32 events matched your search
Birding at the Gardiner Library
Friday, May 23, 2025 08:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Are you interested in birds or birdwatching? Join Nick
Martin, Minnewaska Park Preserve
Educator, for bird walks starting at the Gardiner Library, every Friday
during May. 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
field guide installed into a smart device. Interested participants are welcome
to attend one or all of these programs. Meet at the Gardiner Library, in the
Lower Parking Area. No pre-registration is required. For more information,
please contact the Gardiner Library directly at 845-255-1255 or email Nicholas.Martin@parks.ny.gov
Registration: Not required
Wawarsing Turnpike, Jenny Lane, and Lower Awosting Loop Hike at Minnewaska
Saturday, May 24, 2025 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Join Nick Martin, Park Educator, for a hike on some of the lesser-travelled trails
at Minnewaska during this approximately five-mile outing. Leaving from the
Lower Parking Area, we'll cross over Route 44/55 and hike the Wawarsing
Turnpike Footpath to the west until it intersects Jenny Lane Footpath. Crossing
over Route 44/55 again, we'll follow this trail until it intersects Blueberry
Run Footpath. From here, we'll hike a short section of this trail to reach
Lower Awosting Carriage Road, which will take us back to our starting point.
While scenic views are limited on this outing, it traverses beautiful sections
of forest, through stands of evergreen mountain laurel shrubs, across rock
slabs with twisted pitch pine trees, and across two clear, mountain streams.
This outing includes a few sustained uphill and downhill sections and two
stream crossings that may be challenging for some. Meet in the Lower Parking
Area. Pre-registration
is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
The Shorter and More Scenic Route to Gertrude’s Nose at Minnewaska
Sunday, May 25, 2025 09:30 AM - 03:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Join Laura Conner,
Environmental Educator, and Abby Hedler, Student Conservation
Association/AmeriCorps Environmental Educator, for an adventurous, six-mile
round-trip hike to Gertrude's Nose and back along 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 long set of steep, rock stairs, as well as 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
Upcycled Crafts at Minnewaska
Monday, May 26, 2025 11:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Bring your family and join Abigail Hedler, Student Conservation Association/AmeriCorps Environmental
Educator, to make creative, upcycled crafts. We'll provide the supplies
for you to make nature journals and collages from recycled paper materials, and
painted ornaments from dried, slices of branches. Bring your inspiration and
ideas and enjoy a relaxing afternoon of crafting! Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Nature Center. This
is a drop-in program and pre-registration is NOT required.
Registration: Not required
Early Morning Birders at Minnewaska
Tuesday, May 27, 2025 08:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Designed for both birding enthusiasts and those
just looking to learn the basics, this weekly series will offer outings led by
Nick Martin, Park Educator, or an experienced birding volunteer. Participants
should bring binoculars and water, and wear hiking shoes or boots. Outing
destinations will be determined the day of the program. Poor weather conditions
will trigger a program cancellation. Participants will meet at the Lake
Minnewaska entrance. Participants MUST arrive prior to the start of the
program, but no earlier than 7:30 am. 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 twenty-five individuals. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska entrance. For
questions, please call 845-255-0752 or email Nicholas.Martin@parks.ny.gov. This program is set up on a first-come, first-served basis.
Registration: Required
Tuesday Trek: Rainbow Falls and Scenic Views Bike Ride at Minnewaska
Tuesday, May 27, 2025 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, for a somewhat
challenging, eight-mile-long bike ride and one-mile-long hike to Rainbow Falls.
Our route will follow Upper Awosting Carriage Road, which gradually rises in
elevation through a shaded, mature forest. Crossing a bridge over a babbling
brook, we'll get distant views of Rainbow Falls, before we reach the trailhead
for Rainbow Falls Footpath. We'll park our bikes, locking them here,
while we walk through the Huntington Ravine to see Rainbow Falls up close.
We'll return on the same route, making an approximately one-mile scenic detour
before getting back on our bikes. We'll continue riding until we reach Lake
Awosting Carriage Road. From here, we'll pedal uphill until we reach first
Castle Point Carriage Road and then, shortly after, Hamilton Point Carriage
Road, one of the most scenic routes in the Park Preserve. Along the way, we'll
stop to admire all the beautiful scenic views. This route, which follows
gravel-surfaced carriage roads, does include some challenging hills and
participants should be prepared to maintain a modest pace in order to finish on
time. Participants must bring all their own gear, including a bike or
pedal-assist e-bike, a helmet, 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
Birding at the Gardiner Library
Friday, May 30, 2025 08:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Are you interested in birds or birdwatching? Join Nick
Martin, Minnewaska Park Preserve
Educator, for bird walks starting at the Gardiner Library, every Friday
during May. 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
field guide installed into a smart device. Interested participants are welcome
to attend one or all of these programs. Meet at the Gardiner Library, in the
Lower Parking Area. No pre-registration is required. For more information,
please contact the Gardiner Library directly at 845-255-1255 or email Nicholas.Martin@parks.ny.gov
Registration: Not required
Learn about the Lichens of the Shawangunk Mountains at Minnewaska
Saturday, May 31, 2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Join lichen photographer and Department of Environmental
Conservation Steward, John Franklin, for a walk and talk on lichens, those
amazing little organisms that we see growing on trees and rocks throughout the
Park Preserve. We will walk up to two miles on carriage roads, stopping to
discuss lichens along the way. This program is recommended for adults and
children over the age of 12. Children must be accompanied by a parent or
guardian over the age of 18. Please bring binoculars, a hand loupe, or a magnifying
glass, if possible, to aid you in close-up observations of the lichens. Meet at
the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required by calling
the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Long Way to the Waterfall at Minnewaska
Sunday, June 1, 2025 09:30 AM - 02:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Join
Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, for a five-mile loop hike on the High
Peter's Kill Footpath and the Awosting Falls Carriage Road. Highlights of this outing
may include early flowering mountain laurel shrubs, a breathtaking view of the
Catskills from a cliffside perch, close-up views of the fast-flowing Peter's
Kill stream and the iconic, 65-foot
tall Awosting Falls. The footpath section of this hike can be steep, rocky, and
narrow, which some may find challenging. All participants should come well
prepared with appropriate footwear, food, and water. Meet at the Lower Parking Area. Pre-registration is required by calling the
Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Early Morning Birders at Minnewaska
Tuesday, June 3, 2025 07:00 AM - 08:00 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Designed
for both birding enthusiasts and those just looking to learn the basics, this
weekly series will offer 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
will meet at the Lake Minnewaska entrance. Participants MUST arrive prior to
the start of the program. The Park Preserve gates will be locked at 7:00
am. Late arrivals will NOT be allowed in the Park Preserve. The
total number of participants for this program is limited to twenty-four
individuals. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska entrance. For questions, please
call 845-255-0752 or email Nicholas.Martin@parks.ny.gov. This program is set up on a first-come, first-served basis.
Registration: Not required
Birding at the Gardiner Library
Friday, June 6, 2025 08:00 AM - 09:30 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Are you
interested in birds or birdwatching? Join Nick Martin, Park Preserve Educator, for bird walks starting at the Gardiner Library, every
Friday in June. 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 field guide installed onto a smart device. Interested participants are
welcome to attend one or every program. Meet at the
Gardiner Library, in the Lower Parking Area. No pre-registration is
required. For more information, please contact the Gardiner Library directly at
845-255-1255 or email Nicholas.Martin@parks.ny.gov.
Registration: Not required
Spring Forest Bathing at Minnewaska
Friday, June 6, 2025 09:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Immerse yourself in the beautiful forest at
Minnewaska on this guided walk led by Jane Dobson with Mind the Forest. The
wellness practice of Forest Bathing is the perfect antidote to the fatigue and
stress many of us feel as a result of our technology-laden and busy lives. On
this approximately half-mile walk, we will slow down and directly experience
the world through our senses. We'll rekindle curiosity and let go of our to-do
lists. As we mindfully connect with the natural world, our perspective shifts, opening
us to awe and wonder, and deepening our sense of connection. This wellness
practice continues to grow across the globe as science demonstrates the health
benefits of Forest Bathing, including reduced stress and anxiety, improved
mood, focus and sleep. Join us as we use mindfulness to explore themes of
sensory anesthesia, species loneliness, and our relationship with time. This
program is open to participants aged 16 and older, with minors accompanied by a
parent or guardian over the age of 18. Meet at the Peter's Kill Area. Pre-registration
is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
National Trails Day Volunteer Event at Minnewaska
Saturday, June 7, 2025 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Taking place each
year on the first Saturday in June, National Trails Day is a day of celebration
and stewardship for the trails you hold close to your heart. Join Minnewaska
staff and other volunteers as we work to bolster the sustainability of our trails
through important maintenance work. Roll up your sleeves, break out your boots,
and get a peek behind the ways we upkeep the trails you know and love. This
program may require hiking several miles, bending over, using hand tools, and
lifting heavy material. Participants should wear protective clothing and sturdy
footwear and they should bring enough food and water to sustain themselves.
Those who pre-register will have their parking fee waived for the day. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake
Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Drop-In Program: Snakes of Minnewaska
Sunday, June 8, 2025 10:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Come learn about the wonderful world of snakes
with Minnewaska Park Educators. Minnewaska is home to 12 of 17 total species of
snakes that can be found in New York State. As the weather warms, we begin
sharing our trails and vistas with these slithery friends more and more. We
will talk about how to identify each snake species (including which ones are
venomous) and how to safely interact with and appreciate these misunderstood
creatures. Stop by the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center for this informative program.
Pre-registration is NOT required.
Registration: Not required
Early Morning Birders at Minnewaska
Tuesday, June 10, 2025 07:00 AM - 08:00 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Designed
for both birding enthusiasts and those just looking to learn the basics, this
weekly series will offer 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
will meet at the Lake Minnewaska entrance. Participants MUST arrive prior to
the start of the program. The Park Preserve gates will be locked at 7:00
am. Late arrivals will NOT be allowed in the Park Preserve. The
total number of participants for this program is limited to twenty-four
individuals. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska entrance. For questions, please
call 845-255-0752 or email Nicholas.Martin@parks.ny.gov. This program is set up on a first-come, first-served basis.
Registration: Not required
Tuesday Trek: Beautiful Blooms on Millbrook Mountain Loop Hike at Minnewaska
Tuesday, June 10, 2025 09:30 AM - 02:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, for an
approximately five-mile loop hike to Millbrook Mountain along the Lake
Minnewaska and Millbrook Mountain Carriage Roads and Millbrook Mountain
Footpath. Millbrook Mountain features cliff-edge, panoramic views of the
Wallkill Valley and beyond. This route features countless mountain laurel
shrubs, whose showy, white and pink flowers should be brightening the
surrounding forest. The footpath section of this route includes steep, rocky
terrain and areas that are often wet, muddy and slippery, which may be
challenging for some. Participants should wear appropriate outerwear and good
hiking boots and they should bring enough food and water for the hike. Meet at
the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration
is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Birding at the Gardiner Library
Friday, June 13, 2025 08:00 AM - 09:30 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Are you
interested in birds or birdwatching? Join Nick Martin, Park Preserve Educator, for bird walks starting at the Gardiner Library, every
Friday in June. 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 field guide installed onto a smart device. Interested participants are
welcome to attend one or every program. Meet at the
Gardiner Library, in the Lower Parking Area. No pre-registration is
required. For more information, please contact the Gardiner Library directly at
845-255-1255 or email Nicholas.Martin@parks.ny.gov.
Registration: Not required
Mountain Laurel Flowers Hike on Beacon Hill Loop at Minnewaska
Saturday, June 14, 2025 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Join Nick Martin, Park Preserve Educator, for an
approximately three-mile roundtrip hike along the Beacon Hill Carriage Road,
Beacon Hill Footpath, and Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road. From the Lake
Minnewaska Visitor Center, we will walk down to the trailhead of the Beacon
Hill Carriage Road, continuing out to its terminus, which offers a lovely,
scenic vista of the nearby cliffs of the Peter's Kill Area and the Catskill
Mountains. From here, we'll continue on the Beacon Hill Footpath, which
features a variety of terrain as it transitions through shady forests and sunny
slabs of bedrock, sparsely populated with plants. At the end of this trail, we
will be rewarded with a broad scenic vista looking east. After we take in the
view, we'll head back towards the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center along the east
side of the Lake. If our timing is right, the mountain laurel shrubs will be in
full bloom, decorating the forests along our route in a sea of white and pink
blossoms. The footpath section of this route has rocky and uneven terrain and
some moderate hills, which may be challenging for some. Meet at the Lake
Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration
is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Lake Awosting Beach Opens for the Season
Saturday, June 14, 2025 11:00 AM - 05:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
The
beach at Lake Awosting will open today for the swimming season. This
beach, which is located approximately four miles, by foot or bike, from the
Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center, features a smooth rock slab beach on the remote
and beautiful Lake Awosting. Lake Awosting's calm, quiet beach will be open
seven days per week until Labor Day, staff and weather permitting.
Registration: Not required
Lake Minnewaska Beach Opens for the Season
Saturday, June 14, 2025 11:15 AM - 06:45 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
The beach at Lake Minnewaska will open today for the swimming season.
The small beach, which is located along the northwestern shore of Lake
Minnewaska, will be open seven days per week until Labor Day, staff and weather
permitting.
Registration: Not required
Hike to see the Blooming Mountain Laurel on Mossy Glen Footpath at Minnewaska
Sunday, June 15, 2025 09:30 AM - 01:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, for a
four-mile, round-trip hike along the quietly babbling Peter's Kill stream and
through the cool, hemlock forests and tropical-feeling rhododendron stands of
the Mossy Glen Footpath. This is the time of year when the gorgeous pink and
white blossoms of the mountain laurel bushes typically bloom, and this route
showcases many of these showy shrubs. This trail does include some tricky
footing, but the section of the trip that follows the Lower Awosting Carriage Road
is an easy stroll. Meet at the Lower Parking Area. Pre-registration is required by calling the
Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Early Morning Birders at Minnewaska
Tuesday, June 17, 2025 07:00 AM - 08:00 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Designed
for both birding enthusiasts and those just looking to learn the basics, this
weekly series will offer 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
will meet at the Lake Minnewaska entrance. Participants MUST arrive prior to
the start of the program. The Park Preserve gates will be locked at 7:00
am. Late arrivals will NOT be allowed in the Park Preserve. The
total number of participants for this program is limited to twenty-four
individuals. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska entrance. For questions, please
call 845-255-0752 or email Nicholas.Martin@parks.ny.gov. This program is set up on a first-come, first-served basis.
Registration: Not required
Tuesday Trek: Beautiful Blooms on Wawarsing Turnpike and Jenny Lane Loop Hike at Minnewaska
Tuesday, June 17, 2025 09:30 AM - 02:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Join
Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, for a hike on some lesser-travelled footpaths on
this approximately five-mile outing. Leaving from the Lower Parking Area, we
will follow Wawarsing Turnpike to the west until it intersects Jenny Lane
Footpath. This route is loaded with mountain laurel bushes whose gorgeous pink
and white blooms will enclose us on the trail. We'll follow this trail until it
intersects Blueberry Run Footpath, dropping down through a dense, deciduous
forest, until we intersect Lower Awosting Carriage Road, which we'll follow
back to our starting point. While broad scenic views are limited on this
outing, it traverses beautiful sections of forest and two clear mountain
streams. This outing includes a few sustained uphill and downhill sections and
two stream crossings that may be challenging for some. Meet in the Lower
Parking Area. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska
Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Minnewaska Homeschoolers: Bush Babies
Thursday, June 19, 2025 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Join
Abigail Hedler, Student Conservation Association/AmeriCorps Environmental
Educator, in welcoming Minnewaska State Park Preserve's newest inhabitants this
spring – baby coyotes, porcupines, black bears, and white-tailed deer! We will learn about the
common characteristics of these babies, their developmental processes, and
their habitats. We will decorate party hats at the Nature Center to celebrate
the birth of the new residents and take an approximately two-mile hike to the
Meadows, via Upper Awosting Carriage Road, to hunt for animal tracks. This
program is recommended for children between the ages of eight 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. This program is open to all
students learning from home accompanied by a parent or legal guardian over the
age of 18. The total number of participants for this program is limited to 20
individuals. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration
is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Birding at the Gardiner Library
Friday, June 20, 2025 08:00 AM - 09:30 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Are you
interested in birds or birdwatching? Join Nick Martin, Park Preserve Educator, for bird walks starting at the Gardiner Library, every
Friday in June. 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 field guide installed onto a smart device. Interested participants are
welcome to attend one or every program. Meet at the
Gardiner Library, in the Lower Parking Area. No pre-registration is
required. For more information, please contact the Gardiner Library directly at
845-255-1255 or email Nicholas.Martin@parks.ny.gov.
Registration: Not required
Make Your Own Animal Track at Minnewaska
Saturday, June 21, 2025 09:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Join us to make your
very own plaster track of one of the many animals that live in Minnewaska State
Park Preserve. During this program, we'll meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor
Center and check out some of the animal-focused displays found inside. Next,
we'll head over to the Minnewaska Nature Center to make a plaster animal track
of our choosing, from a variety of rubber molds, such as fisher and bobcat.
After we pour the plaster into the molds, we will take a short hike, of up to a
mile-and-half, on trails near Lake Minnewaska, to search for animal tracks and
signs. After the hike, we will head back to the Nature Center to collect our
plaster creations. 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
Drop-In Program: The Basics of Leave No Trace and Plastic Pollution Reduction
Sunday, June 22, 2025 10:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Did
you know that Minnewaska State Park Preserve is a Leave No Trace partnered
organization? Join Park Educators to learn the Seven Principles of Leave No
Trace and their importance, as well as how to reduce your plastic consumption
on the trail and at home. As our world is inundated with disposable, plastic
products, we can all make a positive impact for the planet by reducing our use
of these single use products. Stop by the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center for
this informative program. Pre-registration is NOT required.
Registration: Not required
Early Morning Birders at Minnewaska
Tuesday, June 24, 2025 07:00 AM - 08:00 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Designed
for both birding enthusiasts and those just looking to learn the basics, this
weekly series will offer 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
will meet at the Lake Minnewaska entrance. Participants MUST arrive prior to
the start of the program. The Park Preserve gates will be locked at 7:00
am. Late arrivals will NOT be allowed in the Park Preserve. The
total number of participants for this program is limited to twenty-four
individuals. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska entrance. For questions, please
call 845-255-0752 or email Nicholas.Martin@parks.ny.gov
This program is set up on a first-come, first-served basis.
Registration: Not required
Hike to a Cliff and through a Forest of Flowers at Minnewaska
Tuesday, June 24, 2025 09:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, for a
morning hike to see the gorgeous, pink and white blooms of the mountain laurel
bushes. We'll begin our outing by walking around the west side of Lake
Minnewaska, until we reach Millbrook Mountain Carriage Road, which we'll follow
to reach the Hamilton Point Carriage Road. From here, we'll walk along the edge
of the Palmaghatt Ravine until we get to Echo Rock, which offers cliff edge
views of this deep ravine. Then, we'll retrace our steps until we return to Lake
Minnewaska, where we'll continue walking from west to east until we reach the
Beacon Hill Footpath. We'll hike this cliff-edge trail, amidst a riot of
blooming mountain laurel until we reach the Beacon Hill Carriage Road, which
features a gorgeous Catskills viewpoint. This moderate,
five-and-a-half-mile-long hike does include some cliffs and hills. Meet at the
Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration
is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Family Bike Ride: Blooms and Bike to Swim at Lake Awosting Beach at Minnewaska
Thursday, June 26, 2025 10:00 AM - 01:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Grab your bike and join the Minnewaska Educators for
a fun and educational bike outing to witness blooming mountain laurel bushes
and swim in Lake Awosting. 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 reach the beach area, where we'll lock our bikes on a bike rack. This quiet,
rock-slab beach is surrounded by nothing but forest. Then, everyone will have
an opportunity to dip into the cool, clear lake followed by lunch at the beach.
For our return ride, we'll cruise along a short section of Castle Point
Carriage Road until we connect with Hamilton Point Carriage Road, which offers
gorgeous, sweeping views of the Palmaghatt Ravine. The total distance for this bike ride is approximately nine miles and
we'll take multiple rest stops along our route as needed. Participants must
bring their own bikes, equipment, swim gear, towels, food and water. The Lake
Awosting Swim Area has a changing area and composting toilets. Only Class 1,
pedal-assist, electric bikes are allowed in the Park Preserve. This program is
recommended for families with children old enough and able enough to bike this
distance and route. 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
Birding at the Gardiner Library
Friday, June 27, 2025 08:00 AM - 09:30 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Are you
interested in birds or birdwatching? Join Nick Martin, Park Preserve Educator, for bird walks starting at the Gardiner Library, every
Friday in June. 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 field guide installed onto a smart device. Interested participants are
welcome to attend one or every program. Meet at the
Gardiner Library, in the Lower Parking Area. No pre-registration is
required. For more information, please contact the Gardiner Library directly at
845-255-1255 or email Nicholas.Martin@parks.ny.gov.
Registration: Not required
Out to Patterson’s Pellet and back along the Cliffs at Minnewaska
Sunday, June 29, 2025 09:30 AM - 01:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Join
Abigail Hedler, Student Conservation Association/AmeriCorps Environmental
Educator, for a morning stroll to check out the cliffside
views of the Palmaghatt Ravine from Patterson's Pellet, a glacial erratic
perched on the cliffs above this scenic ravine. From here, we'll return to Lake
Minnewaska, following the carriage road around from west to east, until we
encounter the Beacon Hill Footpath. This lovely trail, which does include hills
and some tricky footing, snakes along the cliff edge looking east towards New
Paltz. The total distance for this walk is approximately six miles. Please
bring enough water and food to sustain you and dress for the season, wearing
boots with good traction. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration
is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required