Are Reservations Required To Visit This Fan Favorite Hudson Valley Trail?

Let’s get outside and hike! We live in one of the most beautiful states that is known for its beautiful, natural landscapes and breathtaking views. 

Recently, I was driving by the Shawangunk Mountains in the Ellenville, NY area and took a few seconds to take in the views. It was as if I was so high up, I could almost touch the clouds! 

The views in this Ulster County area are incredible and everyone must see them. While in the Ellenville, NY area, I also saw helpful information for hiking enthusiasts and wanted to share.

How Did This Popular New York State Park Get Its Name?

A popular state park within New York is known for its natural beauty and plenty of hiking trails. Like a lot of areas in the Hudson Valley, this location has a rich, historical background.

While we may just hop in the car and explore all that the Hudson Valley has to offer, it’s fun to know more than just the name of the destination.

I love the story behind Sam's Point Area of Minnewaska State Park Preserve in Ulster County, NY. Sam’s Point Area of Minnewaska State Park Preserve is also referred to as Sam’s Point Dwarf Pine Ridge Preserve or locals refer to this area as, Sam’s Point.

94.3 Lite FM explained how this popular hiking area received its name from the New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation.

"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."

SEE MORE: Is This Nominated Ulster County, NY Hiking Trail Truly The Best?

When Are Reservations Required To Hike Fan Favorite Hudson Valley Trail?

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I LOVE Sam’s Point! The last time that I was there, reservations were not needed for anything including parking. It’s great that there’s a lot of options for nature enthusiasts at Sam’s Point. Most importantly, I wanted to see the ice caves!

On the New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservations website, they included helpful information about Sam’s Point and parking reservations. The NYS Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservations shared that parking reservations at Sam’s Point are required for holidays and weekends from mid April until Mid November in 2025.

They also continued to explain that reservations can be made by calling 1-800-456-2267 or through the Reserve America website. Those who need additional information are recommended to contact Sam's Point Visitor Center or the Reserve America’s website.

What Additional Info Should You Know Before Visiting Sam's Point In Ulster County, NY?

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There’s additional information that hikers should know about Sam’s Point Area of Minnewaska State Park Preserve before going.

The New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservations website shared that guests can download the New York State Park Explorer app along to help hikers plan their visit.

While at Sam’s Point, guests should know that it opens at 9:00am and the vehicle fee to park is $10. Besides hiking, other amenities available at Sam’s Point include biking. They explained that biking is only allowed on carriage roads that have designated signs.

Sam’s Point also offers snowshoeing and has a gift shop along with a visitor center.

Additional information about Sam’s Point, its parking times and fees along with their rules and regulations can be found on the New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation website.

Where is your favorite hiking trail in the Hudson Valley? Tell us more below.

Sam's Point

400 Sam’s Point Road

Cragsmoor, NY 12420