Hiking Sam’s Point at Minnewaska State Park in New York

This was actually the second time Deanna, Blaze, and I have been to Sam’s Point at Minnewaska State Park. I believe that the last time we headed this direction was in 2014 and Sam’s Point wasn’t part of Minnewaska State Park. Apparently it was being managed by “The Nature Conservancy” up until 2015, but then combined into the southern point of Minnewaska State Park.

–> Minnewaska State Park Map <–

If you check out the map (please let me know if this link ever dies and I’ll update it accordingly) you can actually hike all the way from the northern entrance down to Sam’s Point via carriage roads or footpaths. If you ever do plan on doing that hike, definitely pack plenty of water and snacks.

We ended up just driving from one parking lot (near Awosting Falls) to Sam’s Point and we didn’t have to pay for an extra parking pass due to the fact it is the same park.

Do make sure you get there plenty early in the morning though as the parking lot was completely packed. They were able to squeeze us in on a steep hill luckily because we had the truck.

TAKING LOOP ROAD

We decided to take “Loop Road” that takes you up to Sam’s Point as well as around Lake Marantanza. If you check out our video at the top of this post you can see some of the footage of the trail going up. The picture above is one of many Deanna took once we reached the top.

The trail itself is just a steady gravel road that slowly creeps up until you reach this point. I would call this trail somewhere between easy and moderate. Easy because for the most part it is flat after you reach the top of the trail but a little challenging if you aren’t used to climbing up a little in elevation.  I did see many kids hiking this trail as well as dogs.

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MOST EPIC VIEW IN THE AREA

I added a gallery above of some of the photos Deanna took at the main lookout over Sam’s Point. It is hard to describe how beautiful it is and how far you can really see, so I definitely recommend on going there yourself to check it out!

The first time we headed to Sam’s Point it was very cloudy and was in the winter time, so this was quite a different experience. I imagine this area is even more beautiful covered with fall foliage in late September/early-mid October!

MISSED OUT ON ICE CAVE TRAIL

As I mentioned in the video, Deanna and I ended up heading opposite directions when we closer to the Ice Cave Trail (shown above). We were hiking with Blaze all morning in the northern portion of Minnewaska and the poor guy didn’t have the energy for another 3 mile loop.

Unfortunately, since I didn’t want to leave Blaze and Deanna waiting too long I didn’t head down this path to the Ice Caves. Really hoping to make it down there as you all keep telling me awesome things about it!

QUITE THE FIRE

I heard there was quite the fire that took place in 2016 and I’m guessing what I am showing in the picture above is part of the result. I show in the video one side of the loop trail is full of green trees, but on the other side it looks as if winter has arrived.

There is quite a contrast between the two and kind of gives off an eerie vibe haha. Hopefully it’ll all come back to normal in good time!

AMAZING SHALLOW LAKE

The overlook was definitely my favorite part of the Sam’s Point area, but man oh man this lake came in a close second. The shallow lake offered a spectacular mirror image of the clouds above on this bright and beautiful day. Sorry, there are multiple signs suggesting there is no swimming in the lake. If only they allowed kayaking. 🙂

SCENIC VISTAS

One of the last kind of scenic viewpoints I find worth mentioning along this trail was the Berry Picker Cabins. At first I just thought there were a bunch of rude people dumping garbage along this Loop Road Trail.

However, the signs suggested these are remnants of Berry Picker Cabins that used to line the side of this road. I only capture a couple of those cabins in my video, but there are definitely plenty of areas where they must have been collecting berries!

OTHER NEARBY HIKES

Minnewaska State Park

Awosting Falls

Walkway over the Hudson

NOTE FROM WRITER

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Also be sure to check out Deanna’s food blog when you get the chance! A lot of awesome and healthy recipes to use there!

Adventure On!