Minnewaska State Park is a 21,000-acre preserve located in southeast New York. This mountain park has a variety of activities to offer and is just up the road from your Pine Bush bed and breakfast.
Alphine Endeavors
P.O Box 58
Rosendale, NY 12472
www.alphineendeavors.com
Since Minnesaska State Park is located on the Shawangunk Mountain Ridge, it's prime territory for rock climbing. Alphine Endeavors offers guests the opportunity to climb by giving them plenty of practice, instructions, technique tips and modeling. The guides are accredited and certified, and have been through rigorous training. The company prides itself in safety and has many programs to offer. Enjoy rock climbing, ice climbing, hiking, snowshoeing and other activities at Alphine. You can do a half day or full day outing. Alphine provides all gear, so all you have to bring is lunch, water, comfortable clothes and a pack to carry all of your gear. 2010 rates were $260 per person for a full day of activity. They also offer children's climbing programs.
Awosting Falls
5281 Rte. 44-55
Kerhonkson, NY 12446
www.nyparks.com
Your trip to Minnewaska State Park would not be complete without experiencing Awosting Falls, a beautiful 60-foot waterfall. The waterfall is fed from Peter's Kill stream and originates from Awosting Lake. The falls are located close to the main entrance to the park, so parking can be found in the lower parking lot. You just follow the stream less than a quarter of a mile and you will see the falls. It is truly breathtaking as it cascades over the rocks and pools below.
Eastern Mountain Sports Adventure Travel
3124 Rte. 44-55
Gardiner, NY 12525
(888) 463-6367
Eastern Mountain Sports is the place to go for all your outdoor needs. It has skis, snowshoes, kayaks, climbing gear and more. The store is located just across the road from Minnewaska State Park, and has now combined with Adventure Travel to offer guided tours of the park. You can choose from several hikes. One popular hike is the Millbrook Mountain and Lake Minnewaska hike. This is a rigorous hike that winds through the mountains and along Lake Minnewaska, which is a lake formed by glacier runoff. The trail goes up in elevation 400 feet and presents beautiful views of the Shawangunk Mountains. This hike is nearly 8 miles long and is an all day adventure. The trail is beautiful no matter the season, but you should not try it unless you are in good physical condition. The trail guides are experienced and certified and know the area well.
In the summer, hikers can enjoy a dip in the lake after their hike. Adventure Travel asks that all hikers bring lunch, snacks at least three liters of water and a backpack. You should wear hiking boots and weather appropriate clothing. Check in time is 7:15 a.m., and you will not get back to your Pine Bush inn until after 6:00 p.m. Prices include round trip transportation to and from your starting point. Call for more details.