You can swim in Lake Minnewaska in the summer. In the winter, you can ski on it. It may be the only flat place to ski in the park. Most of the trails have substantial ups and downs. (Skis are rented at a concession, and you can pay for lessons.)
Trails connect Lake Minnewaska with Lake Awosting. Going from one lake to another and back makes an excellent day-long hike or ski trip.
During all seasons, clmbers come from near and far to scale the cliffs of the Shawangunk Mountains (known affectionately as the Gunks).
There is usually a $5 per person fee, charged to cars coming through the main entrance, to enter the park. Although no camping is allowed in the park, climbers can camp nearby in the Mohonk Preserve. The park is also near Lake Mohonk and Mohonk Mountain Lodge.
Driving directions: Take New York State Thruway to exit 18. Then turn left onto Route 299 and drive through New Paltz and into the countryside till 299 ends. Then turn right on 44-55 and follow that to the park entrance.
Phone: 914-255-0752