Lake Minnewaska Late Fall Loop

Minnewaska State Park
Ulster Co.,
New York

Hiking Trails:
Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road: Unblazed

Total Time: 1:10 hour
Estimated Distance: 2.3 Miles

Pros: Scenic lake, mountain views, pretty cliffs
Cons: Very busy with many people
Hike Type: Loop
Level of Difficulty: Very Easy

Google Maps of Parking:
https://goo.gl/maps/t5LL1kChxAXAn2AY6

Lake Minnewaska is a very scenic lake, high up in the Shawangunk Mountains, features signature white cliffs and great views. I used to come here very often mountain biking. As I was still recovering from my foot injury from the previous week, I needed a shorter and easier hike. The weather was brisk, and the late season foliage was present making this even more scenic with a bright sun and a deep blue sky.

I parked at the newly rebuilt parking lot, and checked out the brand new visitors center. I then took the loop trail carriage road from the southern side, passing the swim area and the views at the outlet. At the north side I took the trail along the lake and then scrambled to the top. I took a spur to the Beacon Hill Trail start for a view facing north, and then continued along the Minnewaska Carriage Road back to the car.

Map of the Route

Catskill Mountains from the Parking Area

The New Visitor Center

Inside the The New Visitor Center

Lake Minnewaska from the Northern Cliff

Lake Minnewaska Beach

Castle Point Carriage Road

View Near the Southern End of Lake Minnewaska

Lake Minnewaska Southern End

Lake Minnewaska Outlet Stream

Huckleberry Fall Foliage

Cliffs Along the Eastern Area of Lake Minnewaska

Fall Foliage

Lake Minnewaska from the Eastern Cliffs

View Approaching Beacon Hill

View at the End of the Hike Overlooking the Catskills