Park Overview:

At the southernmost promontory of the Shawangunks is Sam's Point, a massive cliff affording hikers broad views to the southeast and southwest.

Park Description:

Sam's Point Preserve

The southernmost promontory of the Shawangunks is a massive cliff called Sam's Point, which affords broad views extending from the Hudson Highlands in the southeast to High Point State Park and the Kittatinnies in the southwest.  The name "Sam's Point" has also been used to designate the plateau-like mountainscape north of the promontory, formed of thick slabs of Shawangunk conglomerate.  A miniature forest of evergreen heaths, blueberries, and pitch pines finds a tenuous foothold in this harsh, rocky environment.  According to The Nature Conservancy, "the majestic views and unique landscapes of Sam's Point represent one of the best examples of a ridgetop dwarf pine barrens in the world."

The Preserve offers inviting destinations for hikers relatively close to the main parking area and Sam's Point Visitor Center:  Sam’s Point, with its spectacular views; the Ice Caves, with its own 0.5 mile mini-loop trail, where ice and snow can be seen even in the summer ; and Lake Maratanza, the highest of the “Sky Lakes.”  Further away are 180-foot Verkeerder Kill Falls, the highest waterfall in the Shawangunks; Indian Rock, a large fractured boulder perched near the top of a cliff and balanced on a smaller boulder; and High Point, the highest point in the area at 2,240 feet.

This is the highest and wildest part of the Shawangunks.

Formerly managed by The Nature Conservancy, Sam’s Point Preserve became a part of Minnewaska State Park Preserve in 2015.

Trails Overview:

Trails in the southeastern part of the preserve are open to the public for hiking, but access to the more fragile area in the northwestern part near Ellenville is by permit only, save for the Smiley Carriage Road that skirts the restricted area (see Trail Conference Map 104). 

Providing access to various other hiking routes, a three-mile partially paved Loop Road (closed to private vehicles, but open to service vehicles) leads uphill from the parking area circling Lake Maratanza  .

• Right Fork on Loop Road-- to Sam’s Point, the Ice Caves and Verkeerder Kills Falls: From the parking area, walk around the gate and take the right fork of the Loop Road to follow the Long Path (aqua blaze) heading southeast at this point. This branch leads to Sam’s Point, then passes by a side trail to the Ice Caves at 1.0 mile (a must to take) and reaches Verkeerder Kill Falls in 3.0 miles. 
  • Note: From this point, the Long Path no longer heads east towards Mud Pond. It now follows the High Point Trail (red) heading north to Berrypicker Trail (blue).  Then from Smiley Carriage Road north, the LP follows the Mine Hole Trail. Click for an updated description of this section of the Long Path.

• Left Fork on Loop Road -- to Indian Rock and High Point: From the parking area, walk around the gate and take the left fork of the Loop Road heading northwest, which is  briefly co-aligned with the Long Path (aqua blaze). When the Long Path leaves to the left, remain straight on the Loop Road; it will eventually reach the level of Lake Maratanza, which can be glimpsed from the road on the right.  Near the most distant point of the Loop Road, as it begins to circle back around the lake, is High Point Carriage Road.  Both Indian Rock and High Point are accessible from side trails along this road.

Click for detailed descriptions of hikes to the destinations mentioned above. These are moderate to strenuous hikes.  Be aware that hiking the Ice Caves loop trail (white blaze) involves climbing wooden ladders.

Park Acreage:

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