Mountain Laurel
ParkNew York, US
Sam's Point Preserve
Sam's Point Preserve is a natural wonderland on the highest point of the Shawangunk Ridge.
About
Sam's Point Preserve is a natural wonderland on the highest point of the Shawangunk Ridge. This 5,000-acre preserve, part of Minnewaska State Park Preserve, boasts a globally rare high-altitude dwarf pitch pine barrens ecosystem and spectacular vistas. It's a place where dramatic cliffs meet ancient forests, creating a landscape that feels both rugged and serene.
The preserve's highlights include the remarkable Ellenville Fault Ice Caves, where ice persists well into summer, and the majestic Verkeerderkill Falls, a stunning 187-foot waterfall. Visitors can also explore Lake Maratanza, one of the five "sky lakes" of the Shawangunk Ridge, and traverse a network of trails leading to various overlooks like Sam's Point and Indian Rock, offering expansive views that can stretch for miles. The unique dwarf pitch pines, some hundreds of years old yet only person-height, are a testament to the area's fire-adapted ecosystem.
A visit to Sam's Point Preserve is an immersive experience, connecting you with raw natural beauty and ecological diversity. Whether you're seeking challenging hikes, geological wonders, or simply breathtaking views, the preserve offers an unforgettable adventure. Its combination of rare plant life, geological marvels, and panoramic scenery makes it a truly memorable destination in the Hudson Valley. Be ready to snap and learn! Get the Snappit app to identify any nature species you find here.
Sam's Point gets its name from a folktale about an early European settler named Samuel Gonzales. Legend has it that during the French and Indian War, Gonzales, pursued by Native Americans, jumped off a cliff and miraculously survived, his fall broken by trees. In the 1800s, two hotels were located at Sam's Point, though both were later destroyed by fire. The roads throughout the preserve were originally built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps to serve as fire roads. The land was once owned by the village of Ellenville to protect its watershed, and partly by a company that offered tours of the Ice Caves. In 1967, the Village of Ellenville leased the property for a tourist attraction called "Ellenville Ice Caves Mountain," with trails developed during this time still in use today. The Ellenville Fault Ice Caves were designated a National Natural Landmark in November 1967. In 2005, the Sam's Point Conservation Center opened with educational facilities. Management of the preserve was transferred from The Nature Conservancy to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the Palisades Interstate Park Commission in April 2015, integrating it into Minnewaska State Park Preserve.
What to do here
Hiking, nature observation, picnicking, exploring the Ice Caves, viewing waterfalls, enjoying panoramic vistas, and photography. The visitor center offers interpretive displays.
Seasonal info
Ice Caves: Closed in winter and typically reopen in late May. Check with the visitor center for current conditions.
Verkeerderkill Falls: Most impressive in spring or after heavy rains; can dwindle to a trickle in summer.
Wildfire Recovery: The preserve experienced a wildfire in 2016. While much of the vegetation, being fire-adapted, responded positively, some areas underwent restoration.
Reservations: Required on weekends and holidays from April 15/18 through November 15 for parking.
Accessibility
The main Loop Road is a wide gravel path, offering relatively easy hiking to Sam's Point overlook. The Ice Caves Trail, however, is rocky and narrow with ladders and steep sections, requiring caution and appropriate footwear. A path to Sam's Point Overlook without stairs is available. Dogs are permitted on a 6-foot leash. The visitor center is LEED certified and has restrooms.
Don't miss
1
Ellenville Fault Ice Caves
Explore this unique geological formation, the largest open fault in the United States with ice caves, featuring narrow crevices, ladders, and solar-powered lighting.
2
Sam's Point Overlook
Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and distant peaks, potentially seeing five different states on a clear day.
3
Verkeerderkill Falls
Hike to New York's third-tallest waterfall, a spectacular 187-foot cascade.
4
Dwarf Pitch Pine Barrens
Discover this globally rare ecosystem with hundreds-of-years-old dwarf pitch pine trees.
Wildlife you might spot
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Snap map for this place
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Good to know before you go
Make reservations
** If visiting on a weekend or holiday between mid-April and mid-November, book your parking reservation online well in advance.
Arrive early
Even with a reservation, arriving early helps ensure a spot and a less crowded experience, especially on popular days.
Wear appropriate footwear
Trails can be rocky, steep, and wet, especially in the Ice Caves. Sturdy hiking shoes are essential.
Bring water and snacks
There are no garbage cans, so practice "leave no trace" and carry out everything you bring in.
Check Ice Cave status
The Ice Caves are closed in winter and may be impassable early spring. Check with the visitor center for current conditions before your visit if the caves are a priority.
Carry a map
While trails are blazed, a map from the visitor center or a digital trail app can enhance your exploration.
Frequently asked questions
- Yes, parking reservations are required on weekends and holidays from April 15/18 through November 15. It's highly recommended to make them in advance, as the parking lot has limited capacity and fills quickly.
- The main attractions include the Ellenville Fault Ice Caves, Sam's Point Overlook with panoramic views, Verkeerderkill Falls, Lake Maratanza, and the unique dwarf pitch pine barrens ecosystem.
- Yes, dogs are permitted at Sam's Point Preserve, but they must be kept on a 6-foot leash. Be aware that some parts of the Ice Caves trail may be challenging for dogs due to ladders and narrow passages.
Recent snaps at this place
May 7, 2026
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Photo attribution
(c) wormgirlnyc, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Jun 2, 2026
Jun 2, 2026
Jun 2, 2026
May 28, 2026
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