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Gertrude's Nose

Gardiner, New York

4.9/5
based on 8 reviews

Details

Distance

6.97 miles

Elevation Gain

919 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Kelly Phillips

Gertrude's Nose, close to New Paltz, is a great day trip if you're looking for a workout and offers stunning views and beautiful rock formations.

It would be impossible to see all of Minnewaska’s beautiful spots in one day. Gertrude's Nose is, in my opinion, the best view in the entire park. Round trip, the hike is approximately 5 hours, and is a 7.5 mile trip.

To get to the trailhead: Drive to the Minnewaska State Park entrance, pass the main entrance, and drive up the hill until you reach the highest lot. From there, walk over to the spot that overlooks Lake Minnewaska.

From there, take the carriage road right and follow the red blazes for a ways. This part of the hike is easy and relaxing.

Keep walking on the carriage road until you reach Millbrook Mountain Carriage Road with yellow blazes. Take that and bear left when the path splits. We stopped for a little to take photos of the views, which are AMAZING. Definitely take time to stretch, sit down, chat... make a day of it. Try and pick a day to do this with a clear forecast, because it's not easy to get back once you're off the trail, and you'll be disappointed if you have to turn around before reaching the end.

When you reach the point marked with triple red blazes, take the road less traveled. (See what I did there?)

The path off the carriage road can get a little tricky. There’s some crevasses you’ll have to hop over, a steep rocky drop you’ll have to climb down, and then up the way back. It’s tough, but totally worth it.

The trip there is around 3.5 miles. Minnewaska is beautiful and should be savored. These views are priceless.

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Features

Fitness
Rock Climbing
Photography
Hiking
Bathrooms
Food Nearby
Forest
Lake
Scenic

Gertrude's Nose Reviews

The carriage roads may seem like a bore to start the hike, but you move off them quickly and see some gorgeous views all along the hike. This was my first hike in the area years ago, and I was hooked after the first viewpoint!

Gertrude's nose offers great views of the Hudson Valley. This hike is especially stunning during fall.

This hike is one of the best in the entire Hudson Valley. Once you get off the carriage roads, every inch of the trail is interesting and fun, and the views are insane!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Lake Minnewaska Loop Trail

Hike the Millbrook Mountain/Gertrude Nose loop

Hike The Millbrook Mountain Ridge Trail

Hike the Dickie Barre, Peters Kill and Awosting Falls Loop

Hike the Overcliff - Undercliff Road Loop

Hike to Sky Top via the Undercliff Road