Five of us met in New Paltz to car pool and met six others at the upper parking lot at Minnewaska. We ordinarily walk on the carriage path surrounding the lake but Dave had done some research and suggested a different route.
It was hazy then partially sunny and a bit humid. We had planned this walk for the end of June hoping that the mountain laurel would be in bloom. It was past its prime at lower locations but, happily, in full bloom at Minnewaska's higher elevation.
We started out on the Beacon Hill Carriage Road, a nice wide, paved path with plenty of laurel at the side and through the woods. We then encountered the footpath that wound up the hillside to eventually intersect with the lake. Seven of us decided to try it and four opted to return to the parking area.
The footpath was up and down the hill with much of it over rocky terrain. I wouldn't have been able to make it over some of the rocks [short legs & not great balance] without some helping hands and an occasional "boost." It was somewhat strenuous and we all worked up a sweat. Speaking for myself, but I think the others would agree, it was a great walk with beautiful scenery. Good job Dave!!
Eight of us brunched at the College Diner in New Paltz.
I got carried away with photos and am sharing quite a few below.
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| here's a map of the trail |
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| mountain laurel closeup |
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| we saw many beautiful bushes |
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| this was a really nice trail |
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| another closeup |
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| more laurel views |
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| colorful mushroom |
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| precarious tree |
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| more mushrooms |
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| great view from the carriage path -Skytop at Mohonk in distance left of center |
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| New Paltz is beyond notch on right |
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| closeup of the Trapps and entrance to Peters Kill trail |
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| Skytop |
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| we're at the footpath - do we try it or go back? |
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| last view of the carriage path |
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| the trail beginning looked a bit precarious but 7 of us opted to go on |
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| the trail was very rocky in places |
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| but not everywhere |
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| more mountain laurel |
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| through the laurel & over the rocks |
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| the happy walkers |
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| we're getting near the lake |
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| this rock "formation" doesn't look natural |
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| pretty, tiny white flowers along the trail |
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| negotiating an uphill |
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| interesting wood |
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| one of many views from the path |
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| the red dots indicate the foot path |
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| view of the lake |
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| view of the beach across the lake |
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| we relaxed here for a few minutes |
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| we usually walk the trail under this bridge - this time we went over |
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| mama mallard watching her babies as they're being fed |
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| close up of the house and a hawk or turkey vulture |
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| the lake with view of the cliffside house |
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| this is where the ducks were and is out of order |
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