Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

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Fri 05 Sep
Birding at the Gardiner Library
Friday, September 5, 2025 08:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752

Are you interested in birds or birdwatching? Join Nick Martin, Park Preserve Educator, for bird walks starting at the Gardiner Library, every Friday in September. During this program, we will take an approximately one-mile walk on the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail and wander through Majestic Park, which can be muddy and wet, especially after a rainfall. Participants are encouraged to wear waterproof boots or shoes, bring binoculars, and a birding field guide, or a field guide installed onto a smart device. Interested participants are welcome to attend one or all Friday programs. Meet at the Gardiner Library, in the Lower Parking Area. No pre-registration is required. For more information, please contact the Gardiner Library at 845-255-1255 or the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Sat 06 Sep
Vulture Awareness Day at Minnewaska: The Grossly Important Vulture
Saturday, September 6, 2025 09:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752

In September 2009, two conservation groups from South Africa and the United Kingdom organized the first International Vulture Awareness Day. It is now observed on the first Saturday in September each year. Join us at Minnewaska to celebrate these birds, which play a critical role in human and animal health. During a short presentation, we will talk about why vultures are important to the health of our world, what some of their interesting adaptations are, and how to identify the two species of vultures found in this part of New York. Afterwards, we will go for an approximately one-mile hike on trails near the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center to search for vultures soaring in the skies and to enjoy the scenery Minnewaska has to offer. This program is recommended for anyone who is interested in these fascinating birds. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Tue 09 Sep
Early Morning Birders at Minnewaska
Tuesday, September 9, 2025 08:00 AM - 01:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Designed for both birding enthusiasts and those just looking to learn the basics, this weekly series will feature outings led by Nick Martin, Park Preserve Educator, or an experienced birding volunteer. Participants should bring binoculars and water, and they should wear hiking shoes or boots. Outing destinations will be determined the day of the program. Poor weather conditions will trigger a program cancellation. Participants MUST arrive prior to the start of the program. The Park Preserve gates will be locked at 8:00 am. Late arrivals will NOT be allowed in the Park Preserve. The total number of participants for this program is limited to 24 individuals. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska entrance. For questions, please call the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752. This program is set up on a first-come, first-served basis.
Registration: Not required
Tue 09 Sep
Morning Light on the Cliff: Hike the Beacon Hill and Lake Minnewaska Loop at Minnewaska
Tuesday, September 9, 2025 09:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752

Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, for an approximately three-mile loop hike on the Beacon Hill Carriage Road, Beacon Hill Footpath, and Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road. Starting at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center, we'll walk to the Beacon Hill Carriage Road, a quiet route through the woods with a gorgeous view at the end. Next, we'll hike along the cliff-edge Beacon Hill Footpath, which features stunning views of the Wallkill Valley. Once we finish the hike, we'll walk along the Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road, heading around the south and then the west side of the Lake. The footpath section of this hike includes some hills as well as areas of bare rock and exposed tree roots that maybe slippery. Participants should bring water and snacks and wear appropriate hiking shoes. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Thu 11 Sep
Scenic Bike Ride to Cliff Edge Views at Minnewaska
Thursday, September 11, 2025 09:30 AM - 01:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752

Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, for a scenic, late summer, bike ride to Millbrook Mountain and then out into the backcountry via Hamilton Point, Castle Point, Lake Awosting, Upper Awosting and Lake Minnewaska Carriage Roads. This route features gorgeous views from numerous cliff-edge locations as well as panoramic views of Lake Awosting. We'll stop for lunch at a scenic view of our choice. The total distance for this bike ride is approximately 13 miles and we'll take multiple rest stops along our route, as needed. This ride takes place entirely on gravel surfaces and it includes numerous hills. Participants must bring their own bikes, helmets and other equipment as well as food and water. Only Class 1, pedal-assist, electric bikes are allowed in the Park Preserve. This program is recommended for those capable of biking this distance and route. All participants should be able to maintain a modest pace so that the group finishes on time. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center Upper Parking Lot. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Fri 12 Sep
Birding at the Gardiner Library
Friday, September 12, 2025 08:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752

Are you interested in birds or birdwatching? Join Nick Martin, Park Preserve Educator, for bird walks starting at the Gardiner Library, every Friday in September. During this program, we will take an approximately one-mile walk on the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail and wander through Majestic Park, which can be muddy and wet, especially after a rainfall. Participants are encouraged to wear waterproof boots or shoes, bring binoculars, and a birding field guide, or a field guide installed onto a smart device. Interested participants are welcome to attend one or all Friday programs. Meet at the Gardiner Library, in the Lower Parking Area. No pre-registration is required. For more information, please contact the Gardiner Library at 845-255-1255 or the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Sat 13 Sep
Drop-in Program: Hawk Watch at Minnewaska
Saturday, September 13, 2025 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Each fall, thousands of raptors, including eagles, hawks, and falcons, migrate south over the Shawangunk Mountains on the way to their wintering grounds. Join Nick Martin, Park Educator, at the Beacon Hill field and picnic area, for a drop-in program to watch for migrating raptors. This area is located off the Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road, on the east side of Lake Minnewaska, and next to the southern trailhead for the Beacon Hill Footpath. There will be an information table set up for those who want to learn more about these amazing animals. If the weather conditions are ideal, we will see broad-winged hawks and other raptors as they fly in the distance, or overhead, as they migrate south. For those wanting a closer view of these birds, we'll have a spotting scope to look through and binoculars to borrow. Stop by for a short time or stay for a while to look for these birds as they migrate. This program will be cancelled in the event of rain. Meet at the Beacon Hill field and picnic area. For more information or questions, please contact the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752. This is a drop-in program and pre-registration is NOT required.
Registration: Not required
Sun 14 Sep
Hike to the White Cliffs of Millbrook Mountain at Minnewaska
Sunday, September 14, 2025 09:30 AM - 02:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752

Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, for this modestly challenging, five-mile, roundtrip hike along the Millbrook Mountain Footpath and Millbrook Mountain Carriage Road. Stunning, panoramic views of the Wallkill Valley and the Catskills are abundant from the top of the white cliffs of Millbrook Mountain. The footpath section of this outing travels through forests, over a stream and exposed rock slabs, with sustained downhill and uphill sections. Some participants may find this uneven terrain challenging. The other half of this loop hike, which is on the meandering Millbrook Mountain and Lake Minnewaska Carriage Roads, is less strenuous, offering scenic views of the steep-sided Palmaghatt Ravine below and distant views of New Jersey. Participants should bring water, snacks and lunch and wear appropriate hiking shoes. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Tue 16 Sep
Early Morning Birders at Minnewaska
Tuesday, September 16, 2025 08:00 AM - 01:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Designed for both birding enthusiasts and those just looking to learn the basics, this weekly series will feature outings led by Nick Martin, Park Preserve Educator, or an experienced birding volunteer. Participants should bring binoculars and water, and they should wear hiking shoes or boots. Outing destinations will be determined the day of the program. Poor weather conditions will trigger a program cancellation. Participants MUST arrive prior to the start of the program. The Park Preserve gates will be locked at 8:00 am. Late arrivals will NOT be allowed in the Park Preserve. The total number of participants for this program is limited to 24 individuals. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska entrance. For questions, please call the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752. This program is set up on a first-come, first-served basis.
Registration: Not required
Tue 16 Sep
Tuesday Trek: Two Views Across the Ravine at Minnewaska
Tuesday, September 16, 2025 09:30 AM - 01:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752

Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator for a moderate, four-mile hike to Echo Rock and Patterson's Pellet, two cliff-edge, scenic, vantage points on either side of the Palmaghatt Ravine. Scenic views of the distant Hudson Valley and near views of the pristine forest in the Ravine below are abundant on this route. Starting along the west side of Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road, we'll walk to Millbrook Carriage Road. We'll continue on this route until we reach Patterson's Pellet, a glacial erratic boulder perched on a cliff edge. From this scenic point, New Jersey can be seen on a clear day. Next, we'll backtrack until we hit Hamilton Point Carriage Road, which we'll follow until we reach Echo Rock. Here, we'll eat lunch and relax before returning to the Visitor Center. The approximate total distance for this outing is five miles. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Thu 18 Sep
Homeschoolers at Minnewaska: Brawny, Black Bears
Thursday, September 18, 2025 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752

The American black bear is the only bear species roaming the forests of New York State. Bring your kids and Join Laura Conner and Nick Martin, Environmental Educators, to learn about the characteristics and habits of the American black bear, using visual and tactile materials. We will take an approximately two-mile hike to the old golf course, via Upper Awosting Carraige Road, while looking for signs of black bears and other wildlife along our journey. This program is recommended for children between the ages of six to eleven years old, accompanied by a parent or legal guardian over the age of 18. Well-behaved younger siblings are always welcome to join. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Fri 19 Sep
Birding at the Gardiner Library
Friday, September 19, 2025 08:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752

Are you interested in birds or birdwatching? Join Nick Martin, Park Preserve Educator, for bird walks starting at the Gardiner Library, every Friday in September. During this program, we will take an approximately one-mile walk on the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail and wander through Majestic Park, which can be muddy and wet, especially after a rainfall. Participants are encouraged to wear waterproof boots or shoes, bring binoculars, and a birding field guide, or a field guide installed onto a smart device. Interested participants are welcome to attend one or all Friday programs. Meet at the Gardiner Library, in the Lower Parking Area. No pre-registration is required. For more information, please contact the Gardiner Library at 845-255-1255 or the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Sat 20 Sep
Echo Rock Hike at Minnewaska
Saturday, September 20, 2025 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752

Join Nick Martin, Park Educator, for an approximately four-mile hike along a few, historic carriage roads to reach a prominent, scenic vista. From the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center, we'll start by heading around the west side of Lake Minnewaska to reach an intersection with the old golf course. We'll wander up a hill through the old golf course until we reach the intersection with Castle Point Carriage Road. From here, we'll continue on this carriage road until we intersect a connector trail to Hamilton Point Carriage Road. Once on Hamilton Point Carriage Road, we'll follow this trail until we reach Echo Rock, a cliff-side, scenic vista. If we're lucky, we may see some early deciduous trees changing color in the Palmaghatt Ravine, below Echo Rock. From here, we'll head back towards Lake Minnewaska and we'll walk around the east side of the Lake, to return to our starting point. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Sun 21 Sep
Mossy Glen Footpath Hike at Minnewaska
Sunday, September 21, 2025 10:00 AM - 01:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752

Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, for this approximately three-mile hike along the Peter's Kill stream, through mixed forests and across exposed quartz conglomerate rock. The first part of this hike will take participants along the full length of the beautiful Mossy Glen Footpath, which is just under two miles. The return trip will follow the easy-to-walk Lower Awosting Carriage Road. The footpath may include challenging conditions for some, including slippery rocks and tree roots. Meet in the Lower Parking Area. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Tue 23 Sep
Early Morning Birders at Minnewaska
Tuesday, September 23, 2025 08:00 AM - 01:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752

Designed for both birding enthusiasts and those just looking to learn the basics, this weekly series will feature outings led by Nick Martin, Park Preserve Educator, or an experienced birding volunteer. Participants should bring binoculars and water, and they should wear hiking shoes or boots. Outing destinations will be determined the day of the program. Poor weather conditions will trigger a program cancellation. Participants MUST arrive prior to the start of the program. The Park Preserve gates will be locked at 8:00 am. Late arrivals will NOT be allowed in the Park Preserve. The total number of participants for this program is limited to 24 individuals. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska entrance. For questions, please call the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752. This program is set up on a first-come, first-served basis.
Registration: Required
Tue 23 Sep
Tuesday Trek: Rainbow Falls Footpath Loop Hike at Minnewaska
Tuesday, September 23, 2025 09:30 AM - 04:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752

Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, to explore some of the less frequently visited sections of Minnewaska. Our approximately six-mile-long route will follow a combination of historic carriage roads and footpaths, including the Rainbow Falls Footpath. We'll begin our hike on Mossy Glen Footpath and make our way over to the Rainbow Falls Footpath via Blueberry Run Footpath, Jenny Lane Footpath and Lower Awosting Carriage Road. The Rainbow Falls Footpath showcases some of the more interesting and remote backcountry in the Park Preserve. It offers awesome panoramic views and passes nearly beneath Rainbow Falls. We'll return along Upper Awosting Carriage Road until we reach Blueberry Run Footpath, which we'll follow to Lower Awosting Carriage Road, which is an easy stroll back to the parking area. This hike does include some tricky stream crossings and rock scrambles and is recommended for experienced and agile hikers. All participants must come prepared with the proper footwear, such as hiking boots, and enough food and water to sustain themselves. Meet at the Lower Parking Area. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Thu 25 Sep
Bike to Hike at Minnewaska
Thursday, September 25, 2025 09:30 AM - 01:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752

Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, for a bike ride to Lake Awosting and a loop hike in the Minnewaska back country. Starting on Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road, we'll ride to Upper Awosting Carriage Road, which we'll follow until it ends at Lake Awosting. From here, we'll continue along the Lake Awosting Carriage Road until we intersect the Castle Point Carriage Road. We'll ride this route until we come to the intersection with the Scenic Trail Footpath, where we'll lock and leave our bikes along the carriage road. Next, we'll grab our backpacks and hike a loop along Scenic Trail and Wolfs Jaws footpaths, which features a short scramble through a tallus-formed cave, for those who feel adventurous. For our return ride, we'll cruise along Hamilton Point Carriage Road, which offers gorgeous sweeping views of the Palmaghatt Ravine. Then, we'll ride the last part of our journey along Millbrook Mountain and Lake Minnewaska Carriage Roads. The total distance for the bike ride is approximately eight miles and the hike distance is approximately one and a half miles. Participants must bring their own bikes, equipment, food and water. Only Class 1, pedal-assist, electric bikes are allowed in the Park Preserve. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center Upper Parking Lot. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Fri 26 Sep
Birding at the Gardiner Library
Friday, September 26, 2025 08:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752

Are you interested in birds or birdwatching? Join Nick Martin, Park Preserve Educator, for bird walks starting at the Gardiner Library, every Friday in September. During this program, we will take an approximately one-mile walk on the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail and wander through Majestic Park, which can be muddy and wet, especially after a rainfall. Participants are encouraged to wear waterproof boots or shoes, bring binoculars, and a birding field guide, or a field guide installed onto a smart device. Interested participants are welcome to attend one or all Friday programs. Meet at the Gardiner Library, in the Lower Parking Area. No pre-registration is required. For more information, please contact the Gardiner Library at 845-255-1255 or the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Sat 27 Sep
Beacon Hill Loop Hike at Minnewaska
Saturday, September 27, 2025 09:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752

Join Nick Martin, Park Educator, for an approximately three-mile, loop hike along one footpath and two carriage roads. From the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center, we'll walk down to the Beacon Hill Carriage Road, which we'll follow until we intersect the Beacon Hill Footpath. We'll hike this rugged footpath back towards Lake Minnewaska, where it ends in an open field with a stunning view. We'll then continue around to the south and west side of Lake Minnewaska on the Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road and then back to our starting point. On a clear day, this route offers numerous, beautiful, scenic vistas of the forests of the Park Preserve, Lake Minnewaska, and the Wallkill Valley. The footpath section of this hike includes some continuous, uphill sections and rocky, uneven footing, which may be difficult for some. All participants should come well prepared with appropriate footwear, food, and water. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Tue 30 Sep
Early Morning Birders at Minnewaska
Tuesday, September 30, 2025 08:00 AM - 01:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Designed for both birding enthusiasts and those just looking to learn the basics, this weekly series will feature outings led by Nick Martin, Park Preserve Educator, or an experienced birding volunteer. Participants should bring binoculars and water, and they should wear hiking shoes or boots. Outing destinations will be determined the day of the program. Poor weather conditions will trigger a program cancellation. Participants MUST arrive prior to the start of the program. The Park Preserve gates will be locked at 8:00 am. Late arrivals will NOT be allowed in the Park Preserve. The total number of participants for this program is limited to 24 individuals. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska entrance. For questions, please call the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752. This program is set up on a first-come, first-served basis.
Registration: Not required
Tue 30 Sep
Tuesday Trek: The Short and Scenic Route to Gertrude’s Nose at Minnewaska
Tuesday, September 30, 2025 09:30 AM - 02:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752

Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, for an adventurous, six-mile hike to Gertrude's Nose and back on the same route. This footpath, which traverses an escarpment edge, offers one of the most expansive views in Minnewaska. From our start at Lake Minnewaska, this route will follow Millbrook Mountain Carriage Road to Gertrude's Nose Footpath, which offers broad views of the Wallkill Valley, Taconic Mountains, and beyond. This modestly challenging hike includes a steep rock scramble, a few hills, and some tricky footing. Participants must bring water, snacks, and lunch and wear appropriate hiking shoes. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required