The Minnewaska State Park Preserve is offering outings throughout the month of January. Preregistration is required for participation in all public programs. For more information, call the park office at 845-255-0752.
For outings, please wear appropriate clothing and footwear and bring snacks and water. A parent or guardian over the age of 18 must accompany children wishing to participate in any programs. Unless otherwise noted, all programs meet at the Nature Center.
Monday, Jan. 14, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Snowshoe Mossy Glen
Use snowshoes on this nearly 4-mile-long walk in the woods along the edges of the Peter’s Kill stream. This trail offers a relatively flat route for people just learning to use snowshoes; however, there are two unimproved stream crossings. Snowshoes may be rented from the park office, located at the Peter’s Kill Climbing Area. Early arrival is suggested for snowshoe rental. If there is no snow, this outing will be a hike. Meet in the Awosting parking lot.
Sunday, Jan. 20, 1 – 4 p.m.
Snowshoe Beacon Hill
Environmental Educator Laura Conner leads this 2-mile long snowshoe hike along two carriage roads and one hiking trail. The Beacon Hill hiking trail does include some challenging terrain as it follows along an escarpment edge but affords many views. Signs of wildlife can be abundant in this area as well. Snowshoes may be rented from the Park Preserve Office, located at the Peter’s Kill Climbing Area. Early arrival is suggested for snowshoe rental. If there is no snow, this outing will be a hike. Please note, once ski trails are groomed, the entrance fee for this area of the Park Preserve is $6 per adult and $5 per junior and the Empire Passport cannot be used.
Tuesday, Jan. 22, 1 – 4 p.m.
Cross-Country Ski to Echo Rock
Environmental Educator Laura Conner leads this 5-mile ski on a combination of groomed and ungroomed carriage roads. The final destination, Echo Rock, offers views of the Palmaghatt Ravine below. This ski does include some challenging hills and breaking trail is hard work, so previous experience is required. If there is no snow, this outing will be a hike.
Saturday, Jan. 26, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
High Peter’s Kill Snowshoe
This 2-mile section of the upper High Peter’s Kill trail is a moderately challenging foot trail that rambles through mountain laurel, hardwoods and conifers. Meet in the Awosting Parking Area to travel the same route both directions. Snowshoes may be rented from the Park Office, located at the Peter’s Kill Climbing Area. Early arrival is suggested for snowshoe rental. If there is no snow, this outing will be a hike.
For more information and to register for programs, call the Park Preserve Office at 845-255-0752. The Park Preserve is open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. The fee for parking at Minnewaska is $8 per car. Once trails are groomed for cross-country skiing, a per-head trail fee will be charged instead. The trail fee is $6 per adult and $5 per junior. Snowshoes rentals are available at the park office for $15 per adult and $14 per junior. All fees are subject to change. There are no additional fees for public programs, unless noted otherwise.
Minnewaska State Park Preserve consists of approximately 22,000 acres of wild and scenic land located on Route 44/55, five miles west of the intersection with Route 299 in Gardiner.
