Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Bring your family to the Minnewaska Nature Center to make food for the winter birds. We'll use pine cones to make a delicious snack that you can hang in trees near your house. Then, you can watch as your neighborhood birds enjoy the treats! Stay after the craft for a relatively easy hike along Beacon Hill Carriage Road, where children can play a bird scavenger hunt game and look for raptors soaring near the cliffs at the end of the carriage road. Pre-registration is required by calling Minnewaska at 845-255-0752.

Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, for a two-mile wander along various carriage roads and the mowed paths through the old golf course and wild orchard. These old, overgrown fields, edged with abundant blueberry bushes and patches of deciduous forests, used to provide the food on the tables of the elegant hotels that were once found here. Come look for "antique" apples while you enjoy the magnificent Catskills view. Pre-registration is required by calling Minnewaska at 845-255-0752.

Join Nick Martin, Park Educator, for an approximately eight-mile loop walk on three scenic carriage roads. Starting at the Nature Center, we will walk on the Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road to reach the Hamilton Point Carriage Road, which offers stunning cliff edge views down into the Palmaghatt Ravine. From Hamilton Point, we will continue back on the Castle Point Carriage Road, which features views of Lake Awosting and Sam's Point. Participants should pack water and food and wear appropriate shoes and clothing. Meet at the Minnewaska Nature Center. Pre-registration is required by calling Minnewaska at 845-255-0752.

Join Environmental Educator, Laura Conner, for an approximately six-mile long hike along two carriage roads and one footpath to reach Gertrude's Nose. This cliff-edge, scenic spot offers spectacular views of the Hudson Valley, the south end of the Shawangunk Ridge and the Palmaghatt Ravine. We'll return along the same route, which does include steep sections as well as cliff edges and crevice crossings. This hike is best suited for hikers who are prepared for some challenging terrain. Pre-registration is required by calling Minnewaska at 845-255-0752.