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Minnewaska State Park Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 5,539 Google reviews · Running trail in Kerhonkson, New York · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Minnewaska State Park Preserve'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.
Waterfalls, 3 sky lakes & 25 mi. of footpaths for hiking & biking, plus rock climbing.
What runners say about Minnewaska State Park Preserve
“Hands-on most beautiful state park in New York has preserved the legacy of park’s founders Smiley brothers by maintaining the carriage roads and trails in excellent state.”
“The hiking trails are well-marked, clean, and offer amazing views in every direction.”
“I visited with my family, and it was a wonderful place to spend quality time together, walking, exploring, and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.”
“This park is beautiful, it has a lake and waterfalls and multiple easy trails to walk.”
Beautiful place that I shared with my wonderful girlfriend. Only $10 to get in, and we chose to hike the two miles around the beautiful lake. The hike is definitely beginner level. Even someone with a bad back can do it! There were many photo opportunities.
This park is beautiful, it has a lake and waterfalls and multiple easy trails to walk. It also has a small beach with a lifeguard where you can swim. There is also an area for kayaking.
Minnewaska State Park is honestly one of my favorite places to just get away and chill. The views are unreal—think cliffs, lakes, waterfalls, and endless trees. I love hiking the trails here; every turn feels like a new adventure, and the air is so fresh.
(Note: pictures posted not taken recently) My personal favorite hiking destination. Minnewaska features trails for all skill levels, whether you want to hike 1 mile or 10 miles. There are many flat carriage paths as well as rugged trails, so read the park maps carefully to distinguish the two!
Trail conditions & character
“Hands-on most beautiful state park in New York has preserved the legacy of park’s founders Smiley brothers by maintaining the carriage roads and trails in excellent state.”
“New visitor center and expansive parking lots are huge improvement over park’s facilities of just six years ago.”
“I visited with my family, and it was a wonderful place to spend quality time together, walking, exploring, and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.”
“There are many flat carriage paths as well as rugged trails, so read the park maps carefully to distinguish the two!”
“Nice parking, dog-friendly, and only few $ per car.”
“If you're looking for something easy, I'd recommend just visiting either Awosting Falls or making the full loop around Lake Minnewaska.”
“At first, I took the UA trail toward Castle Point, but it was mostly gravel and not very exciting.”
Plan your run at Minnewaska State Park Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- 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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteparks.ny.gov
- Phone(845) 255-0752
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 Kerhonkson
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Awosting Falls
4.8 ★★★★★ 183 reviews
Visitors can follow a quarter-mile paved path from the parking lot to see this waterfall.
Peterskill At Minnewaska State Park Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 198 reviews
Park 2.5 hours from NYC where rock climbing is popular.
Awosting Reserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 79 reviews
Park offering hiking trails and opportunities to view lake scenery, including fall foliage.
Mohonk Preserve West Trapps Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 82 reviews
Vast nature area featuring trails, waterfalls and rock-climbing spots.