Castle Point Carriage Road Loop Hiking Guide
The Castle Point loop is the long, easy-footed way to see the Shawangunk cliffs at Minnewaska. Wide 19th-century carriage roads climb gradually to Castle Point at about 2,200 feet, wind down beneath the Battlement Terrace ledges to Lake Awosting, and return along Litchfield Ledge. There is no scrambling, just distance, which makes it a good long day for steady walkers and a known cross-country ski route in winter.
Permit: Minnewaska State Park Preserve vehicle fee: $10 per vehicle (under 15-person capacity); the preserve closes to new cars when lots fill
The Route
From the Lake Minnewaska lot, descend the red-blazed Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road for 0.4 mile, bear left at the green Upper Awosting junction, and turn right onto the blue Castle Point Carriage Road. It climbs through an old golf course with Catskill views to Kempton Ledge over the Palmaghatt Ravine, passes under a power line and reaches Castle Point, more than 500 feet above the start, with wide views south and east. Continue down past the Blueberry Run and Rainbow Falls junctions, under Battlement Terrace, and bear right on the Hamilton Point road to Lake Awosting. Return on the green Upper Awosting Carriage Road under Litchfield Ledge. The Trail Conference gives 9 miles; mapping apps list 8.6 miles and about 810 feet of gain.
Footing and Pace
Everything is packed gravel carriage road, so the footing is the easiest in the Gunks and the grades are gentle, but nine miles is still nine miles. Allow three and a half to four hours. Cyclists share many of the carriage roads, so keep right on descents. There is little shade at the open viewpoints and no water along the way.
Fee and the Full-Lot Problem
Every car pays $10 at Minnewaska, the rate for vehicles under 15-person capacity. Hours run from 9 a.m. until anywhere from 5 p.m. in winter to 9 p.m. in midsummer. On busy days the preserve stops admitting cars when lots fill and posts a parking-full alert, and it tickets and tows cars on the roadside. A weekday or an early start is the fix.
Winter on the Carriage Roads
The Trail Conference lists this loop as suitable for cross-country skiing. Winter hours are shorter, so start early and be off the high points well before the 5 p.m. close.
Dogs and Rules
Leashed dogs are welcome on a six-foot or shorter leash, kept out of buildings, camping, picnic and bathing areas and walkways. Pack out all trash because there are no bins, and note that smoking and vaping are banned throughout the preserve and the swimming areas stay closed until 2027.
Hiking tips for Castle Point Carriage Road Loop
- Follow the Trail Conference order: Castle Point first, then Lake Awosting, then Upper Awosting back.
- Start on a weekday or right at 9 a.m. to avoid the parking-full closure.
- Keep right and listen for bikes on the downhill stretches.
- Fill bottles before you leave the lot; the carriage roads have no water.
- In winter, bring skis or snowshoes and finish before the early closing time.
Nearby trails to explore
- Gertrude's Nose and Millbrook Mountain Loop
- Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road Loop
- Overlook Mountain Fire Tower Trail
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Castle Point is a long, easy-footed day with cliff views the whole way. Use TrailMates to find Hudson Valley hikers heading to Castle Point. Download the TrailMates app to connect.