Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, for a stimulating and refreshing hike along the Bullwheel and High Peter's Kill Footpaths to two scenic overlooks in the Peter's Kill Area. One view offers a winter panorama of the Rondout Valley, with a backdrop of the Catskill Mountains, and the second view spotlights the iconic Sky Top Tower. This stone tower stands out like a landlocked lighthouse guiding visitors to the Shawangunk Ridge. While the distance is relatively short, there are a few moderate hills. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18. Meet in the Peter's Kill Area. Pre-registration is required by calling Minnewaska at 845-255-0752.

Join Nick Martin, Park Educator, for an early winter walk along three carriage roads to reach picturesque Echo Rock. From this scenic spot, Gertrude's Nose can be seen in the distance across the steep-sided Palmaghatt Ravine. This approximately three-mile round trip walk is a great way to warm up, get outside and fight cabin fever. Meet at the Minnewaska Nature Center. If the carriage roads at Lake Minnewaska are groomed for cross-country skiing, this hike will change locations to Mossy Glen Footpath. Pre-registration is required by calling Minnewaska at 845-255-0752.

Begin 2019 with a First Day Hike at Minnewaska! Come for a stimulating and refreshing two-mile snowshoe hike to two scenic overlooks in the Peter's Kill Area, both of which feature stunning views in clear weather. While the distance is relatively short, there are a few moderate hills, which may be difficult for some. A limited number of snowshoes are available for participants to borrow for this program from the education department, located at the Peter's Kill Area. When these run out, snowshoes may be rented for $5 per person. Early arrival is suggested if you would like to borrow snowshoes. If there is insufficient snow cover, this program will be offered as a hike and the hiking destination may change. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18. Meet in the Peter's Kill Area. Pre-registration is required by calling Minnewaska at 845-255-0752.

Begin 2019 with a First Day Hike at Minnewaska! Join us for a two-and-a-half-mile snowshoe hike to Awosting Falls. Starting from the Peter's Kill Area, participants will hike briefly on the Awosting Falls Connector Footpath and then journey up the scenic Awosting Falls Carriage Road, which has a gentle incline as it approaches Awosting Falls. If weather conditions are cold enough, a frozen volcano-like structure forms at the base of the waterfall. A limited number of snowshoes are available for participants to borrow for this program from the education department, located at the Peter's Kill Area. When these run out, snowshoes may be rented for $5 per person. Early arrival is suggested if you would like to borrow snowshoes. If there is insufficient snow cover, this program will be offered as a hike. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18. Meet in the Peter's Kill Area. Pre-registration is required by calling Minnewaska at 845-255-0752.