Sam's Point Preserve [Sam's Point Dwarf Pine Ridge Preserve]

Park Overview:

At the southernmost promontory of the Shawangunks is a massive cliff affording hikers broad views to the southeast and southwest.

Trail Uses:
Hiking
Dogs:
Dogs on leash
Trail Miles:
16 miles
Park Acreage:
5400 acres
City/County/State:
Cragsmoor
/
Ulster
/
NY
Buy Trail Map:
Shawangunk Trails Map
Park Description:

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."

This is the highest and wildest part of the Shawangunks.

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 is by permit only.  A three-mile partially paved Loop Road leads uphill from the parking area, circling Lake Maratanza and providing access to the various hiking routes.

  • To reach High Point Road [2.9 miles, no blaze] from the parking area, follow the Loop Road straight ahead.  The road reaches the level of Lake Maratanza - the highest of the "sky lakes" - which can be glimpsed from the road on the right.  From a rock outcrop at 2.7 miles, a rough road to the right climbs to the site of the former High Point fire tower - offering a panoramic view to the south, west, and north.
  • The right branch of the Loop Road leads to the Long Path [aqua], passing by a trail to the Ice Caves at 1.0 mile and reaching Verkeerder Kill Falls in 3.0 miles.
  • Click for a trail map.  Note:  The Long Path has been rerouted through South Gully.    

 

Directions:

Take NY 52 south from Ellenville.  In about five miles, at the crest of the ridge, turn left at a sign to Cragsmoor.  Proceed north for 1.4 miles, turn right in front of the Cragsmoor post office, and then immediately turn right again onto Sam's Point Road which leads to the preserve's visitor center and parking area.  See trail map above for view of parking area.  [Google Maps:  "Sam's Point Preserve, Cragsmoor, NY 12420"]

Contact Information:
The Nature Conservancy
845-647-7989
Walk Book Region:
Shawangunk Mountains
Fees:Parking

2009 Master Plan

On July 14th, 2009 Georgette Weir says:
Click here to download the revised (in 2009) master plan for Sam's Point Preserve.