My wife and I moved out of Brooklyn to the Hudson Valley two years ago. Last year, on the anniversary of the move, we took a hike out to Bear Mountain. To continue the tradition we wanted to hike a new place and since we’ve been wanting to do Sam’s Point for the longest time, what better reason to go and explore. Such a beautiful start of Fall day to take the hike out, the leaves were starting to turn and the weather was perfect!
From the parking lot (which pro-tip: if you plan to visit weekends or holidays, you need to reserve a spot online first) it was about a 20min hike up a shaded carriage path. There is a side path that is a scramble up to the point or you can take the path to the top.
Once you make it up, you’re greeted with an outstanding view of the Gunks and the Hudson Valley.
Leaving the point, you can make your way towards Lake Maratanza and the Ice Caves. At the fork between them, there was this spot of that was just glowing red of blueberry bushes where a wildfire took place in 2016. Just an amazing view!
To the left of the fork, you’ll make your way up to Lake Maratanza which was a bit low due to the drought conditions we’ve been having this year.
We circled back to the Ice Caves, which were open and since it hasn’t rained, less likely to be as treacherous as they could be. We made our way down into the caves, stunned by the scale and coolness once we were inside. If you’re going to do this route, be sure to have good footwear and be ready to scramble some rocks and a few ladders to make it all the way around.
And it wouldn’t be a trip to the Minnewaska Park are without keeping an eye out for birds. This little Black-Capped Chickadee was jumping around on a small pine. Didn’t have my zoom, but he was patient enough for a quick photo
