Description

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.

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 during non-reservation periods. Reservations are required weekends and holidays ONLY, from April 20th through November 10th for the Sam’s Point Area of Minnewaska State Park Preserve. Reservations are for Day Pass ONLY, and required for a morning session starting at 9AM to end at 2PM or afternoon session starting at 2PM to end at posted park closing time. All morning reservations must arrive between 9 AM and 11 AM. Reservations may be purchased up to 14 days before a visit and up to 8 am on the day of a visit for an AM reservation and 1 pm for a PM reservation. There is a limit of 70 permits issued per session. The vehicle use fee is $10 per car and the reservation fee is 95 cents. If you hold a current Empire Pass, Lifetime Liberty Pass or Access Pass there is no fee to make a reservation. If you have any difficulty making a reservation, call the reserve America call center at 1-800-456-CAMP (2267).

Parking is limited to the designated parking lot with a valid reservation, please be prepared to check in with ranger upon arrival. Stopping, Standing and Drop offs along the shoulder of the road is prohibited by the Town and is a Tow Away Zone. Vehicles will be ticketed and towed.

Sam’s Point is a carry in/ carry out facility. Be prepared to bring everything you bring in, back home with you. Dogs are permitted on a six-foot leash The following are not permitted: littering, drones, amplified music, alcohol, glass, cooking, fires, overnight use, off trail travel, disturbing plants, animals, or other people.

For more information visit the website at https://parks.ny.gov/parks/samspoint or 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.

Recreation:

Sam's Point has both easy hiking trails with spectacular views, and challenging trails with rock scrambling, and cave like settings. In winter you can snowshoe on the trails. The facility has a nature center with interactive elements to assist you in understanding the historical and natural resources of the park preserve. The Ice Cave Trail contains ice flows, water, narrow crevices, low rock ceilings, dark areas, ladders, and boardwalks. Please use extra caution in all areas. Appropriate footwear must be worn due to difficult footing.

Facilities:

Visitor Center
Restrooms
Gift Shop
Hiking
Picnicking (Barbecuing and cooking not permitted)
Education/Nature Programs
Snowshoeing
Ungroomed Cross Country Skiing

• General Rules