Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Events at State Parks
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10 events matched your search
Tue 14 Oct
Early Morning Birders at Minnewaska
Tuesday, October 14, 2025 08:00 AM - 01:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Designed for both birding enthusiasts and those just looking to learn the basics, this weekly series will feature outings led by Nick Martin, Park Preserve Educator, or an experienced birding volunteer. Participants should bring binoculars and water, and they should wear hiking shoes or boots. Outing destinations will be determined the day of the program. Poor weather conditions will trigger a program cancellation. Participants MUST arrive prior to the start of the program. The Park Preserve gates will be locked at 8:00 am. Late arrivals will NOT be allowed in the Park Preserve. The total number of participants for this program is limited to 24 individuals. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska entrance. For questions, please call the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752. This program is set up on a first-come, first-served basis.
Registration: Not required
Tue 14 Oct
Tuesday Trek: The Short and Scenic Route to Gertrude’s Nose at Minnewaska
Tuesday, October 14, 2025 09:30 AM - 02:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752

Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, for an adventurous, six-mile hike to Gertrude's Nose and back on the same route. This footpath, which traverses an escarpment edge, offers one of the most expansive views in Minnewaska. From our start at Lake Minnewaska, this route will follow Millbrook Mountain Carriage Road to Gertrude's Nose Footpath, which offers broad views of the Wallkill Valley, Taconic Mountains, and beyond. This modestly challenging hike includes a steep rock scramble, a few hills, and some tricky footing. Participants must bring water, snacks, and lunch and wear appropriate hiking shoes. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Thu 16 Oct
Preschool Naturalists: Wild about Wildlife
Thursday, October 16, 2025 10:30 AM - 12:15 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752

Join Park Educators and bring your preschooler to learn about some of the amazing, wild animals that live here at Minnewaska. Your children will have a chance to explore various wildlife props, including replica pelts, skulls, scat and calls as we learn about the unique characteristics of these animals. Then, we'll all make a plaster animal track to take home. While the plaster dries, we'll act as nature detectives as we take a walk in the woods to look for signs of wildlife. It is recommended that parents bring a jogging-type stroller or a backpack carrier for children who may need a rest during the walk. All children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian over the age of 18 years old. Siblings of any age are welcome to join, as long as they don't distract from the program. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Fri 17 Oct
Fall Forest Bathing at Minnewaska
Friday, October 17, 2025 09:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752

Immerse yourself in the beautiful forest at Minnewaska on this guided walk led by Jane Dobson with Mind the Forest. The wellness practice of Forest Bathing is the perfect antidote to the fatigue and stress many of us feel as a result of our technology-laden and busy lives. On this approximately half-mile walk, we will slow down and directly experience the world through our senses. We'll rekindle curiosity and let go of our to-do lists. As we mindfully connect with the natural world, our perspective shifts, opening us to awe and wonder, and deepening our sense of connection. This wellness practice continues to grow across the globe as science demonstrates the health benefits of Forest Bathing, including reduced stress and anxiety, improved mood, focus and sleep. Join us as we use mindfulness to explore themes of sensory anesthesia, species loneliness, and our relationship with time. This program is open to participants aged 16 and older, with minors accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18. Meet at the Peter's Kill Area. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Tue 21 Oct
Early Morning Birders at Minnewaska
Tuesday, October 21, 2025 08:00 AM - 01:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Designed for both birding enthusiasts and those just looking to learn the basics, this weekly series will feature outings led by Nick Martin, Park Preserve Educator, or an experienced birding volunteer. Participants should bring binoculars and water, and they should wear hiking shoes or boots. Outing destinations will be determined the day of the program. Poor weather conditions will trigger a program cancellation. Participants MUST arrive prior to the start of the program. The Park Preserve gates will be locked at 8:00 am. Late arrivals will NOT be allowed in the Park Preserve. The total number of participants for this program is limited to 24 individuals. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska entrance. For questions, please call the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752. This program is set up on a first-come, first-served basis.
Registration: Not required
Sat 25 Oct
Kempton Ledge and Echo Rock Hike at Minnewaska
Saturday, October 25, 2025 09:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752

Join Nick Martin, Park Educator, for an approximately four-mile hike along a few, historic carriage roads to reach two prominent, scenic vistas. From the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center, we'll start by heading around the west side of Lake Minnewaska to reach an intersection with the old golf course. We'll wander up a hill through the old golf course until we reach the intersection with Castle Point Carriage Road. From here, we'll continue on this carriage road until we reach Kempton Lege, a cliff-edge perch with a panoramic, scenic vista of the Palmaghatt Ravine, the Park Preserve, and the Wallkill Valley. After we rest for a short while and take in the view, we will retrace our steps on the Castle Pont Carriage Road until we encounter a connector trail to Hamilton Point Carriage Road. Once on Hamilton Point Carriage Road, we'll follow this carriage road until we reach Echo Rock, scenic vista above the Palmaghatt Ravine. Once we have taken in the scenery, we'll return to Lake Minnewaska on the Millbrook Mountain Carriage Road and then continue back to the Visitor Center. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Sun 26 Oct
Scenic Bike Ride to Cliff Edge Views at Minnewaska
Sunday, October 26, 2025 09:30 AM - 01:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752

Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, for a scenic bike ride to Millbrook Mountain and then out into the backcountry via Hamilton Point, Castle Point, Lake Awosting, Upper Awosting and Lake Minnewaska Carriage Roads. This route features gorgeous views from numerous cliff-edge locations, including a panoramic views of Lake Awosting. We'll stop for lunch at a scenic view of our choice. The total distance for this bike ride is approximately 13 miles and we'll take multiple rest stops along our route, as needed. This ride takes place entirely on gravel surfaces and it includes numerous hills. Participants must bring their own bikes, helmets and other equipment as well as food and water. Only Class 1, pedal-assist, electric bikes are allowed in the Park Preserve. This program is recommended for those capable of biking this distance and route. All participants should be able to maintain a modest pace so that the group finishes on time. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center Upper Parking Lot. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Tue 28 Oct
Early Morning Birders at Minnewaska
Tuesday, October 28, 2025 08:00 AM - 01:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752

Designed for both birding enthusiasts and those just looking to learn the basics, this weekly series will feature outings led by Nick Martin, Park Preserve Educator, or an experienced birding volunteer. Participants should bring binoculars and water, and they should wear hiking shoes or boots. Outing destinations will be determined the day of the program. Poor weather conditions will trigger a program cancellation. Participants MUST arrive prior to the start of the program. The Park Preserve gates will be locked at 8:00 am. Late arrivals will NOT be allowed in the Park Preserve. The total number of participants for this program is limited to 24 individuals. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska entrance. For questions, please call the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752. This program is set up on a first-come, first-served basis.
Registration: Required
Tue 28 Oct
Tuesday Trek: Fall Breezes on top of Millbrook Mountain at Minnewaska
Tuesday, October 28, 2025 09:30 AM - 02:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752

Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, for this modestly challenging, five-mile roundtrip hike along the Millbrook Mountain Footpath and Millbrook Mountain Carriage Road. Panoramic views of the Wallkill Valley in its finest autumnal colors are abundant from the top of Millbrook Mountain. To reach this scenic, cliff-edge destination, we'll stroll the meandering Millbrook Mountain and Lake Minnewaska Carriage Roads, which offer scenic views of the Palmaghatt Ravine. The footpath section of this outing traverses through forests, over a stream and over rock slabs, with sustained downhill and uphill sections. Some participants may find this uneven terrain challenging. Participants should bring water, snacks and lunch and wear appropriate hiking shoes. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required by calling Minnewaska at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Thu 30 Oct
Bike to Hike at Minnewaska
Thursday, October 30, 2025 09:30 AM - 01:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752

Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, for a bike ride and a loop hike. Starting on Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road, we'll ride to Upper Awosting Carriage Road. We'll continue along the Lake Awosting Carriage Road until we intersect the Castle Point Carriage Road. We'll ride this route until we come to the intersection with the Scenic Trail Footpath, where we'll lock and leave our bikes along the carriage road. Next, we'll grab our backpacks and hike a loop along Scenic Trail and Wolfs Jaws footpaths, which features a short scramble through a tallus-formed cave, for those who feel adventurous. For our return ride, we'll cruise along Hamilton Point Carriage Road, which offers views of the Palmaghatt Ravine. Then, we'll ride the last part of our journey along Millbrook Mountain and Lake Minnewaska Carriage Roads. The total distance for the bike ride is approximately eight miles and the hike distance is approximately one and a half miles. Participants must bring their own bikes, equipment, food and water. Only Class 1, pedal-assist, electric bikes are allowed in the Park Preserve. This program is recommended for those capable of biking this distance and route. All participants should be able to maintain a modest pace so that the group finishes on time. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center Upper Parking Lot. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required