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A very short out-and-back.
Awosting Falls at Minnewaska State Park Preserve is one of the most popular destinations in the Hudson Valley.
Located near New Paltz, Minnewaska State Park Preserve contains many waterfalls. Not far from the gate house, the Peters Kill plunges dramatically over a 60 foot rock ledge at Awosting Falls.
Hikers can easily enjoy viewing the falls from both the top and bottom; the scene at each is spectacular.
Awosting Falls, Minnewaska, Trailhead & Parking
Entrance to Minnewaska State Park costs $10 per car. You can pay by cash or card from your car at an automated till on the way in.
After the barrier, look for a road on your right that leads down to the Lower Awosting Lot. Park there for the fastest route to Awosting Falls.
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Awosting Falls Trail
From the parking lot, walk back parallel to the road along a short woods trail, cross the main access road, and then continue down an old carriage road on the far side.
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The road is not steep and will quickly lead you down to the base of the falls via a gentle switchback or two.
On the way down, you’ll pass some mild whitewater sections of the Peters Kill, and there is also an area where you can step off the main trail and walk down to view the top of the falls.
Children and dogs should be carefully supervised as, at the top of the falls, there is the potential, when the falls are really gushing, to be swept away.
It’s hard to say which is more impressive: the top of the falls allows you to get right up to the water as it gushes by, while the base of the falls produces a wonderful din, and is just very beautiful to behold.
Best Time to Visit Awosting Falls
The best time to visit is after rain or snowmelt when the falls are truly dramatic — as you can see in the video below.
View of Peters Kill / Awosting Falls from above…
View of Awosting Falls from below…
This is a wonderful, short jaunt that really packs a punch.
Visit Awosting Falls in Winter
In winter, the falls freeze up magically and are well worth seeing, bedecked in massive mountain icicles. Just be sure to pack a pair of microspikes to keep yourself safe.
Similar Hikes
If you enjoy shorter hikes, you’ll love this list of excellent Nature Trails which will guide you around The Catskills and elsewhere with minimal sweat or risk.
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Trailhead Info for this Hike
Large lot called Lower Awosting Lot
Google Maps Location: 41.734682, -74.244105
The map below shows the exact topographic location of the trailhead
Cell Service
Good in the parking lot. My network is Verizon. YMMV.
