Name: Rock the Ridge 50 Miler
Rating: 5.0

“50 mile exploration of the highlights of Shawangunks.”

— Wayne Chan

Official Details: mohonkpreserve.org/rock-the-ridge

Race - May 2, 2020

GPX File

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Spring · Swimming · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

All trail exploration of the Shawangunks connecting all three major lakes in the area on mostly carriage trails with amazing views.

Description

The race starts just outside of downtown New Paltz at a very grand gate which delineates the entry into the preserve. From there, it's a relatively steep climb into the preserve. This leads to carriage trails near Mohonk Mountain House, eventually weaving its way to the tower at Skytop Tower, which offers amazing 360 degree views of the preserve and the Shawangunk mountains southwest.

From here, a gentle descent leads to a gentle trail from the rhondendron bridge to the cliffs. A more rugged trail follows towards Lake Minnewaska. A long climb follows this towards Lake Awosting. This section is a long loop on carriage trails back towards Lake Minnewaska. The trail then doubles back on itself before splitting off in front of cliffs. After returning to the rhododendron bridge, there is a gentle descent back to the start line.