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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 2 of 5 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Linda on 10/14/2008 Breathtaking views from Sam's Point of the fall foliage. 
Reviewed by Roberto on 7/22/2008 My first hike trying to get back in shape. Went w/group from Central Park,NY. Our leaders were Sparks & Dario. They were very knowledgable & made hike entertaining. Hike is labled as moderate but was abit difficult ,Bad knees. Must bring plenty of water. Plenty of Berries to eat on path. Ice Caves were a welcome relief from the 90+ weather. VERY ROCKY. Would do again.
Reviewed by Rich on 6/1/2008 Hiked to Verkeerder Falls on a beautiful blue sky sunday with my girlfriend and 2 English Cocker Spaniels. Wonderful hike for all the reasons one goes hiking: beauty, solitude, magnificent views. I usually hike in the Adirondack high peaks area, so this was an unexpected pleasure I'll be back to do again. My dogs loved it, but needed lots of water stops. A fine day.
Reviewed by Gary on 4/25/2008 One of the best hikes in the region. Best time for the hike is when fall colors pick. But beware of the winds blowing on your face when you are walking on the edges. An update (as of today, 25th April 2008): A fire that burned more than 3000 acres in Minnewaska State Park Preserve this week has resulted in the park's closure, including Sam's Point, and is likely to last at least through Saturday, April 26, if not longer.
Reviewed by John on 3/2/2008 I hiked today 3/2 with my wife the weather was great, you could see for miles.The snow was packed down by the snow shoer's ahead .That made for easy hiking with boots .the only downer was my wife complaining all the way up the hill about shinsplints,her feet hurt ,bla bla bla. But once the trail flattened out a bit things got better and i could enjoy the hike.Cant wait to do it again without her!
Reviewed by Viewer on 2/22/2008 This hike was amazing. Im going back for my third time, except this time it will be in the winter. I did summer and fall and both times were beautiful, Im anxious to see the waterfall with ice on it and go through the caves at its coldest. I highly recommend this hike to everyone. Theres many trails that lead off so thats the only thing to keep an eye out for so you dont get lost or go off trail. Enjoy to all that do this
Reviewed by Tommy on 10/15/2007 Hiked to the falls yesterday. Unfortunately it was only a trickle. Foliage was also lacking, both due to drought. Views of the surrounding countryside were expansive and made the 90 minute trek from NJ very worthwhile. Narrow trail made it difficult for others to pass.
Reviewed by Bob on 8/13/2007 Hiked with friends and 5 kids in August and had a great time. The ice caves and falls are truly spectacular.Almost turned back before getting to the falls because it is a fairly strenuous hike and we werent sure how much longer it was to the falls.Definately worth the work getting there. Be sure to bring enough water. You will get dehydrated quickly in the summer with little shade. Cant wait to do it again and hike to high point. A great find and as the sign says" one of the last great places on earth." 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||