Lake Minnewaska

Lake Minnewaska is the lake at the centre of Minnewaska State Park Preserve, one of the Shawangunk Ridge's sky lakes, set among cliffs and ledges at about 1,650 feet. The Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road circles it in 2.0 miles, an easy walk of about an hour on a wide gravel road, starting from the visitor center by the upper parking lot. Entry is $10 per car, the swimming area is closed until the 2027 season, and on good-weather days the lots fill and the gate closes until spaces open.

The Lake Minnewaska Loop

The red-marked Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road is the park's most popular walk and the one NY State Parks lists first on its trail map: 2.0 miles round the lake, about one hour. It is a broad, graded carriage road, so it suits families, strollers with sturdy wheels, runners and cyclists. Bikes are allowed on it at up to 15 mph, and walkers have the right of way.

The road runs along the cliff tops above the water in places. NY State Parks' map carries a plain warning: keep away from cliff edges, because a fall can kill. Hold children's hands at the overlooks.

Two easy add-ons from the same lot:

• Beacon Hill: the yellow Beacon Hill Trail (0.9 mile) and Beacon Hill Carriage Road climb to a view over the valley. Park educators lead a three-mile Beacon Hill and lake loop.
• Kempton Ledge: 2.8 miles round trip from the visitor center, about two hours, on the carriage roads west of the lake.

Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center

The visitor center stands beside the upper lot and the lake. NY State Parks describes a 5,000-square-foot building with public restrooms, a lobby with lake views, maps, and child-friendly interactive exhibits on nature, human history and recreation. Staff answer questions and sell the $5 topographic trail map. Call (845) 255-0752. Several of the park's free guided hikes start from here.

Can You Swim in Lake Minnewaska?

Only in the designated swimming area, only when lifeguards are on duty, and not until 2027: NY State Parks says the swimming areas at Lake Minnewaska and Lake Awosting are closed until the 2027 season. Swimming anywhere else in the lake, or in any stream or waterfall, is not allowed. Scuba diving needs a $20 season permit, and the map marks a Diver's Cove on the shore. Full rules on swimming.

Boating

Non-motorized boating is on NY State Parks' list of activities here, with a $5 daily or $35 season boat permit. Ask at the visitor center which put-in to use.

Picnics

Picnic tables sit a short walk from the lots, first come, first served. Barbecues and any cooking are not allowed, and there are no trash cans in the preserve, so carry out everything you bring.

A Little History

Minnewaska means "good water," according to a 2020 Times Herald-Record history. Alfred Smiley opened the Cliff House hotel above the lake in 1879, and a second hotel, Wildmere, followed. Both are gone: the Cliff House burned in 1978 and Wildmere in 1986. See history.

Getting There and Parking

The lake is at the main entrance, 5281 Route 44-55, Kerhonkson. Drive up to the Upper Parking Area. On good-weather weekends NY State Parks closes the entrance when the lots are full. Arrive at the 9 a.m. opening. See parking and hours.

Good For / Maybe Skip If

• Good for: a first visit, families, an hour's walk with big views, cyclists who want an easy loop.
• Maybe skip if: you want solitude on a summer Saturday. Try the longer walk to Lake Awosting or a weekday at Sam's Point.