Ice Caves Fall Hike

Sam's Point Area,
Minnewaska State Park,
Ulster Co.,
New York

Hiking Trails:
Loop Road: Unblazed
Long Path: Green blaze
Lenape Steps: Unblazed
Ice Caves Road Path: Unblazed
Ice Caves Trail: White Trail

Total Time: 2:00 hour
Estimated Distance: 3.5 Miles

Pros: Great views, really cool ice caves
Cons: Entrance fee, limited parking, lack of shade
Hike Type: Back and out
Level of Difficulty: Difficult

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZQy72hFnPJubXFud7

I have been to the Ice Caves many times, but hadn't been in the area recently. Was glad to finally go on this beautiful early fall day. I parked in the Sam's Point parking lot (note there is a reservation here on weekends) and hiked up the trail to Sam's Point. I found that the steps going up to the top were refurbished into an official trail called "Lenape Steps" and the cave off the path was sealed off. I continued along the trail, which was uncomfortably hot in the head without shade, and then took the Ice Caves Trail. Upon completed the Ice Caves Loop, I went back along the same route.

Sam's Point in the Distance from the Parking Area

Signs at the Beginning of the Hike

Rocks Below Sam's Point

New Sign for Refurbished Lenape Steps

Lenape Steps Trail

Recently Closed Crevice

Sam's Point View

Loop Road with Miniature Pitch Pines

Approach to Ice Caves

Descending the Steps Into the Ice Caves

Inside the Largest Cave in the Ice Cave

More Ice Caves Terrain

View Exiting the Ice Caves