Photographs

Sam's Point Preserve

Sam's Point Preserve now includes 1,045 acres. It is a globally unique area characterized by pitch pine barrens, dwarf pine plains, and ice caves. The remaining 3,800 acres were added to the Minnewaska State Park Preserve in September 2006. This area was formerly the 4,600-acre Ellenville Watershed area that was purchased by Open Space Institute in November of 1997. It will be partially administered by The Nature Conservancy until 2017.

Minnewaska State Park Preserve

Minnewaska State Park Preserve includes the old Minnewaska Mountain House sites of Wildmere and Cliff House and all areas beyond. The park is now over 20,000 acres with the recent addition of the 2,518-acre Awosting Reserve parcel and 3,800 acres from the Sam’s Point Preserve, as well as the original 12,000 acres and additional land in the Witches Hole area.

Saunderskill Heights and Mohonk Preserve's Rock Hill Preserve

This area is on the west side of the ridge, north of 44-55, and is characterized by slabs, abandoned quarrys and a stream that eventually flows in to the Rondout and on to the Hudson River.

The area is made up of portions of Minnewaska State Park and the Mohonk Preserve.

Shawangunk Talus Slopes and Winterscapes

Talus slopes are the accumulation of boulders and rock fragments at the base of cliffs. Conglomerate rock fell off the cliffs during periods of mountain building during Pleistocene glaciation, uplift, folding, and faulting.

The Shawangunks can be a winter wonderland with heavy snowstorms, glaze or ice storms, and deep freezes that affect streams and thin soil.

The Shawangunks Seasons

The Shawangunks have unique aspects in every season. Hikers can explore throughout the year on foot, by snowshoe, or on cross-country skis.