The Shawangunk Ridge Trail heads north approximately 40 miles, to Sam's Point Preserve in New York from the Appalachian Trail at High Point State Park in New Jersey. It generally follows the spectacular Shawangunk Ridge north, occasionally using abandoned roads and rail beds.

After crossing Route 211 and going over Gobblers Knob, the trail descends to the Basha Kill Wildlife Management Area. The Basha Kill is an extensive wetland offering many opportunities for bird watching and other wildlife viewing. North of the Basha Kill, the Shawangunk Ridge Trail passes through the Village of Wurtsboro and then ascends the Wurtsboro Ridge.

Shortly thereafter it joins the Long Path, which climbs the Wurtsboro Ridge from the east. The next 10 miles along the ridgetop are among the most spectacular in New York State with the open views of the Catskills looming in the distance, and views all the way back to High Point. Once the trail crosses Route 52, it ascends to Sam's Point Preserve, where the SRT currently ends. The Long Path continues to Verkeerder Kill Falls and Minnewaska State Park Preserve on its way north.

The Shawangunk Ridge Trail was initiated by the Trail Conference in 1989 and continues to be a work in progress. The Trail Conference and its partners work to protect a ridge-length trail corridor and connect the trail to other trails along the way.

Free, Downloadable Maps!

The Trail Conference is pleased to offer hikers Free Maps of the Shawangunk Ridge Trail via download to your computer. Three separate maps cover the current existing trail; each prints on an 8.5 x11-inch page. (The files are large so be patient on a slow line.) These maps complement the detailed description of the Shawangunk Ridge Trail found in The Long Path Guide.

* Map 1 - Southern - High Point to Graham Fire Tower
* Map 2 - Middle - Graham Fire Tower to Wurtsboro
* Map 3 - Northern - Wurtsboro to Minnewaska

The Shawangunk Ridge Trail also serves as an alternative route on the Long Path for the hiker who wishes to avoid the lowlands of Orange County. Upon reaching the intersection with the Appalachian Trail in Harriman Park, the hiker follows the AT south to High Point State Park in New Jersey, then goes north on the SRT/LP.