Shawangunk Ridge State Forest Trailhead & Parking Lot - Pine Bush, NY
Shawangunk Ridge State Forest Trailhead & Parking Lot – Dog-Friendly Hiking in Pine Bush, NY
If you’re searching for a scenic and moderately challenging place to hike with your pup, Shawangunk Ridge State Forest in Pine Bush, New York, is a hidden gem for dog lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The pet-friendly trails here offer a mix of rocky terrain, elevation gains, and sweeping views, especially from the ridge nearly 2,000 feet up. Trails can be narrow and are sometimes tricky to follow due to overgrown plants or limited markers, making it ideal for adventurous dog owners who enjoy exploring nature together.
This spot is not a traditional fenced dog park—instead, it’s a collection of trails where leashed dogs are welcome. Parking is limited to about 8 spots with overflow nearby, and the vibe is peaceful and less-traveled, so you and your canine companion can enjoy some quiet time on the trails. Remember to follow carry-in, carry-out rules and keep your dog on a leash. The area is ideal for hikers, history buffs, and anyone who loves the outdoors with their pet.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Dogs are welcome but must remain on-leash at all times.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? No, there is no fenced dog area; this is a trail-based park.
- What are the park’s leash requirements? Dogs must be kept on a leash throughout the trails.
- Is there parking available? Yes, there is a small parking lot with about 8 spaces and an overflow lot available.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the park features scenic hiking trails with elevation and beautiful vistas.
- Is the park open year-round? The trails are accessible for hiking throughout the year, including winter hiking.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? The trails are generally well-maintained, though trail markers could be improved in some areas.
Reviews
I love this trail. It is narrow, the terrain is rough, and there is plenty of incline/decline variations. The views at the top are beautiful. It’s exhausting but rewarding. If you’re looking for a challenging hike with free parking and beautiful views, you can’t go wrong.
Not a very well traveled trail.
Sometimes I found it difficult to see where the trail was because the plant life was overgrown. Also at times I felt I was lost because the trail markings were not there.
I only saw two other hikers there. This was between
11 am -2 pm. 7/21/25
I loved this trail. It is the Red Trail and Long Path Loop from Cox Rd parking lot. About 3.5 miles. My first ever real hike in the snow. I know it’s short for most here but it was a good first hit for me to scale this type of activity. Snow hiking is definitely much harder than other seasons and I will keep learning, growing and honing my skills, hopefully. It was windy on top and quickly into it I realized I had to put the spikes on. My winter boots apparently don’t have a good traction in snow and ice. Snow shoes stayed on my back. Shawangunk is amazing. My first time there. Shawangunk comes from Munsee Lenape word “Shawankunk” and it means “In The Smoky Air”. It was called that way by the natives because of a very sad reason. Munsee Lenape (which is one of the three main sub-tribes of Lenape) had a fort at the eastern foot of the ridge and it was destroyed and the residents were brutally massacred. Then the fort was burnt to the ground and the smoke covered the ridge for a long time after. Hence the name. I love upstate New York and I love delving into the the tragic yet majestic history and legacy of the people who lived all over the North East. Whether it is the natives or the pioneers who braved these brutal conditions and built a life in this inhospitable environment laying the ground for other people to follow the dreams of freedom and happiness in the new world. It is rough doing a hike in these conditions with modern gear and clothing. Can you imagine what our predecessors had to go through day in and day out? Yes, the history is bloody and full of arseholes but it is also full of amazing, awe inspiring people, who did great things. G-D Bless America! 🇺🇸
Moderate hike with a 625 foot elevation gain on mostly dirt trail that is well maintained, although in some spots it could use some additional trail markers. We went counter clockwise when you did have some small rocks to climb. Once at the top the views are stunning- you are almost 2,000 feet up with sweeping valley views. The ridge is flat rocks and spans over a half a mile at the top. Dog friendly on leash and of course carry-in, carry-out. Hidden gem. Limited parking of about 8 spots, but there is an overflow lot. Free to park.
Highly recommend.
Great little hike, ready but not that easy. Very rocky trail. Great views at the top especially if you are there in October when the leaves are turning. Hijacked with children. My three year old enjoyed it, was nicely challenging for him.