The Shawangunk Ridge Trail (SRT) is a rugged 71-mile route from High Point State Park in New Jersey to the Mohonk Preserve near New Paltz, New York. The trail follows the white conglomerate cliffs and rare dwarf pine barrens of the Shawangunk Mountains, with wide views of the Hudson Valley from ridgelines over 2,000 feet high. The SRT suits experienced backpackers planning a week-long thru-hike or hard section hikes. With 10,328 feet of cumulative elevation gain, rocky terrain, and sections that require careful navigation, it demands more technical hiking skill than most East Coast paths. The landscape of gritty conglomerate outcrops, sky lakes, waterfalls, and pine barrens looks and feels unlike anywhere else in New York.
No permits are required for hiking or primitive camping on the Shawangunk Ridge Trail. However, regulations vary significantly by land management area:
State Forests (no permit needed): Primitive camping is allowed in Huckleberry Ridge, Graham Mountain, Gobbler's Knob, Wurtsboro Ridge, Roosa Gap, and Shawangunk Ridge State Forests. Camp at least 150 feet from trails, roads, and water sources. Groups of 10+ or stays exceeding 3 nights require a permit from a Forest Ranger; call 1-833-NYS-RANGERS.
No camping allowed: Minnewaska State Park, Mohonk Preserve, and Bashakill Wildlife Management Area strictly prohibit camping, and rangers actively patrol these areas. Plan your itinerary carefully so nightfall does not catch you in these sections.
Entry fees apply: Mohonk Preserve charges $15 per person for day use. Minnewaska State Park's Sam's Point Area charges $10 vehicle parking (reservations required weekends/holidays April 15-November 15). High Point State Park charges seasonal fees Memorial Day through Labor Day: $5-$10 weekdays, $10-$20 weekends (higher for non-NJ residents).
Fire restrictions: Follow Leave No Trace principles. Check current fire restrictions with NY DEC before your trip.
April through October has the best conditions, and September and October are the standout months for fall foliage. Late spring (May-June) brings peak wildflower displays and reliable water flow, but tick activity is higher then, so wear long pants and sleeves through overgrown sections.
Summer (July-August) can be hot and humid with occasional afternoon thunderstorms. Water sources become less reliable during dry spells. The exposed conglomerate rock becomes dangerously slippery when wet.
Winter hiking is possible but hard. Snow and ice persist in shaded sections, and the white conglomerate turns treacherous when icy. The ice caves at Sam's Point close for safety during winter months. Spring snowmelt typically clears by late April at lower elevations, though higher sections may hold snow into early May.
Avoid the trail during hunting season (November-December) or wear blaze orange in state forests.
Water availability varies dramatically by section and season. From High Point south to the Bashakill area, sources are generally available but can be several hours apart. Always carry filtration and plan for 3-4 liter capacity during dry periods.
Seasonal reliability concerns: Rainbow Falls has highly seasonal flow and cannot be relied on during drought. The stream at the yellow trail junction near Ferguson Road is more consistent. Two "sweet water" springs exist in the Bashakill area. Several streams along the route run dry in summer, so recent trip reports and local beta are essential for planning.
Resupply options: Wurtsboro (mid-trail) has the best resupply, with grocery stores, laundromats, and motels. The Ellenville-Napanoch-Wawarsing corridor provides similar services. New Paltz at the northern terminus has full services. Otisville, Middletown, Cragsmoor, and Gardiner are additional options within reasonable road walk or hitch distance.
No mail drops or hostels cater specifically to SRT thru-hikers. Plan to carry 3-4 days of food between resupply points.
Navigation: The SRT is generally well-blazed with aqua markers, but some sections have faded blazes and poorly marked turns. The most commonly missed turn is the left from Old Minnewaska Trail onto Undivided Lot Trail in Mohonk Preserve; watch carefully for blazes there. Huckleberry Ridge State Forest is particularly rough and hard to follow. Carry detailed maps and don't rely solely on trail markers.
Terrain and exposure: Rocky, root-filled sections make ankle injuries common. Some areas have moderate exposure with 30-foot cliffs, where a slip could cause serious injury. Several steep climbs average 21% grade. The white conglomerate rock becomes lethally slippery when wet or icy.
Wildlife: Copperheads are common and well-camouflaged in fallen leaves between boulders, so watch carefully when scrambling talus. Timber rattlesnakes exist but are rare (more common in western Minnewaska). Black bears inhabit the area; hang food properly or use bear canisters. Ticks are prevalent May through October.
Stream crossings: Several streams can be difficult to cross during high water in spring. Most are manageable by summer but may go completely dry during drought.
Lightning risk: Exposed ridgeline sections leave you vulnerable during thunderstorms. Monitor weather and have bail-out plans.
Southern terminus (High Point State Park, NJ): From Route 23, park at High Point Monument parking area (1480 NJ-23, Sussex, NJ). Parking is free on weekdays; seasonal fees apply Memorial Day-Labor Day ($5-$20 depending on residency and day). Walk to the north end of the monument parking lot to find the Monument Trail, which shares its initial mile with the SRT. Alternative: free parking at the Appalachian Trail lot down Route 23, then walk the connecting trail to the monument.
Northern terminus (Mohonk Preserve): Access from Coxing Kill Trailhead parking lot off Route 44/55 near New Paltz. $15 per person day-use fee. The Sam's Point Area of Minnewaska (another access point) charges $10 parking, with reservations required on weekends/holidays April 15-November 15. Arrive before 9:45 AM or risk a full lot.
Mid-trail access: Multiple road crossings allow section hiking. Ferguson Road/Sullivan Street in Wurtsboro provides parking at the VFW (Exit 113 off Route 17, north on Route 209).
Shuttle logistics: No commercial shuttle services operate specifically for SRT thru-hikers. Most use two vehicles or arrange private shuttles. The organized Shawangunk Ridge Trail Run provides shuttles for race participants from Rosendale to High Point, but this isn't available to individual hikers outside race day.
Nearest airports: Stewart International (SWF) in Newburgh is closest (45 minutes). Newark (EWR) and JFK offer more flight options (90-120 minutes).
Camping strategy: Since Minnewaska State Park and Mohonk Preserve prohibit camping, plan your first or last night accordingly. Good camping spots exist near the yellow trail junction south of Route 52 and in the stream valleys between Ferguson Road and Route 171. A dry area with old stonewalls 2-3 miles south of Route 52 has level sites but no water. In state forests the woods are open, so any spot 150+ feet from trails, roads, and water works.
Direction: Most thru-hikers travel south-to-north (High Point to New Paltz) to finish near better resupply and transportation. This direction also saves the most scenic Minnewaska section for last.
Navigation tips: Download maps for offline use. The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference publishes official SRT maps. Pay extra attention in Huckleberry Ridge State Forest and at the Undivided Lot Trail junction.
Alternate accommodation: The Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground near Mohonk Preserve Visitor Center charges $38 and works well if you need a guaranteed site. Witch's Hole State Forest (5 miles from Sam's Point) allows free primitive camping.
Timing: Strong hikers complete the trail in 3-4 days; most backpackers take 5-7 days for a more enjoyable pace with time to explore the ice caves, waterfalls, and viewpoints.
Special attractions: Don't miss the ice caves at Sam's Point (closed in winter), Rainbow Falls, and the views from the ridge over the Hudson Valley and Catskills. The trail through Minnewaska is exceptionally scenic, with countless cliffs, overhangs, and a small cave.
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