Hiking The Ridge

Hiking is the number one reason people come to the Gunks, and some of the best trails in the Northeast start just minutes from the house. The Shawangunk Ridge offers everything from flat, easy lake loops to challenging cliff-edge climbs, all with the white cliffs and long valley views the area is famous for.

For an easy day, the loop around Lake Minnewaska is hard to beat, mostly level with water views the whole way. For something bigger, the trails out to Gertrude's Nose and Awosting Falls reward you with dramatic cliff-top scenery. Over at Mohonk Preserve, the West Trapps and Coxing trailheads open onto miles of carriage roads and single-track. Fall is the showstopper, but every season has its own character up here.

A few details worth knowing before you go: most trails sit inside Minnewaska (parking $10) or Mohonk Preserve (day pass from $15). Both open early and fill up on nice weekends, so start your morning early. Bring water and layers, since it is cooler and windier on the ridge. Wear real shoes, the rock is uneven. Trails are open sunrise to sunset.