Hiking Lake Minnewaska - panoramic view tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in Lake Minnewaska: trails, map and practical info

Hudson Valley • New York

4.9 Appreciated by 9 hikers
François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2022 • Updated 26/05/2026
Ready to go See map
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
3 km
Elevation
91 ft
Duration
1h30
Max altitude
563 ft

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Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Lake Minnewaska? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Lake Minnewaska, Rochester, NY 12525, USA
GPS coordinates
41.7261156, -74.236274
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

To access the hiking trails, head to Minnewaska State Park Preserve. The main entrance is located at 5281 Route 44-55, Kerhonkson, NY 12446. There is a parking lot available at this location. Additionally, there are several trailheads within the park that can be accessed from this main parking area.

When?

Opening hours
From sunrise to sunset
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
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How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
—
What to bring?
Gear
  • Hiking shoes Essential
  • Layered clothing Essential
  • Rain jacket Essential
  • Trekking poles
  • Headlamp
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
41.7261156, -74.236274
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.9
5 Reviews
SM
Sarah M.
Mar 15, 2024
Absolutely stunning hike around Lake Minnewaska! The 300m elevation gain provides beautiful panoramic views of the Hudson Valley. The well-maintained trails make this 2-3 hour adventure perfect for families, though note that dogs aren't allowed. The crystal-clear lake and surrounding cliffs create picture-perfect moments. Parking fee is worth it for this gem in Minnewaska State Park Preserve.
JL
Jennifer L.
Mar 2, 2024
Lake Minnewaska exceeded all expectations! This moderate difficulty trail through Minnewaska State Park Preserve showcases some of the best scenery in the Hudson Valley. The 2-3 hour loop provides excellent exercise with 300m of elevation gain. Remember to arrive early as parking fills up quickly, especially on weekends. The entrance fees support excellent trail maintenance and park facilities.
MT
Mike T.
Feb 28, 2024
Great moderate hike with rewarding lake views. The trail offers a good workout with steady elevation gain of 300m spread over 2-3 hours. Access from Route 44-55 entrance is convenient with clear trail markings. While there's a parking fee and entrance fee, the pristine nature and well-maintained facilities justify the cost. Perfect for a weekend outdoor adventure in the Hudson Valley.
TE
Trail Explorer
Jan 15, 2024
This trail offers a decent outdoor experience despite the lack of free parking and access fees. The path is well-maintained and provides good exercise opportunities. While dogs aren't permitted, it makes for a quieter hiking environment. I'd recommend bringing cash for parking and entrance fees, as the available services make it worth the cost.
WH
Weekend Hiker
Jan 8, 2024
Mixed feelings about this location. The trail itself is pleasant enough, but the paid parking and access fees can add up quickly for families. The facilities and services available do justify some of the costs, though I wish there were more budget-friendly options. Good for occasional visits rather than regular hiking.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Easy
91.00 m
563.00 m
1h30
No
No
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Update : June 2026