Sam’s Point and Verkeerderkill Falls Trail – Minnewaska State Park

Overview: One brisk March morning, my friend and I set out for a morning hike to Sam’s Point and Verkeerderkill Falls in the Sam’s Point Preserve in Minnewaska State Park.

Sam’s Point is named for an early European settler named Sam Gonzales who is fabled to have jumped off the cliff escarpment while being pursued by Native Americans.

Verkeerder Kill Falls is a spectacular 187 foot high waterfall, and we found it frozen when we visited.

Hike Length: 6.0 miles round-trip

Elevation gain: 700 feet

Location: Minnewaska State Park Preserve: Sam’s Point Area, 400 Sam’s Point Road, Cragsmoor, NY 12420

Parking & Logistics: Sam’s Point has a small parking lot that fills up early. Arrive early or visit at non-peak times. Sam’s Point opens at 9:00am. The vehicle use fee is $10 per car. Closing times vary throughout the year. 

Maps: NY-NJ Trail Conference Shawangunk Trails map,  Minnewaska State Park Preserve – Sam’s Point Area Trail Map, Minnewaska State Park Preserve Trail Map

Dogs: Dogs must be on a 6-foot or shorter leash.

– read more –

Related stories

Hawks Cliff – Green Pond Mountain – Pequannock Watershed

Breakneck Ridge is an incredibly popular hike so don’t expect to get the trail to yourself. The steep rock scramble ascent will get your heart pumping quickly and you’ll be rewarded with great views of the Hudson River. It’s about a 3 mile loop, but all the action is in the first mile.

Breakneck Ridge – Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve

Breakneck Ridge is an incredibly popular hike so don’t expect to get the trail to yourself. The steep rock scramble ascent will get your heart pumping quickly and you’ll be rewarded with great views of the Hudson River. It’s about a 3 mile loop, but all the action is in the first mile.

Falls Trail – Ricketts Glen State Park

Ricketts Glen is a waterfall wonderland. This is a great loop hike with a huge reward/effort ratio which passes 21 named waterfalls over 4.5 miles of the Falls Trail network.

What to pack in a First Aid Kit/Emergency Kit

My First Aid Kit is more than just supplies to fix wounds or other injuries. I carry what I think of broadly as an “Emergency” or “Fix It” kit – it’s a First Aid Kit, but also includes items to prevent or fix other problems I might have on the trail, such as broken gear or a lost piece of gear that’s critical to staying safe.

Follow us:
Facebook-f Twitter Youtube Instagram
Copyright 2022 · All rights reserved