One of New York’s largest state parks just got bigger.
The state recently added 291 acres to Minnewaska State Park Preserve on New York’s dramatic Shawangunk Mountain ridge.
The addition means the park now spans nearly 24,000 acres, making it the third-largest state park in New York.
Officials said the added acres not only safeguard vital wildlife habitats and stunning Shawngunk landscapes, but also opens the door to future recreational improvements.
The Shawangunk Mountain ridge rises more than 2,000 feet above sea level and is surrounded by rugged, rocky terrain.
Minnewaska State Park Preserve features numerous waterfalls, three crystalline sky lakes, dense hardwood forests, incising sheer cliffs and ledges opening to beautiful views, clear streams cut into valleys, 35 miles of carriage roads and 50 miles of footpaths.
Both the Shawangunk Ridge Trail and The Long Path, two premier long-distance hiking trails maintained by the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, travel through Minnewaska State Park Preserve.
The park is located within an hour and a half drive from New York City.
Park visitors can also enjoy hiking, biking, swimming, picnicking, scuba-diving, rock-climbing, bouldering, boating and scenic views. Snowshoeing and cross-country ski trails are available in winter. Technical rock climbing is permitted April through December.
The park’s Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground provides a minimalist camping experience for visitors. The tent-only campground includes a pavilion and cooking area, bathhouse and restroom facilities, and trails. There are 24 drive-in spots (one vehicle per site) and 26 walk-in spots.
