October 27, 2017 – Kerhonkson, NY

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Length: Approximately 3.2 miles

Max elevation: 1,768 ft.– total elevation gain approximately 443 ft.

Route type: Circuit

Map: Shawangunk Trails

Fee: $10.00 per vehicle – Empire Pass Accepted

Trailhead parking: 5281 Route 44-55, Kerhonkson, NY 12446

 

Minnewaska State Park Preserve was once the site of two mountaintop hotels, the last one closing in 1979. Many of the scenic trails and historic carriageways on the 22,275-acre preserve, wind their way around two “sky lakes.” A sky lake is a pristine and often unusually clear lake that is fed only from rain water. Lake Minnewaska and Lake Awosting are the centerpieces of the park preserve, from which most other scenic attractions can be reached. Both lakes are set into white conglomerate cliffs and encircled with carriageways that provide ready access to many views.

The Beacon Hill Carriage Road is 0.7 miles long and ends at a scenic view from a rock outcrop. This old road gives hikers access to the Beacon Hill Trail. The Beacon Hill Trail is just under a mile long and is one of the most scenic short hikes in the immediate area of Lake Minnewaska. The Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road is 1.9 miles long and loops around the lake. It provides cliff top views of the Gunks and the Catskills. I combined the three to form a short loop with outstanding views for the majority of the hike.

View the Google Earth Fly-Through video of the hike below.

Having just hiked Giant’s Workshop the past weekend, I wanted to do a short hike in the same area on a weekday when it would be less crowded. After a little research, I decided on Minnewaska State Park Preserve for a few reasons. The parking areas at most trailheads fill up early, it can get expensive if you don’t have an annual pass and there aren’t many short hikes in the Gunks. Minnewaska has a large parking area, accepts the Empire Pass and has perhaps the best short hike in the Gunks.

Normally I like to do weekday hikes on Monday or Tuesday, but I elected to wait until Friday hoping for more fall foliage color. After a 1-1/2 hour drive, we arrived around 9:00 am. We parked in the lot by Lake Minnewaska and there were quite a few cars already there on a chilly 40° October morning. We headed out hoping for some tranquility on the trails. We walked back down the road we drove up on and past the park maintenance center for about 0.1 mile.

On the right side of the road is the start of the Beacon Hill Carriage Road.

At the start of the trails and carriage roads, there are signs with a map and useful information.

There are no views along this easy walking carriage road, but it is a scenic road in the Autumn.

The road ends at a rock outcrop after 0.7 miles.

After very little effort, we were treated with our first views of the day.

In the distance, the Albert K. Smiley Memorial Tower is visible on Skytop Cliff at the Mohonk Mountain House property.

The Catskills are also visible in the distance to the left.

After taking in the views, we proceeded onto the Beacon Hill Trail which is marked with yellow blazes.

The trail descends slightly to cross a seasonal stream, then begins a steady ascent. It continues through the woods, climbing gradually.

After a steeper climb, it comes out on rock ledge.

There are partially obstructed views through the trees, but this is a beautiful section of trail and we found ourselves alone the entire time we were on it.

The trail continues along the edge of the cliffs for a while…..

with views of the surrounding hills and countryside along the way.

The Beacon Hill Trail descends through a split in the rock and passes a cliff on the right.

The Beacon Hill Trail passes a massive boulder near the edge of the cliff then ends at a grassy field/picnic area. To the left, there are several unmarked spur trails that lead to a rock ledge with an east-facing viewpoint.

This is a good place to take a break and enjoy the view.

We then crossed the field and turned left on a gravel road. This is the red-diamond-blazed Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road.

At a T-intersection, we turned left and followed the road as it begins to head downhill. Just to the left of the trail is a rock ledge…….

with more fantastic views.

The Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road continues downhill to the southern end of Lake Minnewaska.

The Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road climbs a little as it parallels the western side of the lake. The road then descends and comes to a small beach area with views of the lake.

The road then climbs again and just off the trail, there is a rock outcrop with nice views of the cliffs across the lake.

The Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road continues towards the parking area at the northern end of the lake.

We then left the Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road, crossed a grassy picnic area and back to the parking area, where our hike began.

A short but delightful hike on a Friday in October. I recommend this hike be done on an early weekday morning to avoid the crowds. We didn’t encounter any other hikers/walkers until we reached the rock ledge at the end of the Beacon Hill Trail. After that, it was more frequent as we walked on the Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road and near the lake. Nevertheless, it was scenic throughout and I would definitely hike it again. For those that prefer a simpler hike, the red-diamond-blazed Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road circles the lake makes for an easy walk around the lake. The trails can also be combined with any number of trails and/or carriage roads that intersect, to form a longer hike.

After some lunch, we headed out and decided to stop by the Mohonk Testimonial Gateway.

Located between Route 299 and Gatehouse Road in New Paltz, it served as the formal entrance to Mohonk Mountain House from 1908 to 1935.

Originally called the Smiley Memorial Gateway, it was built in 1908 to honor the 50th wedding anniversary of Albert and Eliza Smiley, founders of Mohonk Mountain House.

The gateway was built with the contributions of 1200 friends of the couple.

“Its lofty tower and massive gateway are supremely attractive. It is to be built of Shawangunk grit, one of the hardest stones in existence, firmly cemented together and fitted to endure the storms of innumerable ages.” ~ Albert Smiley

It is an impressive tower and worth a visit if you happen to be in the area. While there, we saw two Bald Eagles and a Red-tailed Hawk.

View the virtual hike below, with additional images added.

 

Pros: Scenic trails and carriage roads, fantastic views, Lake Minnewaska.

Cons: Can get crowded on weekends.

Take a hike!