Minnewaska SP wanderings
May 3, 2016 6:35:43 GMT -5
Post by hoosier on May 3, 2016 6:35:43 GMT -5
Saturday April 30, 2016
Minnewaska State Park. New York State
Saturday morning I headed back to Minnewaska State park one of my favorites in New York State.
I just love the stark white rock that is so prevalent in the Gunks.
Parked at the Jenny Lane parking area. This parking area which has spaces for 8 to 10 cars. Is one of the few places to access Minnewaska State Park without paying any fees? The parking area is on the left side of route 55 (heading east) soon after cresting the long hill one drives up.
Did a nice 13 mile +/- hike using the following trails, carriage roads and a few park roads.: Pink Blazed connector trail from Jenny Lane PA to Minnewaska main entrance; Park roads to Awosting Falls CR; Awosting Falls CR for a quick side trip to Awosting Falls and back; Sunset CR; Park Road; Beacon Hill CR; Beacon Hill trail; Lake Minnewaska CR; Castle Point CR; Hamilton Point CR to Hamilton Point; Short steep climb on SRT from Hamilton Point CR to Castle Point and Castle Point CR; Rainbow Falls trail (SRT); Lower Awosting CR and finally the Jenny Lane (SRT) trail.
Highlight of the hike where Awosting Falls. The beautiful viewpoint at the end of the Beacon Hill CR (note: this carriage roads consist of a fine hard packed pea gravel surface. And is considered an accessible trail. There are three handicapped parking spaces at the trailhead. The viewpoint is .5 miles from the parking area. Lake Minnewaska which is ringed by white cliffs. The multiple views along the Hamilton Point CR, Hamilton and Castle Points with their extensive views.Litchfield Ledge on the Rainbow Falls trail. Rainbow Falls and more,
There are several tough spots on this hike. The climb from Hamilton Point up to Castle Point involves some easy climbing. (This climb can be bypassed by following the Hamilton Point CR to the Castle Point CR and then following the Castle Point CR to Castle Point. The second area is a short vertical spot just past Rainbow Falls, where one has to pull oneself up a vertical six foot ledge, fissure.
Was a beautiful day for a hike in Minnewaska. And I was constantly reminded why I love this area so much, and keep returning whenever I get a chance.
A few photos from the day's hike:
Awosting Falls
Awosting Falls
View at end of Beacon Hill CR
Miennewaska Lake
Hamilton Point view
Castle Point view
Litchfield Ledge view "Rainbow Falls Trail
Minnewaska State Park. New York State
Saturday morning I headed back to Minnewaska State park one of my favorites in New York State.
I just love the stark white rock that is so prevalent in the Gunks.
Parked at the Jenny Lane parking area. This parking area which has spaces for 8 to 10 cars. Is one of the few places to access Minnewaska State Park without paying any fees? The parking area is on the left side of route 55 (heading east) soon after cresting the long hill one drives up.
Did a nice 13 mile +/- hike using the following trails, carriage roads and a few park roads.: Pink Blazed connector trail from Jenny Lane PA to Minnewaska main entrance; Park roads to Awosting Falls CR; Awosting Falls CR for a quick side trip to Awosting Falls and back; Sunset CR; Park Road; Beacon Hill CR; Beacon Hill trail; Lake Minnewaska CR; Castle Point CR; Hamilton Point CR to Hamilton Point; Short steep climb on SRT from Hamilton Point CR to Castle Point and Castle Point CR; Rainbow Falls trail (SRT); Lower Awosting CR and finally the Jenny Lane (SRT) trail.
Highlight of the hike where Awosting Falls. The beautiful viewpoint at the end of the Beacon Hill CR (note: this carriage roads consist of a fine hard packed pea gravel surface. And is considered an accessible trail. There are three handicapped parking spaces at the trailhead. The viewpoint is .5 miles from the parking area. Lake Minnewaska which is ringed by white cliffs. The multiple views along the Hamilton Point CR, Hamilton and Castle Points with their extensive views.Litchfield Ledge on the Rainbow Falls trail. Rainbow Falls and more,
There are several tough spots on this hike. The climb from Hamilton Point up to Castle Point involves some easy climbing. (This climb can be bypassed by following the Hamilton Point CR to the Castle Point CR and then following the Castle Point CR to Castle Point. The second area is a short vertical spot just past Rainbow Falls, where one has to pull oneself up a vertical six foot ledge, fissure.
Was a beautiful day for a hike in Minnewaska. And I was constantly reminded why I love this area so much, and keep returning whenever I get a chance.
A few photos from the day's hike:
Awosting Falls
Awosting Falls
View at end of Beacon Hill CR
Miennewaska Lake
Hamilton Point view
Castle Point view
Litchfield Ledge view "Rainbow Falls Trail
