Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

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8 events matched your search
Sun 24 Aug
Scenic Bike Ride to Cliff Edge Views at Minnewaska
Sunday, August 24, 2025 09:30 AM - 01:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752

Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, for a scenic, summer, 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 as well as 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 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. This event has been CANCEL.
Registration: Required
Mon 25 Aug
Preschool Naturalists at Minnewaska: Beautiful Birds
Monday, August 25, 2025 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752

Summer is a great time to look and listen for colorful birds in the woods. During this program, your preschooler will learn about the unique qualities of birds. They'll have an opportunity to touch nests, feathers, replica skulls and stuffed birds and they'll hear various bird songs. Then, we'll walk up to one mile on the carriage roads near the Visitor Center to observe birds and play a scavenger hunt game. 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
Tue 26 Aug
Early Morning Birders at Minnewaska
Tuesday, August 26, 2025 07:00 AM - 12:15 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, water, and wear hiking shoes or boots. Outing destinations will be determined the day of the program. Poor weather conditions will trigger a program cancellation. Participants will meet at the Lake Minnewaska entrance. Participants MUST arrive prior to the start of the program. The Park Preserve gates will be locked at 7:00 am. Late arrivals will NOT be allowed in the Park Preserve. The total number of participants for this program is limited to twenty-four individuals. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska entrance. For questions, please call 845-255-0752 or email Nicholas.Martin@parks.ny.gov This program is set up on a first-come, first-served basis.
Registration: Not required
Tue 26 Aug
Tuesday Trek: High Peter’s Kill to Awosting Falls Loop Hike at Minnewaska
Tuesday, August 26, 2025 09:30 AM - 02:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752

Come explore the High Peter's Kill Footpath with Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, on this approximately five-mile hike. We'll start by walking downhill on the High Peter's Kill Footpath, which features a variety of terrain along a cliff escarpment with numerous, scenic viewpoints. For our return trip, we'll walk along the easy-going Awosting Falls Carriage Road, past the beautiful and iconic Awosting Falls. This hike does include rocky, narrow sections of trail that may be challenging for some. Participants should bring enough water and food for the outing and wear proper hiking shoes. Meet in the Lower Parking Area. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Wed 27 Aug
Adult Learning Summer Series: The Story of the Historic, Summerhouse Gazebos at Minnewaska
Wednesday, August 27, 2025 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752

Join the Minnewaska Educators to learn about the historic summerhouses formerly found here. These gazebos were built by Alfred Smiley, the original owner of the Lake Minnewaska resort. In the past, most of the property here was decorated with these rustic structures, located at numerous, scenic vistas and offering guests a place to rest and observe. Only one of these structures remains at Minnewaska, but we'll take a walk to search for clues to the former locations of many more. 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 28 Aug
Adult Learning Summer Series: Birding Talk and Walk at Minnewaska – Fall Migration
Thursday, August 28, 2025 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752

Every autumn, millions of songbirds and raptors take to the skies as they fly south to their winter habitats. Learn where and when to look for this amazing feat of nature during a presentation by Nick Martin, Park Educator. After this discussion, we will go for a slow-paced walk of up to two miles on the carriage roads near Lake Minnewaska. Participants should come well-prepared with enough food and water to sustain themselves for the outing. Participants are also encouraged to bring binoculars, but a few pairs will also be available for participants to borrow. 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 29 Aug
Birding at the Gardiner Library
Friday, August 29, 2025 08:00 AM - 09:30 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Are you interested in birds or birdwatching? Join Nick Martin, Park Preserve Educator, for bird walks starting at the Gardiner Library, during August. During this program, we will take an approximately one mile walk on the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail and we'll wander through Majestic Park, which can be muddy and wet, especially after a rainfall. Participants are encouraged to wear waterproof boots or shoes and bring binoculars and a birding field guide, or a field guide installed onto a smart device. Interested participants are welcome to attend one or all Friday programs during August. Meet at the Gardiner Library, in the Lower Parking Area. No pre-registration is required. For more information, please contact the Gardiner Library directly at 845-255-1255 or email Nicholas.Martin@parks.ny.gov.
Registration: Not required
Sat 30 Aug
Beacon Hill and Lake Minnewaska Loop at Minnewaska
Saturday, August 30, 2025 09:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Join Nick Martin, Park Educator, for an approximately three-mile, loop hike along one footpath and two carriage roads. From the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center, we'll walk down to the Beacon Hill Carriage Road, which we'll follow until we connect with the Beacon Hill Footpath, which ends near Lake Minnewaska. We'll then continue around to the south and west side of Lake Minnewaska on the Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road. On a clear day, this route offers numerous, beautiful, scenic vistas of the Park Preserve and the Wallkill Valley. The footpath section of this hike includes some continuous, uphill sections and rocky, uneven footing, which may be difficult for some. All participants should come well prepared with appropriate footwear, food, and water. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Not required