Awosting Falls: a little walk, a lasting memory.

Where is Awosting Falls?

Awosting Falls is inside Minnewaska State Park Preserve, on the Shawangunk Ridge in Ulster County. The main entrance address listed by New York State Parks is 5281 Route 44-55, Kerhonkson, NY 12446. Use the official park map to choose the correct parking area for your plan.

Make the waterfall the anchor for the outing. Choose your starting point, decide how much walking feels comfortable, and leave space for a proper break. A good day does not need every landmark on the map.

How long is the Awosting Falls hike? Start with the parking area.

The official trail map estimates 2.5 miles round trip and about 1.5 hours to Awosting Falls from the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center. That estimate belongs to that starting point. It is not a universal distance from every parking area, and time at the falls or extra stops can make the outing longer.

The map marks both upper and lower parking areas. Ask park staff which route and parking area suit your group, and follow the marked route. Save the map before you arrive; do not choose a distance from a search snippet without checking where the walk begins.

For children, take the walk at a pace that leaves energy for the return. Choose comfortable footwear with grip and keep little explorers close at edges and near water. Do not assume that a carriage road makes every part of the outing suitable for a stroller or wheelchair; ask the visitor center about the exact route and current surface conditions.

Can you swim at Awosting Falls?

No. New York State Parks prohibits swimming in the preserve’s streams and waterfalls. Treat the pool below the falls as scenery, not a swimming destination. Follow barriers and posted directions, and enjoy the view from permitted areas.

Lake swimming is a separate seasonal activity with designated areas and its own rules. Check the official page before adding it to your day. The waterfall pool and a designated lake beach are different places.

Our SunnyDays way to enjoy a waterfall stop

Our photographs capture the contrast that makes this stop memorable: pale layers of rock, a dark pool and bright leaves overhead. Give everyone a moment to notice their own favorite detail before taking the next photo.

Try a small discovery game from a safe stopping place: find three colors, describe the sound of the water, and spot a shape in the rock. Leave stones and plants where they are. Later, at a seated break, sketch the scene from memory and compare what each person noticed.

Our photo collection also includes a lake view from the outing. Keep a lake stop optional and plan it separately on the map. Waterfall time, a simple packed lunch in a permitted area and an unhurried return can be enough.

What to pack for an Awosting Falls day trip

Start with drinking water, snacks or a ready-to-eat lunch, a weather layer, personal essentials, a charged phone, a saved map and a compact first aid kit. Put the things you will reach for first near the top of the bag. Bring a bag for every wrapper and leftover.

The preserve asks visitors to carry everything out and does not permit cooking or barbecuing. Plan a simple lunch that is ready to eat, then use a designated picnic area. You can make the meal feel special without bringing a camp kitchen.

Below are a few existing SunnyDays Amazon picks for carrying water and keeping a day bag organized. We have not tested these products on this outing. Start with what you own, and check the linked listing for the exact item, fit and current availability.

Before you go: leave room for a change of plan

Read the park’s current alerts before leaving and again if conditions change. A sunny photograph cannot tell you whether a route is icy, a parking lot is full or a trail is closed today. Choose a turnaround time that leaves plenty of room before the posted closing time.

Save a weather alternative and keep the day flexible. A shorter outing that everyone enjoys is a better memory than a route that leaves someone struggling on the return. For another Hudson Valley idea, explore our Bear Mountain family guide; for another waterfall story, visit our Watkins Glen guide.

A few more moments from our outing.