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Gertrude's Nose Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.7 (56)
  1. Areas
  2. NY
  3. …Catskill Region
  4. Minnewaska State Park Preserve
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“A moderate loop with some of the most epic views and neat rock formations in the Hudson Valley. ”

Zander Göpfert
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Map Key

6.5

Miles

10.5

KM

Loop

1,801' 549 m

High

1,329' 405 m

Low

864' 263 m

Up

876' 267 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

21%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · Swimming · Views

Overview

This loop makes for a solid outing on a good mix of dirt carriage roads and wooded singletrack trails. Some of the overlooks and viewpoints on this route are arguably the best in the area with sections of exposed rock to explore. For those who are sensitive to heights or exposure, there are a few instances where you may feel uncomfortable, but the trail is always a safe distance away from any edge.

Description

To access this hike, begin at the Minnewaska Lake parking area and head towards the lake. Take the obvious carriage road/trail running along the lake and head counterclockwise.

Hike down a gentle hill with small rock faces on your right and the lake on the left. A summer swimming area will appear on your left with a nice beach. Continue up the trail as it gradually ascends. There are primitive toilets on the right if nature calls. The trail now gains more elevation and continues to circumnavigate the lake. Listen for water flowing down the rocks and into the lake on your left.

Next, look for the Millbrook Mountain Carriageway, marked by yellow blazes, that begins on the southern corner of Lake Minnewaska. It runs south along the Palmaghatt Ravine edge with a slight uphill climb. The first trail junction is with the Hamilton Point and Castle Point trails which turn to the right. The Millbrook Mountain Carriageway is a left at this juncture.

After 0.8 miles on this trail, you'll come out to the first breathtaking viewpoint at Patterson's Pellet. Continue for another half mile or so until you see the entrance for the Gertrude's Nose Trail (red blazes), which departs to the right. Turn right and continue to follow the lip of the ravine.

Follow the red-blazed trail as it zigzags through bare rock, along the Palmaghatt Ravine, and through stands of trees. It will eventually lead out to a beautiful view at Gertrude's Nose. Along the way, there are some potentially dangerous ascents and descents so take your time and watch your footing.

At Gertrude's Nose, break out a packed lunch or snack and enjoy the well-earned views. From here, continue to follow the red blazes as the trail bends toward the northeast. Just after 4.4 miles, the trail will parallel the Millbrook Mountain Carriageway as both come to an intersection with the Millbrook Ridge Trail and Millbrook Mountain Trail.

From this intersection, look for the sign for Lake Minnewaska and take the Millbrook Mountain Trail to the northwest. You'll descend the hillside and cross Coxing Kill before climbing up the other side to the southern tip of the lake.

Here, turn right back onto the Minnewaska Lake Carriageway and continue around the lake headed counterclockwise back to the parking area.

Contacts

Land Manager: NY State Parks

Shared By:

Zander Göpfert
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 56 votes

#1

in Minnewaska State Park Preserve

#167

Overall
  4.7 from 56 votes
5 Star
70%
4 Star
27%
3 Star
4%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Minnewaska State Park…

#3

in New York

#167

Overall
58 Views Last Month
19,149 Since Nov 1, 2016
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
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Photos

Pretty amazing view points on this hike. Great for photo oops.
Aug 20, 2018 near Kerhonkson, NY
View from a diving board near the top of the trail
Apr 2, 2015 near Kerhonkson, NY
One of the viewpoints before Gertrude’s Nose.
Aug 20, 2018 near Kerhonkson, NY
Autumn views.
Nov 7, 2016 near Kerhonkson, NY
Be sure to stray from the carriage trail and investigate the cliffs overlooking Lake Minnewaska. The peaceful lake with the Catskill Mountains as a backdrop is the perfect way to start this hike.
Aug 26, 2017 near Kerhonkson, NY
Lake Minnewaska from the Minnewaska Lake Carriageway Trail.
May 5, 2015 near Kerhonkson, NY

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Check-Ins

Jul 14, 2024
Shahid Hanif
Aug 16, 2023
Kris E
September 2022 6.5mi
Jul 1, 2023
Marc Corona
Oct 15, 2022
John Eun
Oct 15, 2022
John Eun
Sep 30, 2022
Mike Scott
Jul 14, 2022
Alexander Saff
Jun 22, 2022
Joseph Cordero
Very nice hike, endless scenic views

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