Minnewaska State Park Preserve - Kerhonkson, NY

Minnewaska State Park Preserve - Kerhonkson, NY Minnewaska State Park Preserve - Kerhonkson, NY Minnewaska State Park Preserve - Kerhonkson, NY Minnewaska State Park Preserve - Kerhonkson, NY Minnewaska State Park Preserve - Kerhonkson, NY
Shade Available
Parking

Minnewaska State Park Preserve: Dog-Friendly Hiking & Nature in Kerhonkson, NY

Discover the natural beauty of Minnewaska State Park Preserve, a top destination for dog-friendly hiking near Kerhonkson, New York. This scenic park features multiple easy walking trails, stunning waterfalls, tranquil lakes (including the secretive Lake Awosting), and breathtaking cliffs and forests. Perfect for a peaceful escape, Minnewaska offers wide gravel paths, shaded canopy, and plenty of opportunities for you and your dog to explore the great outdoors together.

The park is well-maintained and offers a variety of amenities such as a swimming area (lake beach), kayaking spots, and a welcoming visitor center. It’s beloved by families and outdoor enthusiasts for its spectacular views, pet-friendly trails, and relaxing atmosphere. Please remember to clean up after your pet to keep this area beautiful for everyone!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, Minnewaska State Park features numerous pet-friendly trails of varying difficulty and stunning scenery for dogs and their owners.
  • Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, many trails and areas within the park have plenty of canopy and shaded spots, especially on forested paths.
  • Is parking available? Yes, there is parking available at the park, and it’s recommended to check availability during busy times.
  • Are there staff or rangers present at the park? Yes, the visitor center is staffed with friendly and helpful personnel to assist you during your visit.
  • Is the park open year-round? Yes, the park offers activities and beautiful views throughout all seasons; check for any seasonal trail restrictions before you go.

Reviews

Doug Heulitt

There is a lot of canopy for shade but there wasn’t a lot of water coming over the falls. It was like a clogged shower head. You need to come after a rain storm. Over all it was nice, quiet, and not crowded. You can hear the sound of silence, and nature.

Doug Heulitt

There is a lot of canopy for shade but there wasn’t a lot of water coming over the falls. It was like a clogged shower head. You need to come after a rain storm. Over all it was nice, quiet, and not crowded. You can hear the sound of silence, and nature.

Doug Heulitt

There is a lot of canopy for shade but there wasn’t a lot of water coming over the falls. It was like a clogged shower head. You need to come after a rain storm. Over all it was nice, quiet, and not crowded. You can hear the sound of silence, and nature.

Ok Omni Google Assets

Minnewaska State Park is honestly one of my favorite places to just get away and chill. The views are unreal—think cliffs, lakes, waterfalls, and endless trees. I love hiking the trails here; every turn feels like a new adventure, and the air is so fresh. Whether I’m hanging out by the lake, snapping photos, or just taking in the scenery, it’s always super relaxing. It’s the kind of spot where you can totally unplug and just enjoy nature. If you’re looking for a peaceful escape with awesome views, you’ve gotta check this place out!

Ok Omni Google Assets

Minnewaska State Park is honestly one of my favorite places to just get away and chill. The views are unreal—think cliffs, lakes, waterfalls, and endless trees. I love hiking the trails here; every turn feels like a new adventure, and the air is so fresh. Whether I’m hanging out by the lake, snapping photos, or just taking in the scenery, it’s always super relaxing. It’s the kind of spot where you can totally unplug and just enjoy nature. If you’re looking for a peaceful escape with awesome views, you’ve gotta check this place out!

Ok Omni Google Assets

Minnewaska State Park is honestly one of my favorite places to just get away and chill. The views are unreal—think cliffs, lakes, waterfalls, and endless trees. I love hiking the trails here; every turn feels like a new adventure, and the air is so fresh. Whether I’m hanging out by the lake, snapping photos, or just taking in the scenery, it’s always super relaxing. It’s the kind of spot where you can totally unplug and just enjoy nature. If you’re looking for a peaceful escape with awesome views, you’ve gotta check this place out!

Claudia Duzla

This park is beautiful, it has a lake and waterfalls and multiple easy trails to walk. It also has a small beach with a lifeguard where you can swim. There is also an area for kayaking. The only thing I did not like, was the area for long distance swimmers, there is a sign that states “only members can swim”, however it doesn’t say you can’t walk in that area. My husband and I walked there and a crazy “Karen” wanted us to get out and go back to the trail. We were admiring the lake and walking and not bothering anyone. It really did not make any sense, needless to say I stayed longer just to make her enjoy her day 😂 even more, some people just act entitled and I will put them in their place if needed, but it’s not the park’s fault. After all, it is a park, and people should be allowed to explore unless otherwise posted. Aside from this incident, I would recommend this park, you will need a few visits to see everything! Also the visitor’s center staff are very friendly and helpful.

Claudia Duzla

This park is beautiful, it has a lake and waterfalls and multiple easy trails to walk. It also has a small beach with a lifeguard where you can swim. There is also an area for kayaking. The only thing I did not like, was the area for long distance swimmers, there is a sign that states “only members can swim”, however it doesn’t say you can’t walk in that area. My husband and I walked there and a crazy “Karen” wanted us to get out and go back to the trail. We were admiring the lake and walking and not bothering anyone. It really did not make any sense, needless to say I stayed longer just to make her enjoy her day 😂 even more, some people just act entitled and I will put them in their place if needed, but it’s not the park’s fault. After all, it is a park, and people should be allowed to explore unless otherwise posted. Aside from this incident, I would recommend this park, you will need a few visits to see everything! Also the visitor’s center staff are very friendly and helpful.

Claudia Duzla

This park is beautiful, it has a lake and waterfalls and multiple easy trails to walk. It also has a small beach with a lifeguard where you can swim. There is also an area for kayaking. The only thing I did not like, was the area for long distance swimmers, there is a sign that states “only members can swim”, however it doesn’t say you can’t walk in that area. My husband and I walked there and a crazy “Karen” wanted us to get out and go back to the trail. We were admiring the lake and walking and not bothering anyone. It really did not make any sense, needless to say I stayed longer just to make her enjoy her day 😂 even more, some people just act entitled and I will put them in their place if needed, but it’s not the park’s fault. After all, it is a park, and people should be allowed to explore unless otherwise posted. Aside from this incident, I would recommend this park, you will need a few visits to see everything! Also the visitor’s center staff are very friendly and helpful.

Jennie H

Gorgeous area. We must of hit it just right because the waterfall was really flowing. Wide gravel path with plenty of space when passing other people. We did the Awosting falls trail. We then took the steep hike up to the Minnewaska lake and did the trail easy trail around the lake. It’s really beautiful and we plan on going back in the fall to see the colors and do more trails.

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