Lake Awosting and Lake Minnewaska via Upper Awosting Carrigeway

This is a long, mostly level-to-gently-rolling loop/walk-through on the Shawangunk Ridge that links two of the area’s standout waters: the broad, cliff-rimmed Lake Minnewaska and the quieter, forested Lake Awosting. At roughly 18 km (11.2 mi) with about 200 m (650 ft) of total climbing, it’s best thought of as an “easy by grade” hike that can feel bigger because of its length, exposed carriage roads, and the temptation to stop often at overlooks.

Getting to the start (car + public transport)

Most practical start point: the main day-use area at Minnewaska State Park Preserve, near the Lake Minnewaska / Awosting Falls trailheads and the park’s primary parking lots by the lakefront facilities (the well-known hub for the carriage roads and lake circuits). If you’re using HiiKER, set your start to the park’s main entrance/day-use area for the most accurate routing to the correct lot.

By car - Drive to Minnewaska State Park Preserve (Kerhonkson, NY) and enter via the main park entrance. From there, follow signs for the main day-use parking near Lake Minnewaska. - Arrive early on fair-weather weekends—this park is popular, and parking can fill.

By public transport (best-effort option) - There isn’t a simple “walk-off-the-bus-and-start-hiking” setup here. The typical approach is: 1) Take an intercity bus or train to the New Paltz area (the nearest major transit hub for visitors), then
2) Use a rideshare/taxi to the Minnewaska main entrance/day-use area. - If you’re trying to do this fully car-free, plan extra time and have a backup plan for the return ride (cell service can be inconsistent in spots).

What the route feels like underfoot

Expect a mix of: - Carriage roads (wide, gravelly, generally smooth grades—great for steady pacing) - Narrower footpaths near lake edges and viewpoints (rocky in places, occasional roots) - Short steeper pitches where trails transition between the lake rim and interior woods, but nothing sustained given the modest total gain

Even with an “Easy” grade profile, bring footwear with decent tread: the Shawangunks are famous for hard rock, gritty gravel, and slick sections after rain.

Segment-by-segment: landmarks, scenery, and pacing

1) Lake Minnewaska shoreline and cliff-rim views (approx. 0–4 km / 0–2.5 mi) You’ll start with classic Minnewaska scenery: a clear lake set into a bowl of white quartz conglomerate cliffs and hemlock-hardwood forest. Early on, you’ll get frequent openings to the water and the ridge edge—these are the “photo pull-off” moments that can slow your pace (in a good way).

Wildlife is often subtle here: listen for woodpeckers, warblers in season, and keep an eye out for turkey vultures riding thermals along the cliffline. Near the water, you may spot painted turtles sunning on logs in warmer months.

2) Upper Awosting Carriageway: the easy miles that add up (approx. 4–10 km / 2.5–6.2 mi) Once you commit to the Upper Awosting Carriageway, the hike becomes a steady, efficient cruise. The grade stays friendly, and the tread is typically consistent—ideal for settling into a rhythm. This is where the route’s “easy” rating makes sense: you’re not fighting steep climbs, you’re just covering distance.

What to look for: - Ridgetop forest transitions: you’ll move between mixed hardwood stands and darker conifer pockets. - Seasonal wet spots: after rain or snowmelt, shallow puddling can linger on the carriageway. It’s rarely technical, but it can be messy—gaiters can be nice in shoulder seasons.

Navigation note: the carriage roads can intersect and braid together. Use HiiKER to confirm you’re staying on the Upper Awosting line rather than drifting onto a parallel connector.

3) Lake Awosting: quieter water, deeper woods (approx. 10–14 km / 6.2–8.7 mi) Lake Awosting feels more secluded than Minnewaska—less cliff drama, more forest calm. The shoreline areas are a good place for a longer break because you’re typically away from the busiest day-use concentrations.

Nature highlights: - Frogs and songbirds near wet edges in spring and early summer - Deer sign in the surrounding woods - In late summer, expect insects near still water—pack repellent if you’re sensitive.

If you detour toward Awosting Falls, you’ll encounter one of the preserve’s signature features: a strong cascade dropping through a rocky channel. The viewing areas can be slick—watch footing on damp rock and keep a conservative distance from edges.

4) Return toward Lake Minnewaska: open sky, long gravel finish (approx. 14–18 km / 8.7–11.2 mi) The return leg tends to feel faster mentally because you’re “on the way back,” but it’s also where sun and wind exposure can sneak up on you. On bright days, the pale gravel and open stretches can feel surprisingly warm.

Plan for: - Hydration management: even with only ~200 m (650 ft) of gain