Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Minnewaska State Park Preserve: Sam's Point Area

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Current Trail Closures

Trail closures will remain in place until further notice as a result of impacts from a wildfire. The following trails are affected: • Lower Mine Hole Footpath • Mine Hole Footpath • Stony Kill Carriage Road

For further information, please visit : https://parks.ny.gov/documents/parks/MinnewaskaFireClosureMap.pdf


Reservations Required

Parking reservations are required on weekends and holidays from April 15 through November 15. Reservations can be made online http://newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com or by calling 1-800-456-2267. Please respect our neighbors and surrounding communities, do not park on adjacent roadway shoulders.

For further information, please visit : http://newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com


Reservations Required Today

Parking Reservations can be made by following the link or calling 1-800-456-2267

For further information, please visit : https://newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com/

Address
400 Sam’s Point Road
Cragsmoor, NY 12420

Know Before You Go...

More Info

Restrictions

-There are no trash cans at this park preserve, please carry in and carry out everything you bring to the park preserve. 
-Swimming is NOT permitted in any lakes, streams or waterfalls. 
-Barbequing/Cooking is not permitted at any location within the Sam's Point Area.
-The use of bicycles, equestrian use, motorized scooters, skateboards, and one wheels are NOT permitted anywhere in the park preserve. 
-The use of drones is prohibited at the Sam's Point Area. 
-Amplified music is prohibited throughout the park preserve. 
-Buses are only permitted on non-holiday weekdays.
-Groups of fifteen or larger require a permit in advance

Pet Policy

Dogs only, must be on a leash not more than 6 feet and under the owners control. Please clean up after your dog and dispose of properly.

Parking Reservations

Parking reservations are required weekends/holidays from April 15 through November 15. Reservations can be made online http://newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com or by calling 1-800-456-2267. Please respect our neighbors and surrounding communities, do not park on adjacent roadway shoulders.

The Sam's Point Preserve, located on the highest section of the Shawangunk Mountains, is the most southerly section of Minnewaska State Park Preserve. The area comprises approximately 5,000 acres, and contains a globally rare community of high altitude pitch pine barrens. The pitch pine barrens, and the matrix of chestnut oak forest that surrounds them, provide habitat for abundant flora and fauna, both rare and common.

Sam's Point contains a bounty of natural splendor. It is home to Lake Maratanza, one of the five Shawangunk sky lakes; ice cave crevices that you can explore; cliffs and numerous scenic vistas. Verkeerder Kill Falls, is a spectacular 187 foot high waterfall located on private property, please respect the use of private property and remain on the trail.

In order to protect both the visitor experience, and the unique ecosystem, Sam's Point has a small parking facility. Visitors should plan to arrive early, or visit at non-peak times, in order to obtain entry.

For more information, and to register for public programs, call the Sam's Point Visitor Center at (845) 647-7989. Sam's Point opens at 9:00 am and closing times vary throughout the year. The vehicle use fee is $10 per car. The vehicle use fee, as well as gift shop items and snowshoe rentals, can be paid for by credit card, cash or check. Please note the parking area fills early. Please call the park office to ensure parking is available prior to your arrival. There are no additional fees for public programs, unless otherwise noted.

Sam's Point Preserve is located 2.8 miles off State Route 52 in the historic hamlet of Cragsmoor, New York. Please drive slowly, and quietly, through the hamlet, so that you may enjoy and preserve the tranquil nature that inspired the Hudson River School painters who summered here.

To explore the neighboring Minnewaska State Park Preserve, please visit their calendar of events.

School Group Environmental Education Programs

Dogs must be on a six foot, or shorter, leash.  Please clean up after your dog and dispose of properly.

Mailing Address
P.O Box 86Cragsmoor, NY 12420

Hours of Operation

  • Open Year round, current hours of Operation are 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., hours will change seasonally.

Fees & Rates

Most New York State Parks charge a vehicle use fee to enter the facility. Fees vary by location and season. A list of entry fees and other park use fees is available below. For fees not listed or to verify information, please contact the park directly.

The easy-to-use Empire Pass card is $80- and your key to all-season enjoyment with unlimited day-use entry at most facilities operated by State Parks and the State Dept. of Environmental Conservation including forests, beaches, trails and more. Purchase online or contact your favorite park for more information. Learn more about our Admission Programs including the Empire Pass.

  • Vehicle Entrance Fee
  • $10 per vehicle

    Parking reservations are required weekends/holidays from May 1 through Oct 31. Reservations can be made online https://newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com or by calling 1-800-456-2267.

    Bus Permits:
    Bus permits (non-profit): $60
    Bus permits (commercial): $100

  • Snowshoe Rental
  • $15/day - Adult,
    $14/day - 17 and under

Key BCA Criteria:

  • Migratory concentration site
  • Diverse species concentration site
  • Species at risk site
  • Bird research site

The Minnewaska BCA is located within the Minnewaska State Park Preserve. The Preserve is located on the Shawangunk Mountain ridge, which rises more than 2,000 feet above sea level. The Minnewaska BCA has many spectacular rock formations, soaring precipices, windswept ledges with pine barrens, fast-flowing mountain streams, mountain lakes and several scenic waterfalls. The BCA is especially important for its unfragmented forest, which supports a high diversity of forest-dwelling bird species, and for its partnership with researches studying birds and their habitats. The Nature Conservancy has designated the entire ridge as one of the "Last Great Places." The Shawangunks, including Minnewaska, are one of the highest priority areas for biodiversity conservation in the northeastern United States. The Minnewaska BCA is part of the Northern Shawangunk Mountains Important Bird Area.

Minnewaska is part of a migratory corridor that exists along the entire upland plateau of the Northern Shawangunks. It is an exceptional example of a characteristic higher elevation forest community with a high diversity of forest dwelling species. The BCA includes birds of forest habitat including breeding Northern Saw-whet Owl, Black-and-white Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Canada Warbler, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Northern Flicker and Scarlet Tanager; and breeding shrub/scrub species Eastern Towhee, Field Sparrow, Gray Catbird, Indigo Bunting and Prairie Warbler. Species at risk include a pair of Peregrine Falcons (Endangered) that nest on the cliff face. Download a copy of the BCA map.

Deer hunting is allowed in specific areas of the park preserve during hunting season.  Minnewaska's hunting dates coincide with the NYS DEC hunting dates. Bow, rifle/shotgun/pistol, crossbow and muzzleloader hunting is permitted. Anyone interested in hunting on Minnewaska State Park Preserve lands must get a free hunting permit.  Permits for Minnewaska and the Sam's Point Area can be obtained by completing the application under the attachments tab and emailing over to Terri.McNeil@parks.ny.gov.  If you complete your application this way your permit will be sent back to you electronically or you can mail your completed application to one of the addresses listed below. 

Minnewaska State Park Preserve, PO Box 893, New Paltz, NY 12561   Attn:  Terri McNeil

Sam's Point Preserve, PO Box 86, Cragsmoor, NY 12486

All hunters must have their current hunting license first because we require your NYS Hunting License ID # on the application.  Your license ID # is shown directly under your printed name on your carcass tags or at a 90° angle on the right side of your license.  It is not your DOC #.  Failure to provide the correct number will void your permit.  After hunting season ends, all hunters are required to complete and send back the park questionnaire by 1/15/22.  

In-person permits will not be issued this year due to COVID.

Sat 10 Jun
Drop-In Ice Caves Tours at Sam’s Point
Saturday, June 10, 2023 10:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve: Sam's Point Area
Join Park Preserve Staff every half hour, starting at 10:00 a.m., for a guided tour of the Sam's Point Ice Caves. You'll get the inside scoop on how the Ice Caves were formed, as well as their cultural history. This program is recommended for anyone age six and older, with all children accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18. Meet at the entrance to the Ice Caves. Pre-registration for this program is not required, however, reservations to get into Sam's Point on weekends are required. You can reserve a parking spot through Reserve America New York: https://bit.ly/3uPj21L.
Sat 10 Jun
Drop-In Ice Caves Tours at Sam’s Point
Saturday, June 10, 2023 02:30 PM - 03:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve: Sam's Point Area
Join Park Preserve Staff every half hour, starting at 10:00 a.m., for a guided tour of the Sam's Point Ice Caves. You'll get the inside scoop on how the Ice Caves were formed, as well as their cultural history. This program is recommended for anyone age six and older, with all children accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18. Meet at the entrance to the Ice Caves. Pre-registration for this program is not required, however, reservations to get into Sam's Point on weekends are required. You can reserve a parking spot through Reserve America New York: https://bit.ly/3uPj21L.
Registration: Required
Sun 11 Jun
Drop-In Birding at Sam’s Point
Sunday, June 11, 2023 10:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve: Sam's Point Area
Join Student Conservation Association/AmeriCorps member, Zoë Foery, in celebrating the arrival of our migrant bird species. Learn more about the birds of Sam's Point and get some birdwatching tips and tricks. Bring binoculars if you have them. This program is open to all ages. Meet at the Sam's Point Visitor Center. Pre-registration for this program is not required, however, reservations to get into Sam's Point on weekends are required. You can reserve a parking spot through Reserve America New York: https://bit.ly/3uPj21L
Sat 24 Jun
Drop-in Table: Bats of the Crevasses at Sam’s Point
Saturday, June 24, 2023 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve: Sam's Point Area
Before you start your hike, stop by our table to learn about one of the most unique mammals on earth, the bat! Learn fun facts about bats and how they have an integral role in our ecosystem on the Shawangunk Mountains. Then walk away knowing how to do your part to conserve these helpful little creatures! Meet at the Sam's Point Visitor Center. Pre-registration for this program is not required, however, reservations to get into Sam's Point on weekends are required. You can reserve a parking spot through Reserve America New York: https://bit.ly/3uPj21L.
Sun 25 Jun
Drop-In Birding at Sam’s Point
Sunday, June 25, 2023 10:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve: Sam's Point Area
Join Student Conservation Association/AmeriCorps member, Zoë Foery, in celebrating the arrival of our migrant bird species. Learn more about the birds of Sam's Point and get some birdwatching tips and tricks. Bring binoculars if you have them. This program is open to all ages. Meet at the Sam's Point Visitor Center. Pre-registration for this program is not required, however, reservations to get into Sam's Point on weekends are required. You can reserve a parking spot through Reserve America New York: https://bit.ly/3uPj21L.

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Amenities Information

  • Amenities
  • Gift Shop
  • Hiking
  • Hunting * Deer Hunting Only Permit Required
  • Snowshoeing/X-Country Skiing
  • Visitor Center