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: June 26th.

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 1st.

In April 2016, a wildfire burned over 2,000 acres at Sam's Point. Sam's Point is home to a globally rare ecosystem, and we are very interested to see how it will respond to the fire over time. Will it ever look the same? Will different plants find a new home here? There are twenty plots in various locations at Sam's Point and we need your help to monitor them. If you are interested in science, plants, learning new skills, or volunteering to help out the Park Preserve, this program is for you! No previous knowledge is required. Participants must wear sturdy shoes, clothes that can get dirty, and bring plenty of food and water. This program is recommended for individuals over the age of twelve. 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.

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 our park. 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 children over the age of eight, but everyone is welcome to join us. Children must be 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.

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 10th.

10:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.

Are you fascinated by fire? Are you interested in how the recent 2016 wildfire affected the plants and animals at Sam's Point? Learn about Sam's Point's unique fire-dependent ecosystem on this interpretive three mile hike on the Loop Road. We will explore the landscape to examine fire-adapted species and to compare and contrast forests where fire has been suppressed and reintroduced. Children must be 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.

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 including some steep, challenging sections. Participants must 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.

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 16th.

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 17th.

Saturday July 28th and Sunday July 29th

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 and make your own berry holder to take with you on your hike. Join a 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. Pre-registration is NOT required.