Let's enjoy the Fall Colors at Sam's Point Preserve: 10 miles!

HIKING Friends take note: If you are not interested in this hike, you DO NOT need to RSVP "NO". The "NO" feature is reserved for those hikers that need to cancel. Please read the full description BEFORE you RSVP.

Sam’s Point comes alive with the fire engine red blueberry bushes during this time of year! I am leaving Sunday open as a rain date.

This hike is rated A for plenty of ups and downs and a long distance of 10 miles (maybe 11)! THIS IS NOT A BEGINNER HIKE! We plan to cover 10 miles at a good pace.

Everyone goes on the waitlist first. I try to maintain a group of similar hiking abilities/speed so that I ensure we STAY TOGETHER on trail. If you don’t answer the questions when you sign up, and you haven’t hiked with me before, you will remain on the waitlist. If you have not hiked trails with lots of ups and downs and LONG distances, or you prefer a slower, relaxed pace, please join us on another hike.

Remember to come prepared with plenty of water(always hydrate PRIOR to hiking),energizing snacks, hiking poles, hiking clothes in layers (no cotton), tick spray, sun screen and a first aid kit. Always dresss for the unpredictable weather.

I also suggest that you make sure you have an EMERGENCY CONTACT sheet/index card tucked away in a convenient, easily accessible location in your pack. Information should not only include a contact, but other pertinent information like: first and last name, list of meds, allergies, doctor, your address and even your birth date. This might seem silly to some, but it could be life-saving for someone!

The Sam's Point Preserve, located on the highest section of the Shawangunk Mountains, is the most southerly section of Minnewaska State Park Preserve. Sam's Point contains a bounty of natural splendor. It is home to Lake Maratanza, one of the five Shawangunk sky lakes; ice cave crevices that you can explore; cliffs and numerous scenic vistas. Verkeerder Kill Falls, is a spectacular 187 foot high waterfall that will be on our adventure. In addition, I am hoping the blueberry bushes will show offer their gorgeous red colors!

We'll meet at the Sam's Point Visitor Center and head uphill to several great viewpoints, continue to Verkeerderkill Falls (the highest waterfall in the Gunks) and High Point. We'll make our way back to the Visitor's Center by a different route. As long as the ice caves are accessible, we will complete this adventure trail too!

Parking: The parking area is limited, so I would recommend arriving by 8:45 even if the gate isn't open at that time. I would even suggest 8:30am so that you don't get turned away! Carpooling is highly recommended.

Here are some links to maps and such:

https://parks.ny.gov/parks/193/details.aspx

https://parks.ny.gov/parks/attachments/SamPointAreaSamsPointTrailMap.pdf

We will plan to dine somewhere local after a long day on trail!

In the event of bad weather, this hike might be modified, changed or rescheduled. Always check back before the event for updates as I will post in the comments section. Make sure you have notifications turned on for this group.

If you choose to hike with me, you understand that I am not an expert hiker. With your RSVP, you accept, acknowledge and understand there are risks involved in hiking and you join this group knowing that you are hiking at your own risk. You are solely responsible for your own safety and you do not hold the hike leader or organizer responsible for any injuries.

While I do not collect a meetup fee, there is a suggested donation of $10 a year that you can give Dennis or send it via Venmo or PayPal to him. He does so much for the group so I encourage you to support his efforts. ~Thanks!