Shawangunk Ridge Trail: Sam's Point Section

Doing this complete section requires parking at a small pulloff on Route 52. The Shawangunk Ridge Trail follows the same path as the South Gully Trail and is right at this small parking area.  The trail ascends steeply along South Gully for 1.5 miles until you reach Gully Road. The trail can be a little difficult to find when crossing the road. Turn left and look on the right for the trail to start again. The trail climbs steeply again until you reach Loop Road. At this point you will have ascended about 1,500 feet in 2.5 miles. Turn right on Loop Road (this is a carraige road). Pass the visitor center and contue up the carriage road to Sam's Point. Continue past the point to the trail junction with the Verkeerder Kill Falls Trail. This trail passes through low pitch pine trees with great views of Castle Point in Minnewaska State Park. After 1.5 miles you will reach Verkeerder Kill Falls. Unfortunately, the trail passes the top of the falls and not the bottom.  There is an unmarked viewpoint once you cross the Kill. Continue for another 0.3 miles until you reach the trail junction with the High Point Trail and the Scenic Trail. The Shawangunk Ridge Trail follows the Scenic Trail. This is a good place to turn back.

Sam's Point is a section in Minnewaska State Park. You can bypass the steep section and park at the Sam's Point visitor center. It will cut 6 miles off your round-trip hike. There is a $10 parking fee for this convenience.