16. Lake Minnewaska

Distance:	Dayhike
Difficulty :	Easy for children
Distance :	1.6 miles, loop
Hiking time :	1 hour
High point/elevation gain :	1765 feet, 200 feet
Hikable :	March-December
Map :	NY-NJ Trail Conference Map 9A

If Henny Youngman knew about hiking in Minnewaska State Park, he would tell you, "Take this hike—please" (Ta-dum.) The civilized carriageways around Lake Minnewaska are part of a 50-mile road system developed more than a century ago by area hotel owners who wanted their guests to be able to access scenic spots in horse-drawn carriages. Today's hikers will appreciate those long-ago land barons for providing a way to take in lovely vistas without stumbling over roots or pushing aside prickly underbrush. And what vistas! The peaceful water views are enhanced by dramatic cliffs that rise from Minnewaska's rugged shoreline.

Don't forget to bring your bathing suits; the hike begins and ends near the lake's only official swimming area, and you may want to take a dip. But be warned: the water in this deep, spring-fed lake is chilly (read "like ice"), even on the steamiest August day.

If the Lake Minnewaska loop sounds too tame for your adventurous group, you can extend this hike into a moderate dayhike up Millbrook Mountain (see Hike 17).

From New York City, take the Thruway (I-87) north to Exit 18 in New Paltz. Follow NY-299 west for approximately 7.5 miles to its conclusion at the intersection with US 44 West and NY-55. Turn right onto combined US 44 and NY-55, and drive approximately 4.5 miles to the entrance of Minnewaska State Park on the left. Enter the park and pay a moderate day-use fee at the gatehouse. Drive 1 mile to the parking lot at the end of the park road.

From the western side of the parking lot, head south on Sunset Path, passing the picnic area. Soon, turn right onto red-blazed Lake Shore Drive, the carriage path you will follow around the lake. Drop briefly toward a lifeguard-supervised swimming area (the only spot on Lake Minnewaska where swimming is permitted). Beyond the beach area, continue to follow Lake Shore Drive along the shoreline. Warn the kids that mountain bikes frequently zip along these roadways.

Thick clusters of mountain laurel edge the carriage road, embracing mixed woods dotted with boulders. Who can find a white pine? (Here's a hint: this tree has the largest cones of any pine tree found in the Northeast. If that doesn't help, count the needles—white pine needles grow in bunches of five.) Compare hemlock cones with white pine cones. What are some differences between them? One-tenth mile from the start, the green-blazed Awosting Lake Carriageway joins from the right; continue straight, still following red blazes.

As side trails split left and right, remain on the main carriage road. At a major intersection 0.25 mile from the start, the blue-blazed Castle Point Carriageway bears right (west) to Kempton Ledge. Continue straight (south) on Lake Shore Drive. One-half mile from the start, as the yellow-blazed Hamilton Point Carriageway departs right (west) toward Gertrude's Nose, stay straight once more to remain on Lake Shore Drive. Just beyond Hamilton Point Carriageway, Lake Shore Drive switches down a slope; let the kids run ahead with instructions to wait for you at a rustic bench on the right. Shortly, as the trail sweeps from south to north, you'll have grand eastern views across the Shawangunks.

An easy descent follows the switchback; quickly, you reach the shoreline of this spectacular lake. Toss pebbles into the water. Who can throw the farthest? As you cross Coxing Kill at the southern tip of the lake, the Millbrook Mountain Trail branches right (south) into the woods. Follow Lake Shore Drive as it curls left (north) to continue a counterclockwise sweep around Lake Minnewaska. Avoid minor trails that lead left from the carriageway. Revive weary little hikers with a game: imitate birdcalls, with prizes for the best chickadee, bobwhite, or crow. (Or try to sound like a pileated woodpecker or tufted titmouse, two birds you're likely to see in the state park.)

One-tenth mile from the river crossing, avoid unmarked Pine Cliff Path, which departs right. As you crest a gentle grade, Lake Shore Drive forks. Take the left branch, which leads shortly to an expansive, manicured picnic area. The kids may be ready for a rest (or they may want to toss a Frisbee, fly a kite, or just wrestle on the grass). Follow the path along the edge of the field and take in the lake views.

From the northwestern side of the picnic area, the path shortly rejoins the principal branch of Lake Shore Drive. Follow the red blazes northward as a number of paths and roadways diverge left and right. (Let the kids know you are just 0.25 mile from your car.) As you hike under a rustic footbridge (known as Dry Bridge), the kids may want to leave the trail to investigate how to reach the bridge and the gazebo that perches nearby. After passing the park office (it has a soda machine, if you're desperately thirsty), Lake Shore Drive leads to the paved entrance road. Turn left and return to your car (or head to the beach for a—BRRRRR!—swim).

Note: The park opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 7 p.m. on weekdays, 8 p.m. on weekends. In season, the trails close weekdays at 6 p.m., weekends at 7 p.m. Dogs must be leashed.