**It's a brand new year for adventures** 😊

**For our first hike of 2025, let's head to Minnewaska State Park Preserve** 😊😊 For this hike we'll do the Castle Point / Upper Awosting trails

**About Minnewaska State Park Preserve: L**ocated in Ulster County, Minnewaska State Park Preserve is situated on the dramatic Shawangunk Mountain ridge, which rises more than 2,000 feet above sea level and is surrounded by rugged, rocky terrain. The park features numerous waterfalls, three crystalline sky lakes, dense hardwood forests, incising sheer cliffs and ledges opening to beautiful views, clear streams cut into valleys, 35 miles of carriage roads and 50 miles of footpaths on which to bike, walk, hike and simply enjoy. And, all this within an hour and a half drive from New York City.

**GETTING THERE:** ideally Minnewaska is best reached by car - 90 minute from NYC.

For those without cars we can still get there by taking the Trailways bus out of NY's Port Authority Bus Terminal that goes to New Paltz.

* The 7AM NYC bus arrives in New Paltz at 8:30AM. One-way bus ticket is $24.00 (depends on how early you buy the ticket). Ticket can be purchased in advance at this link: **[https://trailways.com/](https://trailways.com/)**
* **Bus arrives at New Paltz at 8:30AM. The bus terminal is located at 139 Main Street, New Paltz.**
* Once in New Paltz we’ll then Uber over to the park. **Or if we have some kindhearted drivers willing to pick us up from bus terminal to the park that works too. It’s about a 20-min ride from bus station to Minnewaska Visitors Center and of course we’ll chip in for the short carpool to the park**
* **Drivers:** You can meet us at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor's Center Upper Parking Lot at around 9AM. **Please note there is a $10.00 parking fee.**

**AGENDA**: We will hike the **[Castle Point trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-york/lake-minnewaska-lake-awosting-loop-minnewaska-castle-point-lake-awosting-upper-awosting-) which is a moderate scenic trail.**

**MILEAGE**: About 8.5 miles

**HIKE INTENSITY:** This will be an EASY BREEZY to Moderate intensity hike.

**PACE**: Hiking pace will be **LEISURELY**, with lunch, water and snack breaks as needed; as well as taking time to savor the sights and sounds of nature, take photos, hug some trees, and most importantly, socialize with your fellow hikers, ***AND NO ONE WILL BE LEFT BEHIND. WE COME TOGETHER, WE HIKE TOGETHER AND WE FINISH HIKE TOGETHER. PLEASE DO NOT SIGN UP if you feel the need to channel your inner Speed Demon!***

**THE IMPORTANT STUFF:**

* Dress in non-cotton layers.
* Wear appropriate shoes suitable for hiking.
* Bring sunscreen, bug spray, head cover, and whatever else you need
* Bring at least 3 liters of liquid to stay hydrated.
* Bring lunch and snacks for yourself.

**WHO SHOULD COME:** Happy hikers with a sense of adventure and a positive attitude. A smile also goes a long way. Please leave the drama and crankiness at home. **In addition, SPEED DEMONS PLEASE STAY AWAY. There are plenty of other groups that cater to your need for speed.**

**DURATION**: This is an all-day hike.

**APRES HIKE:** there are many fine dining options in New Paltz. We'll find a place to sit and eat and drink and get social.

**RETURN BUS:** There is a 6PM bus back to NYC by 7:40PM (depending on traffic).

**WEATHER**: Rain cancels!

***LIABILITY WAIVER: come prepared. Participate at your own risks. Hold no one liable etc. etc.***

Turn Up the H.E.A.T. Chapter 3:  Live Life Out Loud Edition

Social Activities

New York City

Hiking

Exploring

Adventure

Travel

Outdoors

Dining Out

Bucket List

Nature

Make New Friends

Singles

Outdoor Adventures

Fun Times

Walking

Broadway Shows

First Hike of 2025:  Minnewaska State Park Preserve

This content is available only to members

Share this event

First Hike of 2025: Minnewaska State Park Preserve

Details