I've always said that living in New York state is having the best of both worlds. There's New York City filled with excitement, opportunity and more. It's the home to the Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building and of course, the Statue of Liberty.

With a short drive, the Hudson Valley is the home to beautiful landscapes, the Catskill Mountains with outdoor trails, lakes and historical sites to explore. Even further north, Upstate New York has miles of tranquil farm land, forests and rivers to see.

There's never any time to get bored while living within New York state and there's always something to learn with its historical roots.

I visited a popular New York state park a few years ago and was amazed at its beauty and serene landscapes. I didn't realize the interesting history that lives there.

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


Sam's Point Preserve is known as Sam's Point Dwarf Pine Ridge Preserve or just as, Sam's Point and is located in Ulster County, NY. 

The New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation shared,

"The Sam's Point Preserve, located on the highest section of the Shawangunk Mountains, is the most southerly section of Minnewaska State Park Preserve. "

There's about 5,000 acres of Mother Earth's natural beauty at this park. Sam's Point also has their unique ice caves.

I loved the hike to the ice caves at Sam's Point Preserve and exploring the ice cave trails, it's unlike anything I've seen before. When I was visiting, I didn't realize the history behind these caves until I did research.

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Was Sam's Point Preserve Named After A Settler In The Hudson Valley?


The New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation shared information about Sam's Point Preserve in Cragsmoor, NY.

They shared historical facts about this popular New York state park.

"Human use of Sam’s Point can be dated back some 8,000 years and there are abundant"

The New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation continued to explain how Sam's Point actually got its name.

"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."

The Ellenville, Wawarsing Chamber of Commerce mentioned that this cliff has been named Sam's Point after that time. They included,

"The view from Sam's Point on a clear day is a beautiful reminder of his legend."

What Can Visitors Do At Sam's Point Preserve In Cragsmoor, NY?


Sam's Point Preserve in Cragsmoor, NY has trails that lead to the ice caves and additional places to explore. Visitors can enjoy Verkeerderkill Falls, High Point, and Indian Rock.

I recommend visiting this area, the views and natural beauty are something special to see.

The ice caves at Sam's Point Preserve are closed and will open in late Spring. Explorers can find out more info with the New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation.

Have you ever been to Sam’s Point in Cragsmoors, NY? Did you know who it was named after? Tell us more below.

Sam's Point Area Of Minnewaska State Park Preserve

400 Sam’s Point Road

Cragsmoor, NY 12420

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The next time that you're out for a drive, take one of these scenic routes to capture the beauty of the area that we get to call home.



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