Hike of the Week 9/23/2004

Castle Point in Minnewaska State Park

Location:  Ulster County

Length:  7-8 miles

Rating:  Moderately strenuous, Slab rocks, some up and down

Dogs:  Allowed on a leash

Map:  West Hudson Trails, published by NYNJTC.

Features: Sky lakes, streams, cliffs, pine barrens, great views.

Watch out for:

Background:

Hike Description:

From the Lower Awosting parking area, go through the gate and immediately look left for yellow blazes that indicate the start of the Mossy Glen Trail. This is a pleasant, mostly level footpath through the woods that follows the burbling Peters Kill for about 1.5 miles. At the intersection with the blue-blazed Blueberry Run, turn left on it and head uphill. Cross the Upper Awosting Carriageway and continue another 1.7 miles on the Blueberry Run to the expansive views from Castle Point. From here, you can retrace your steps or follow the carriage roads in opposite directions. Options include going to Lake Minnewaska, and from there walking down to the lower parking area, or heading toward Lake Awosting, then picking up the Upper Awosting Carriageway to get back to your first leg of the Blueberry Run, and the Mossy Glen Trail.

How to get there: 

Cross the Mid-Hudson Bridge and take Route 9W north to Route 299 west through the village of New Paltz. Take Route 299 west to the end, making a right on Routes 44/55 toward Kerhonkson. Go just past the park's main entrance to the second parking area and entrance on the left. There is a parking fee.

About the New York - New Jersey Trail Conference : The NY-NJ Trail Conference is a federation of hiking clubs, environmental organizations and individual members who volunteer their time and resources to build and maintain hiking trails and protect related open space in the bi-state region.

Information : For a more detailed description of this hike including a map, visit www.nynjtc.org and click on Hike of the Week. For information on NYNJTC activities, call 201-512-9348 or email info@nynjtc.org.

Hike of the Week is a regular feature in the Poughkeepsie Journal Players section, call 845-437-4848. This hike is contributed by NYNJTC member Georgette Weir.

V3 Last updated: October 5, 2004   Copyright © 1996-2004  New York-New Jersey Trail Conference Privacy Statement.