Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Explore the Shingle Gully Ice Caves, where ice persists into summer in deep crevice caves. These caves are in a backcountry area in Minnewaska State Park Preserve. This rugged, protected landscape is accessible only on guided tours led by park staff and volunteer docents. This all-day, strenuous adventure ascends and descends 1,500 feet, includes off-trail bushwhacking and steep rock scrambles, and is only appropriate for experienced hikers. Pre-registration is required by calling Sam's Point at 845-647-7989. Pre-registration deadline: July 25th.

Enjoy the huckleberries and blueberries along this adventurous, strenuous hike. This approximately ten mile hike will traverse mostly carriage roads, with about two miles on a narrow, rocky footpath that includes some steep, challenging sections. Participants must be physically fit and wear appropriate shoes and bring a backpack with plenty of water, snacks, and lunch. All children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian over the age of 18. Meet at the Sam's Point Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required by calling Sam's Point at 845-647-7989.

In summer, wild blueberries and huckleberries can be found growing along almost every trail at Sam's Point, providing a tasty snack for both wildlife and hikers alike. Can you identify these two berries? Stop by the picnic area at Sam's Point to try the berry taste test, make your own berry holder to take with you on your hike, and play a game! Join a Sam's Point Guide for a short walk to see remnants of berry picker shacks and learn about this interesting culture that once thrived here. The 27 minute documentary, The Huckleberry Pickers: A Vanished Shawangunk Culture, will be shown in the Visitor Center throughout the day. All children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian over the age of 18.

Have you ever heard the abbreviation "LNT" and wondered what it means? LNT stands for Leave No Trace and is comprised of seven principles designed by The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. At this family friendly program, you will learn how to protect the outdoors as we teach you and your friends and family how to enjoy it responsibly. We will discuss and practice the seven principles of outdoor ethics to ensure that we leave no trace on the lands that we love! This program will take place at the Sam's Point Visitor Center rain or shine, and it is recommended for adults and children over the age of eight, accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18. Pre-registration is required by calling Sam's Point at 845-647-7989.

Explore the Shingle Gully Ice Caves, where ice persists into summer in deep crevice caves. These caves are in a backcountry area in Minnewaska State Park Preserve. This rugged, protected landscape is accessible only on guided tours led by park staff and volunteer docents. This all-day, strenuous adventure ascends and descends 1,500 feet, includes off-trail bushwhacking and steep rock scrambles, and is only appropriate for experienced hikers. Pre-registration is required by calling Sam's Point at 845-647-7989. Pre-registration deadline: August 1st.

Explore the Shingle Gully Ice Caves, where ice persists into summer in deep crevice caves. These caves are in a backcountry area in Minnewaska State Park Preserve. This rugged, protected landscape is accessible only on guided tours led by park staff and volunteer docents. This all-day, strenuous adventure ascends and descends 1,500 feet, includes off-trail bushwhacking and steep rock scrambles and is only appropriate for experienced hikers. Pre-registration is required by calling Sam's Point at 845-647-7989. Pre-registration deadline: August 7th.

Did you know the Shawangunk Ridge was once home to a thriving berry-picking industry? Discover this fascinating cultural history on a guided hike to the remains of cabins in a berry-picking encampment. We will hike along the three mile Loop Road and search for any remaining tasty blueberries and huckleberries as picking season comes to an end. We will also stop at the Sam's Point Overlook to experience amazing views of the surrounding valleys and Catskill Mountains. All children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian over the age of 18. Meet at the Sam's Point Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required by calling Sam's Point at 845-647-7989

Bring the family to the Minnewaska Nature Center to learn about butterflies and what makes them so unique. We'll search for evidence of their activity, including eggs, caterpillars, leaf chewing and actual butterflies, as we walk the trails near the Nature Center. We'll also make a simple butterfly craft that your children can take home. This program is recommended for children between the ages of six to ten years old, accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18. Siblings of any age are welcome; however, younger siblings may need parental assistance. Meet at the Minnewaska Nature Center.

When do the flowers bloom? When do the leaves fall? We are very curious to find out! In this program, you will learn all about phenology, the study of how plants and animals change throughout the seasons, while working as a citizen scientist to collect information about the plants in the Park Preserve. We will be offering this hike once a month at Sam's Point to monitor seasonal changes in plants along the Loop Road. Along this carriage road, you will encounter a variety of flowers, ferns, shrubs and trees which change as you move up in elevation. This program is recommended for adults and children over the age of eight, accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18. Meet at the Sam's Point Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required by calling Sam's Point at 845-647-7989.

Come join volunteer leader Renee LaMonica, and other parents with babies or toddlers, at Minnewaska State Park Preserve for an hour of leisurely strolling. "Babes in the Woods" is offered the first Thursday of the month at Minnewaska and third Thursday of the month at Sam's Point. This program will be offered from June through October, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Please bring a jogging type stroller or back/front pack child carrier. Meet at the Sam's Point Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required by calling Sam's Point at 845-647-7989.

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. All children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian over the age of 18.

Join a Park Ranger on this interpretive hike through the Ice Caves at Sam's Point. Learn about how these fascinating crevices formed, while cooling off in their natural air conditioning! Along the way to the Ice Caves you will see evidence of the wildfire that burned 2,028 acres through the Park Preserve and surrounding lands in April, 2016. It is captivating to see what is growing after the fire, and our Ranger would love to tell you all about it! This hike is three miles roundtrip, with two and a half miles on carriage roads and half a mile on a footpath which includes stone stairs, two small ladders and boardwalk sections. All children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian over the age of 18. Meet at the Sam's Point Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required by calling Sam's Point at 845-647-7989.

Starting at the Sam's Point Visitor Center, we'll hike past the scenic vista at the Sam's Point Overlook and then make our way around Lake Maratanza. At Indian Rock, we'll enjoy beautiful views of the Catskill Mountains while we eat lunch. This nearly five mile hike traverses woods roads and a rocky footpath featuring a bog bridge. Most of the terrain is fairly level with some short, steep sections. Please bring plenty of water and a lunch with you. All children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian over the age of 18. Meet at the Sam's Point Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required by calling Sam's Point at 845-647-7989.