Cannabis Dispensary Near Minnewaska State Park Preserve
The closest Farmers Choice to Minnewaska State Park Preserve is our New Paltz farm stand, about 11 miles away, roughly a 20-minute drive.
Farmers Choice New Paltz
What is Minnewaska State Park Preserve?
Minnewaska State Park Preserve protects more than 24,000 acres at the top of the Shawangunk ridge, built around two sky lakes, Lake Minnewaska and Lake Awosting, with white conglomerate cliffs, huckleberry ledges, pitch pine barrens, and some of the smoothest carriage roads in New York. Awosting Falls drops sixty feet just inside the entrance, and the park's upper reaches roll on toward Sam's Point and the ice caves country at the southern end of the ridge. It is the state-park half of the Gunks, bigger and wilder than its neighbors.
Why it is worth the trip
The payoff-to-effort ratio is hard to beat anywhere in New York. The Lake Minnewaska loop serves up cliff-top views inside the first half mile, Awosting Falls is an easy walk from the lot, and the long carriage roads out to Lake Awosting reward anyone who wants a full day and a swim at the end of it. Cyclists get miles of car-free gravel, swimmers get a mountaintop lake in summer, and leaf-peepers get the single best drive-up panorama in Ulster County. It is the classic Gunks postcard, and it looks even better in person.
Plan your visit
There is a per-car entrance fee and the main lot fills fast on summer and fall weekends, sometimes before ten, after which the park meters entry until spots open. From Farmers Choice New Paltz, take Route 299 west through the village and climb Route 44/55 past the hairpin to the park entrance, about twenty minutes. Peregrine falcon nesting closes some cliff trails in spring, the lake swimming area runs seasonally with lifeguards, and winter flips the carriage roads over to cross-country ski trails when the snow cooperates.
Good to know
Locals treat Minnewaska as a four-season habit rather than a bucket-list stop: waterfalls in April, lake swims in July, the huckleberry ledges in October, and skis or spikes in January. If the main gate line looks long, the Awosting lot down the road often has room and puts you on the quieter western carriage roads. The park sits in Gardiner and Kerhonkson, so a visit pairs easily with the orchards and farm stands along Routes 44/55 and 208 on the way back down, and sunset from the Lake Minnewaska overlook is the cheapest great view in the county.
Make Farmers Choice part of the day
Minnewaska days start and end on Route 299, and the farm stand sits right where that road meets the Thruway, so it is on your line no matter which lot you parked in. Order Online from the New Paltz menu on your way off the ridge and pick up before the drive home, or Come Visit and browse the shelves while the weekend traffic clears. A valid 21+ ID is all you need, and the store is open until 10PM daily, so even a sunset hike makes it back in time.
1 Old Route 299, New Paltz, NY 12561, get directionsDaily 8AM to 10PM845-419-2420Find us on the way
Farmers Choice New Paltz sits at 1 Old Route 299, right where Route 299 meets NYS Thruway Exit 18, about 11 miles from Minnewaska State Park Preserve.
Minnewaska State Park Preserve questions
Is there a dispensary near Minnewaska State Park?
Yes. Farmers Choice New Paltz is about 11 miles from the park entrance, roughly a 20-minute drive down Route 44/55 and Route 299 at Thruway Exit 18.
How early should I get to Minnewaska on a weekend?
Aim for before 10AM on summer and fall weekends. The main Lake Minnewaska lot fills quickly, and once it is full the park meters entry until spots open.
What is the easiest walk at Minnewaska?
Awosting Falls is a short, mostly flat walk from the lower lot, and the Lake Minnewaska carriage road loop is about two miles with constant views. Both suit visitors who want scenery without a scramble.
Can you swim at Minnewaska?
Yes, in season. Lake Minnewaska has a designated swimming area with lifeguards in summer, and the hike-in beach at Lake Awosting rewards anyone willing to earn it on foot or by bike.
Does Minnewaska cost anything?
There is a per-vehicle entrance fee collected at the gate. Empire Pass holders enter without the daily fee, and the lot can cap out on peak days regardless, so early is still smart.
Can I pick up an online order after a day at the park?
Yes. Place your order from the New Paltz menu before you leave the ridge and it is usually ready within the hour. The store is open until 10PM daily, so late hikes still make it.