Minnewaska State Park Preserve is located at 5281 Route 44-55 in New Paltz, New York. The park is situated on the ridge of Shawangunk Mountain, which rises over 2,000 feet above sea level. The park's terrain is mainly rocky and rugged, and the park has a dense hardwood forest that encircles two lakes. A smaller third lake is also located within the park.
The three lakes that can be found in the park are Lake Awosting, Lake Minnewaska, and Mud Pond. Lake Awosting is approximately twice as large as Lake Minnewaska. Lake Minnewaska is about one quarter of a mile wide at its widest point and approximately one mile long. Minnewaska State Park Preserve is managed by the Palisades Interstate Park Commission.
Park hours can vary based on the time of year. From early/mid June through early August, regular hours of operation are 9:00am to 9:00pm daily. During other times of the year, the hours of operation are 9:00am to 8:00pm daily. The parking fee varies and is generally between $6 and $9 per vehicle. The nature center is open from 12:00pm to 5:00pm on Wednesdays and on weekends. Nature walks are typically held on weekend days at 11:00am. Although the time and location are subject to change, visitors normally meet at the kiosk in the upper parking lot if they plan to go on the nature walk.
Swimming is permitted in the designated swimming area only and only when there is a lifeguard on duty. Swimming hours for the beach are 10:00am to 7:30pm. Swimming hours at Lake Awosting are from 11:00am to 5:30pm. With a permit, private cartop boats are permitted on the water. Certified divers are permitted to scuba dive. Prior to scuba diving, divers must report to the park's office. Fishing is permitted, but there are not many fish due to the acidity of the water.
Cross country skiing is available, but there are no ski rental facilities. Visitors need to supply their own equipment. Biking is permitted on biking trails. Cyclists are required to wear helmets and must remain on the carriageways. Hiking is available on carriageways and trails that are clearly marked. With a permit, visitors can also go horseback riding on carriageways. Horses are not available for rent, and visitors need to bring their own horse if they would like to go horseback riding.
In designated areas, visitors are permitted to rock climb, provided they have a permit to do so. Rock climbing is permitted in the area known as Peter's Kill. Peter's Kill is located approximately one mile to the east of the main entrance to the park.
Alcoholic beverages are prohibited, and there is no camping within the park. In addition, Minnewaska State Park Preserve is a Carry In, Carry Out park, which means that there are no garbage cans on the premises.
Some pets are permitted within the park. Household pets are permitted, and they must be caged or on a leash. In addition, pets more than six feet are prohibited.
Hours of operation and any pricing information are subject to change at any time. Information can be verified or obtained by calling 845-256-0579 or 845-255-0752.
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