Balanced Rocks Trail Minnewaska
Trails New York Balanced Rocks Trail Minnewaska
New York · ulster County

Balanced Rocks Trail Minnewaska

Shawangunk preserve trail to dramatic rock formations and ridge views.

Rating
Length
3.2 mi
Difficulty
4
County
ulster
Want to Hike Favorite Mark Hiked Log In to Track Hikes

Make a Day Trip

Estimated total time: Varies

Hadley Mountain Fire Tower Trail

Short Adirondack climb to a historic fire tower and broad mountain views.

Time not available

Crane Mountain Trail

Steep and rocky ascent to one of the Lake George region's top viewpoints.

Time not available

Prospect Mountain Trail Lake George

Direct summit route with expansive views above Lake George village.

Time not available

About This Trail

A Shawangunk Ridge trail in Minnewaska State Park Preserve leading to striking quartz conglomerate rock formations perched along the cliff edge. The route winds through dwarf pitch pine barrens and offers expansive views across the Palmaghatt Ravine. Part of the preserve’s 50-plus miles of footpaths on the 24,000-acre ridge.

Location

Loading map...

Coordinates: 43.2994285, -74.21793260000001
Open in Google Maps Open in Apple Maps

Getting There

From New Paltz, take NY-299 west to US-44/55 and continue to Minnewaska State Park Preserve. Park in the upper lot near Lake Minnewaska. The Balanced Rocks Trail is accessible via the carriage roads heading south from the lake.

Nearby Trails

Hadley Mountain Fire Tower Trail

Short Adirondack climb to a historic fire tower and broad mountain views.

View Trail

Crane Mountain Trail

Steep and rocky ascent to one of the Lake George region's top viewpoints.

View Trail

Prospect Mountain Trail Lake George

Direct summit route with expansive views above Lake George village.

View Trail

Green Lakes Round Lake Trail

Easy lake loop around striking glacial meromictic waters.

View Trail

Castle Rock Trail Blue Mountain Lake

Moderate climb to cliff viewpoints above the Blue Mountain Lake area.

View Trail
All Trails

Been to Balanced?

Share your experience and help fellow hikers discover this trail.

Write a Trail Report Report Conditions Upload Photo