Route: Castle Point (NY)

Castle Point is arguably the best viewpoint in the Shawangunk Mountains, a world class climbing destination 10 miles west of New Paltz, NY. This ridge is home to miles of dramatic white cliffs and ledges, pristine "sky lakes," and small unusually shaped pine trees. From Castle Point you can see High Point State Park in New Jersey, the Catskills, Lake Awosting, Storm King Mountain, Breakneck Ridge and much of the Hudson River Valley. Castle Point is one of the highest points on the very scenic Shawangunk Ridge Trail.

This route is a climb from the parking lot gate at the Awosting Reserve Access (at around 520' above sea level) up to the sign for Castle Point (2180') via whatever route you choose. The gpx track provided is one of the shorter more technical options. Most people do this in around 5 1/2 to 6 miles but it can be done in around 4, or perhaps less for the more adventurous. There are a few other trailheads that provide access to Castle Point but they charge a parking fee and are generally quite busy.

Related route:

Shawangunk Ridge Trail