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 Reporter |
Summary: The entire hike will take you through the Sam's Point preserve, owned by the Nature Conservancy. The preserve is part of the Shawangunk ridge extending into Minnewaska SP. You will hike through a rare and endangered ecosystem, consisting of a Rare Dwarf Pitch Pine barren. One of the few remaining in the world. You will also hike to the Ice Caves which was formed from the talus or boulders from the cliffs, creating huge rock crevices or caves. The air in the Caves gets trapped keeping the inside cold enough for snow to stay through July. Along the way you will also hike up and on top of the many cliffs in the area, another unique feature of the area. You will get views of High Point Monument in NJ, the Hudson Valley as well as the Catskills and the Roundout Valley. Another feature you will pass is the Verkeerder Kill Falls and the Old Berry Picker Shacks from the days when the area was picked for it wild b Blueberries. Trailhead: From Wurtsboro and Rt17. Take rt. 209 North to Ellenville. Once in Ellenville make a right onto rt. 52. Take rt. 52 up mountain. Make a right onto Cragsmore Rd. Take Cragsmore to Sam’s Point Rd. Make Right onto Sam’s Point Rd and take to end. (Lat:41.4011 Lon:-74.214) Trail Guides for Sams Point Loop, Shawangunks: Shawangunk Trails map by NY-NJ trail conference () Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Nature Conservancy: 845-647-7989 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Shawn Viggiano, who has posted 44 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 5 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by elke on 12/16/2009 Long time favorite of mine. Long views of the Hudson valley and the Catskills. Glacial Lake swimming hole just before finish. Option to go north to Mud Pond and Lake Awosting through Minnewaska State Park all the way to Mohonk Lake at the Mohonk Mountain House. Follow the cliffs. 
Reviewed by jerry on 9/23/2009 Great hike with wife, 5 yr old daughter and 3 collies . daughter did about 6 miles carried her in pack rest of way. trail to falls was like a stream bed after lots of rain. had to pick little up over some rocks ,but she is a trooper . falls were beautiful and flowing wildly 
Reviewed by Christian on 8/19/2009 It is a left onto Cragsmoor Road off of 52 ...A nice hike... The ice caves were very interesting...Rocky terrain on the way to the Verkeerder Falls means wear proper hiking boots with ankle support... Many insects and spray will not help, just deal with it ....
Reviewed by Kim on 7/3/2009 Hiked alone (I'm a 39yo female). Consider myself an intermediate hiker, having hiked along AT and in PA for years. Took Loop Trail to Verkeerder Kill Falls Trail to falls, then back to Sam's Point parking lot at conservancy. Took 75 min from Sam's point to the falls and I stopped to take pics. Took 60 min to get back, but was moving quick so I could meet my ride. Trail is moderately strenuous as it is like hiking through a creek bed with rocks which are easy to negotiate b/c they are not slippery. Wore trail shoes, but if you have unstable ankles wear boots. Trail is wet, must cross creeks to get to the falls. GORGEOUS vistas even at start and waterfall is a treat. Most unique terrain and flora. WELL worth it. Bugspray, H20, snack a mu
Reviewed by Heidi on 5/19/2009 Went with my fiance and his cousin on a sunny 72 degree afternoon with clear skies. All of us are out of shape. Took the Loop to the right, up to the Point and then down the Verkeerder Kill Falls trail. The Loop is an easy hike, but the Falls trail was difficult, lots of jutty rocks you have to walk/maneuver over on this skinny trail, but it's great exercise! It was 3 miles each way and took us (with a few resting stops) about 5 hours. The falls were awesome after we'd had a lot of rain, which also made the trail wet in spots. Bring lots of water and some snacks, as well as a bag for garbage. Wear sunscreen, bug spray, pants, and waterproof boots. Keep an eye out for snakes. You'll have a great time and want to go back!
Reviewed by Deb on 4/20/2009 This was the first hike I have ever gone on, and it was terrific! My boyfriend and I are both in our fifties and out of shape. We followed the loop trail and really enjoyed it. The berry picker's shacks were really interesting to see, and the lake at the top of the mountain was just breathtaking. We will definately be coming out here to check out some of the other trails. Pertict hick on a spring day, and you can see for miles.
Reviewed by kasey on 3/10/2009 went with a couple of friends and we had alot of fun. Taking pictures and just having a blast. The sits where amazing the view of every thing was great, and even thought we thought that we where going to have a bad time, it turned out to be one of the best days of are lifes. The only thing that really sucked about it was it started raining on the way back down.
Reviewed by pier17 1st kiss on 12/2/2008 In 1992 went there with my first crush, it was beautiful, just holding hands nothing else happened. 1998 went there again, we both were in other relationships but dared to have a blast of being alone together again. Hope to meet him there again, it doesn't matter how long we have to wait. The view, the blue lake, the heights, the sky. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: New York Hiking, New York Trails, New York Hikes, Ulster County Hiking, Ulster County Trails, Ulster County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||