Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Join us at Minnewaska as we hike on the Beacon Hill Footpath, out to Beacon Hill. Not only will we be admiring the color of the leaves, we'll also study how the leaves have changed from the summer. Phenology hikes are offered every month to gain the most accurate data possible of seasonal changes of plants and animals. This program is recommended for children eight years old and above, but everyone is welcome to join us. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18. Meet at the Minnewaska Nature Center. Pre-registration is required by calling Minnewaska at 845-255-0752.

Have you ever been so close to a hawk that you could see how sharp its talons are? Have you ever been so close to an owl that you could see what color eyes it has? Now is your chance! Join Annie Mardiney, wildlife rehabilitator for Wild Mountain Birds, and Laura Davis, Sam's Point Interpretive Ranger, to see and learn about these fascinating raptors. Stop by the picnic area near the Visitor Center to see a variety of live education birds. If there is inclement weather this program will be moved to October 20th. All children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian over the age of 18.

Join us for an exciting excursion on an assortment of historic carriage roads and footpaths to explore some of the lesser-traversed sections of the Park Preserve. For this approximately eight-mile hike, participants will hike Lower Awosting Carriage Road, Rainbow Falls Footpath, Scenic Trail Footpath and Lake Awosting Carriage Road. We'll begin our hike on Lower Awosting Carriage Road and continue until the Rainbow Falls Footpath. Rainbow Falls features interesting backcountry terrain, and on a clear day, has a spectacular view of the Catskill Mountains. At the intersection of Castle Point, we'll wander down to the Scenic Trail, walking past Margaret Cliff and Murray Hill on the way to the southwest end of Lake Awosting. From here, we'll continue around Lake Awosting on the Lake Awosting Carriage Road and return on Lower Awosting Carriage Road, which is an easy walk back to the parking area. This hike includes some hiking over rock slabs, tree roots, a stream crossing and a rock scrambling section, which some hikers may find challenging. Participants must come with appropriate footwear and enough food and water to sustain themselves for the day. Meet in the Awosting Parking Area. Pre-registration is required by calling Minnewaska at 845-255-0752.

Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, for a scenic two-and-a-half-mile hike in the Peter's Kill Area to reach two picturesque vistas. Our route will ascend a hill on the Bullwheel Footpath to reach the intersection with the High Peter's Kill Footpath. From this point, the hike will follow the trail a modest distance in each direction to reach gorgeous vistas of both the Clove Valley and the Rondout Valley, from rocky cliff edge perches. Then, we'll continue to follow the High Peter's Kill Footpath to create a loop, passing along the edges of a rushing stream and up a hill through a quiet forest. Meet at the Peter's Kill Park Office. Pre-registration is required by calling Minnewaska at 845-255-0752.

Hemlock trees are integral to our forest ecosystems and provide habitat to brook trout and numerous other fish, birds, mammals and invertebrates. However, they are threatened by the invasive forest pest, Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA). Warming temperatures have favored HWA's spread and we need your help to keep track of the impact HWA is having on our forests to make an informed management plan!