Minnewaska FAQ
These are the questions visitors ask most about Minnewaska State Park Preserve, answered from NY State Parks' own pages and maps. The short version: $10 per car, open from 9 a.m., lots fill on good-weather days, swimming areas closed until 2027, dogs on a six-foot leash, no camping, and Sam's Point needs a weekend reservation from mid-April to November 15.
Visiting
- Fees and hours: see hours and fees.
- Lots, closures and Sam's Point reservations: see parking.
- Rules: see rules and regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get into Minnewaska State Park?
$10 per vehicle at the main entrance and at Sam's Point. An $80 Empire Pass covers a calendar year of day-use entry. Climbing, boating, horse and ski passes are extra.
Do you need a reservation for Minnewaska?
Not for the main Lake Minnewaska entrance, which is first come, first served and closes temporarily when full. Sam's Point needs a parking reservation on weekends and holidays from mid-April to November 15.
What time does Minnewaska open and close?
It opens at 9 a.m. every day. Closing changes with the season: 9 p.m. in June, 6 p.m. in late October, 5 p.m. from November 1 to March 8, 2027.
Why was Minnewaska closed when I arrived?
NY State Parks closes the Lake Minnewaska and Sam's Point entrances intermittently when the lots reach capacity on good-weather days. Arrive at 9 a.m. or come on a weekday.
Can you swim at Minnewaska?
Only at the designated areas on Lake Minnewaska and Lake Awosting with lifeguards on duty, and NY State Parks says both are closed until the 2027 season. Never in waterfalls or streams.
Are dogs allowed at Minnewaska?
Yes, on a leash of six feet or less. Not at beaches, in picnic or bathing areas, in buildings, or on groomed ski trails.
Can you camp at Minnewaska?
No. It is day use only. The tent-only Shawangunk Gateway Campground is five minutes away on Route 299 in Gardiner.
How long is the walk around Lake Minnewaska?
2.0 miles on the Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road, about an hour.
How long is the hike to Awosting Falls?
2.5 miles round trip from the visitor center, about 1.5 hours. Swimming at the falls is not allowed.
What is the hardest hike at Minnewaska?
Gertrude's Nose is the slowest on NY State Parks' list: 7.0 miles round trip, about 5.5 hours, on a cliff-edge footpath.
Can you bike at Minnewaska?
Yes, on carriage roads only, with a helmet, at 15 mph or less. Only Class 1 e-bikes are allowed.
Can you rock climb at Minnewaska?
Only at the Peter's Kill Area, April through December, with a $10 day or $90 season pass and a signed acknowledgement of risk.
Is Sam's Point part of Minnewaska?
Yes. The Sam's Point Area in Cragsmoor is the preserve's southern section, about 5,000 acres, with the Ice Caves and Lake Maratanza.
Is Mohonk Preserve part of Minnewaska?
No. Mohonk Preserve is a separate nonprofit next door with its own fee and rules.
How big is Minnewaska State Park Preserve?
More than 24,000 acres, with 35 miles of carriage roads and 50 miles of footpaths.
Who runs Minnewaska?
NY State Parks (the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation) with the Palisades Interstate Park Commission.
Can you fly a drone at Minnewaska?
No. Drones are prohibited throughout the preserve.
Can you grill at Minnewaska?
No. Barbecuing, cooking and fires are not permitted. Picnic tables are first come, first served.
Is Minnewaska open in winter?
Yes, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with cross-country skiing and snowshoeing when there is snow.
Is there a bus to Minnewaska?
Ulster County's free Nature Bus stops there on Saturdays from late April to the end of September.