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Ice Caves Trail at Sam's Point
4.8 ★★★★★ 463 Google reviews · Running trail in Cragsmoor, New York · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Ice Caves Trail at Sam's Point's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hike-friendly area featuring ice caves with a boardwalk for exploration, plus mountain views and waterfalls.
What runners say about Ice Caves Trail at Sam's Point
“Great view trails are easily marked the caves were amazing would definitely go back and recommend it to anyone who loves the outdoors.”
“The switchbacks are a proper incline for all ages and very dog friendly with complete shade on the way up!”
“The switchbacks are a proper incline for all ages and very dog friendly with complete shade on the way up!”
Truly one of the best hikes in America! The switchbacks are a proper incline for all ages and very dog friendly with complete shade on the way up! The grounds are kept in a great natural shape with an amazing supportive team. $10 to park for access.
This is an awesome hike! Tough, but awesome. Some of the ascents and declines are VERY steep. Passages get extremely narrow. Even in 90 degree heat, there were spots of ice, so if you're going in colder weather, be prepared. Definitely wear proper footwear.
If you're looking for a exciting hike this is it! You can quickly get to the elevation point the viewing area of spectacular View. I have done many hikes before and this one is very quick gratification. You have to spectacular views about 20 minutes up the mountain.
Highly, highly recommend! BF and I walked the loop around the lake and continued onto the ice caves. He didn't tell me where we were hiking before we got there so I was very pleasantly surprised! The caves were awesome, with motion detecting solar powered lights for the darkest parts.
Trail conditions & character
“Great view trails are easily marked the caves were amazing would definitely go back and recommend it to anyone who loves the outdoors.”
“Parking (which costs $10) was all full by the time we got there, but you can park in town and take an uber to the park for around $7.”
“It is a very safe path to walk, and there are some lights in the cave so you are not completely in the dark.”
“They all had fun at the caves, but didn't like the trail getting to and from there because it took too long and was steep.”
“BF and I walked the loop around the lake and continued onto the ice caves.”
“The switchbacks are a proper incline for all ages and very dog friendly with complete shade on the way up!”
“The switchbacks are a proper incline for all ages and very dog friendly with complete shade on the way up!”
Plan your run at Ice Caves Trail at Sam's Point
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteparks.ny.gov
- Phone(845) 647-7989
Hours
| Monday | 9 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 9 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 9 AM–8 PM |
Running trails near Cragsmoor
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Sam's Point Area of Minnewaska State Park Preserve
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Highest point of a craggy range, with ice caves & cliffs, plus Lake Maratanza & a waterfall.
Bear Hill Nature Preserve
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Verkeerderkill Park
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Family-friendly place for kids and dogs featuring trails, sports fields, pavilions and an ice rink.
Awosting Reserve
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Park offering hiking trails and opportunities to view lake scenery, including fall foliage.
Lippman Park
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