Overview
An easy, family-friendly out-and back hike along a smooth trail to the stunning 60-foot Awosting Falls, one of the top destinations in Minnewaska State Park preserve.
Hike Length: 1.1 miles
Elevation gain: +125 feet
Location: Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Cortlandt, NY
Awosting Falls Parking
Park in the Lower Awosting Lot (Google maps link). After paying the entry fee and passing through the entry gate, continue straight a short distance to the parking lot. This is a popular spot, so get there early or the lot will fill up.
Pit toilets are available at the entrance of the parking lot.
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Lower Awosting Lot bathrooms
Maps
- Schwangunk Trails (Avenza)
- Shawangunk Trails Map #101 – NY-NJ Trail Conference (print)
- Minnewaska State Park Preserve trail map – NY Parks (pdf)
- Minnewaska State Park Preserve trail map (Avenza – free)
Awosting Falls Trail Description
Look for the bathrooms at the start of the parking lot. This hike begins behind the bathrooms with a quarter mile walk along the Awosting Falls Connector.
After a quarter mile the connector ends at a road crossing and small bridge over Peter’s Kill.
Cross the bridge and then cross to the other side of the road and look for the sign for Awosting Falls Carriage Road. We’ll follow this red-blazed trail downhill for about another quarter mile.
At first the trail gently descends as it parallels Peter’s Kill. On your left you’ll pass a few small cascades.
Just ahead as the trail makes a sharp right turn is the first viewpoint of the falls – from above. Here the falls plunge 60 feet down over a cliff. Be very careful. If you want to get this view you need to be pretty close to the edge.
Now the trail begins a steeper descent as it curves and follows a large switchback. At the bottom, you’re immediately greeted with views of Awosting Falls from the base of the falls.
This is a great spot to take a break, enjoy the view, and have a picnic. When you’re done, retrace your steps uphill and back to the parking lot.
