This Sunday we visited Minnewaska State Park Preserve in upstate New York. This was the first time we were there in the summer. We’ve only ever visited in the winter, when it was covered in ice and snow. We parked in the upper parking area near the visitor center. There are foot trails and a network of wide carriage roads. We first stopped in at the visitor center to pick up a map and decide on a route. We chose the carriage road to Millbrook Mountain.

The trail starts on the west side of Lake Minnewaska. On this day, there was a triathlon, so there were people cheering on the runners, swimmers, and bikers. Even with the marathon, the park is still large enough to find quiet time alone on the trails. As we hiked, I noticed the beautiful pitch pines, lush green ferns, sassafras, oak, and plenty of mushrooms.

Our first viewpoint was Patterson’s Pellet. The Shawangunk Mountains are impressive, and there are plenty of views to be able to enjoy with minimal exertion to get there. We carried on to Millbrook Mountain overlook, which was equally impressive. We sat for a bit, took in the mountain breeze and the sound of the pitch pines blowing in the wind, before heading back the way we came.

After the hike, we headed over to Rough Cut Brewing just down the road for IPAs and smash burgers. It was a good day.

Click “Read more” below for more photos from this hike.