Wanna Take a Hike to Gertrude's Nose

Come join us as we head north to take a hike to GERTRUDE'S NOSE at Minnewaska State Park Preserve … Trails range from EASY TO MODERATE

NEW FOR 2025: Ulster County now has Nature Bus that will take visitors to Minnewaska FOR FREE from the New Paltz Bus Station. Bus only runs until end of September.

About Minnewaska State Park Preserve: Located in Ulster County, Minnewaska State Park Preserve is situated on the dramatic Shawangunk Mountain ridge, which rises more than 2,000 feet above sea level and is surrounded by rugged, rocky terrain. The park features numerous waterfalls, three crystalline sky lakes, dense hardwood forests, incising sheer cliffs and ledges opening to beautiful views, clear streams cut into valleys, 35 miles of carriage roads and 50 miles of footpaths on which to bike, walk, hike and simply enjoy. And, all this within an hour and a half drive from New York City.

GETTING THERE: For those without cars we are taking the Trailways bus out of NY's Port Authority Bus Terminal that goes to New Paltz.

• The 7AM NYC bus arrives in New Paltz at 8:35AM. One-way bus ticket is $25.00 (depends on how early you buy the ticket). Ticket can be purchased in advance at this link: https://trailways.com/
• Bus arrives at New Paltz at 8:35AM. The Trailways bus terminal is located at 139 Main Street, New Paltz.
• Once New Paltz we'll pick up a second bus - the Nature Bus - which is scheduled for pick up from the bus station at 8:45AM
  Nature Bus Schedule --------> HERE
  The Nature Bus will drop us off at Minnewaska at 9:15AM. IT IS FREE TO TAKE AND RIDE THE NATURE BUS.
• Drivers: You can meet us at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor's Center Upper Parking Lot at around 9:30AM. Please note there is a $10.00 parking fee.

AGENDA: Once we arrive at Minnewaska State Park, we'll hike the Gertrude's Nose trail.

• Overview: The hike to Gertrude’s Nose is hands down one of the best hikes in the region, with beautiful footpaths and dramatic views along gleaming white cliffs.
• Gertrude’s Nose? “An odd name for a unique place, the Nose is a great wedge-like mass of conglomerate left between Palmaghatt Ravine and the main cliff scarp south of Millbrook Mountain.” – Scenes and Walks in the Northern Shawangunk
• Hike Length: 7.0 miles
• Elevation gain: 1,500 feet
• TRAIL MAP:
  https://parks.ny.gov/documents/parks/MinnewaskaMinnewaskaStateParkPreserveTrailMap.pdf

HIKE INTENSITY: This will be an EASY BREEZY to Moderate intensity hike.

PACE: Hiking pace will be LEISURELY AND NO ONE WILL BE LEFT BEHIND. We'll have lunch, water and snack breaks as needed; as well as taking time to savor the sights and sounds of nature, take photos, hug some trees, and most importantly, socialize with your fellow hikers. FAST HIKERS STAY AWAY!!!

THE IMPORTANT STUFF:

• Dress in non-cotton layers.
• Wear appropriate shoes suitable for hiking.
• Bring sunscreen, bug spray, head cover, and whatever else you need
• Bring at least 3 liters of liquid to stay hydrated.
• Bring lunch and snacks for yourself.

WHO SHOULD COME: Happy hikers with a sense of adventure and a positive attitude. A smile also goes a long way. Please leave the drama and crankiness at home. In addition, SPEED DEMONS PLEASE STAY AWAY. There are plenty of other groups that cater to your need for speed.

DURATION: This is an all-day hike.

APRES HIKE: there are many fine dining options in New Paltz. We'll find a place to sit and eat and drink and get social.

RETURN BUS:

• Nature Bus from Minnewaska at 5:45PM back to New Paltz bus station by 6:10PM
• Trailways bus back to NYC: 8PM
• OR we can call Uber/taxi to pick us up to get back to New Paltz bus station to take the Trailways 6PM bus leaving New Paltz back to NYC

WEATHER: This Meetup is RAIN OR SHINE!

MEETUP FEE: A $2.00 Meetup fee will be collected when we meet to help defray the cost of keeping this group going.

LIABILITY WAIVER: come prepared. Participate at your own risks. Hold no one liable etc. etc.