popularity, Minnewaska manages to retain a sense of tranquility. It's a wonderful place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature. Tips for your visit:

Arrive early: Minnewaska can get crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. Arriving early ensures you'll get a parking spot and have your pick of trails. Bring water and snacks: There are limited concessions within the park, so it's best to come prepared. Wear sturdy shoes: The terrain can be rocky and uneven, so comfortable footwear is essential. Check the website for updates: Be sure to check the park's website before your visit for any closures or alerts. Minnewaska State Park Preserve is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking outdoor adventure and natural beauty. It's a place where you can truly unwind, explore, and appreciate the wonders of the...