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An enjoyable hike around an alpine tarn with magnificent views.


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Map Key

1.6

Miles

2.6

KM

Loop

1,749' 533 m

High

1,657' 505 m

Low

176' 54 m

Up

199' 61 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (3°)

12%

Max Grade (7°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

This pleasant hike around Minnewaska Lake passes a swimming area, a few streams, runs along the lake, and has cliff top views of the Catskills and Gunks. This is a very nice hike to take kids on as it is a carriage road in its entirety and is designed for everyone to access.

Description

Begin at the Minnewaska Lake parking area, and head towards the lake. Take the obvious trail running along the lake and follow it. Facing the lake, it is easiest to go right and counterclockwise, but either direction will work. These directions are based on a counterclockwise route.

Walk down a gentle hill with small rock faces on your right and the lake on the left. A summer swimming area will appear on your left with a nice beach. Continue up the trail as it gradually ascends. There are primitive toilets on the right if nature calls. The trail now gains more elevation and continues to circumnavigate the lake. Listen for water flowing down the rocks and into the lake on your left. Several trails depart on your right for points south of the lake. Continue on the obvious carriage road.

At the southern end of the lake, the road will go through some small switchbacks and descend to water level. As you continue past the lake, there are several small footpaths out to fantastic views of the valley below. This is not the Wallkill Valley, but it is the valley behind Millbrook, the Bayards, and the Near Trapps.

Back on the trail, continue as it turns north and rises to a small picnic area with great views of the Catskills. From here the trail continues under a footbridge, past an old barn on the right, and reconvenes with the parking area.

Flora & Fauna

Porcupines and deer are a common find on this hike. There are also quite a few varieties of birds, especially near the ravine edge.

Contacts

Land Manager: Minnewaska State Park

Shared By:

Gunks Jesse

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 15 votes

#797

Overall
  4.6 from 15 votes
5 Star
67%
4 Star
27%
3 Star
7%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#11

in New York

#797

Overall
21 Views Last Month
7,694 Since Apr 30, 2015
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

31%
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6%

Photos

Autumn views.
Nov 7, 2016 near Kerhonkson, NY
Be sure to stray from the carriage trail and investigate the cliffs overlooking Lake Minnewaska. The peaceful lake with the Catskill Mountains as a backdrop is the perfect way to start this hike.
Aug 26, 2017 near Kerhonkson, NY
View of Lake Minnewaska from the picnic area
May 5, 2015 near Kerhonkson, NY
Lake Minnewaska from the Minnewaska Lake Carriageway Trail.
May 5, 2015 near Kerhonkson, NY
Minnewaska State Park is a great spot to enjoy in the winter.
Mar 23, 2017 near Kerhonkson, NY
Lake Minnewaska
May 6, 2015 near Kerhonkson, NY

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