Honestly, if you’re heading to the Shawangunks for the first time, you’re probably aiming for the Trapps. It’s the famous spot. The postcard cliff. But if you want to actually breathe, maybe find a parking spot after 9:00 AM, and avoid the "climbing gym with trees" vibe, you need to turn into the gravel lot for Peters Kill at Minnewaska State Park Preserve.
It’s just down the road from the main Minnewaska entrance on Route 44/55. Most people drive right past it. Their loss.
Peters Kill is the rugged, slightly moodier sibling of the main park. It’s where the conglomerate rock—that white quartz stuff the Gunks is famous for—feels a bit more intimate. You aren't staring at a massive vertical wall from a mile away; you’re right in the thick of it, under the shade of pitch pines and hemlocks. It’s one of those places that feels like a secret even though it’s literally listed on the state park map.
Why the Peters Kill Area is a Different Beast
Most of Minnewaska is about wide, groomed carriage roads. They’re great for strollers or bikes. Peters Kill? Not so much. Here, the trails are actual trails. You’ve got roots, mud, and uneven stone slabs.
The Peters Kill stream itself is a highlight. It isn't just a trickle; it has carved out deep pools and actual waterfalls. If you follow the Red Loop, you’ll eventually hit the water. It’s a great spot to just sit. You’ll see people bushwhacking toward Sheldon Falls or the ruins of the old hydroelectric powerhouse, which is super cool if you’re into that "nature reclaiming the industrial past" aesthetic.
The climbing is the real draw, though.
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If the Trapps is the land of the multi-pitch epic, Peters Kill is the capital of the single-pitch day. Most of the routes here are 30 to 70 feet tall. That makes it a magnet for top-roping. But don't let the "top-rope" label fool you—the grades here can be stiff. A 5.9 at Peters Kill often feels like a 5.10 elsewhere.
The Lowdown on the Walls
The "Main Wall" is usually where the crowds go, but even "crowded" here is nothing compared to the Mohonk Preserve on a Saturday in October.
- The Golden Wall: This is the centerpiece. If you see a climber grinning (or swearing) at a beautiful orange-tinted dihedral, they’re probably on The Golden Dream (5.9). It’s basically a rite of passage for local trad climbers.
- Dickie Barre: This is the "new" area—relatively speaking. It was opened for climbing more recently and requires a slightly longer walk, maybe 15 minutes. It’s worth it for the views alone. You’re standing on these huge, flat stone platforms looking out over the valley. It’s weirdly peaceful.
- Bouldering: Most people forget that Peters Kill has some of the best bouldering in the region. Since the rock is so textured, the "problems" are technical and fun. Mentos (V4) is a classic if you’ve got the skin for it.
The Logistics Most People Mess Up
You can’t just roll up and start climbing. The park is strict.
First, there’s a separate fee or a specific permit. As of 2026, you generally need a climbing pass, which is different from the standard $10 vehicle entry fee. You can use an Empire Pass for the vehicle entry, but climbers usually pay a per-person fee. Also, the parking lot is tiny. Like, "oops, I’m 10 minutes late and now I have to go home" tiny.
On a peak fall weekend? You need to be there before 8:30 AM. No joke.
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The rangers at the gatehouse are usually super helpful, but they don't have a lot of leeway. If the lot is full, it’s full. They won't let you idle in the road waiting for a spot.
Hiking the High Peters Kill Trail
If you aren't a climber, you’re here for the High Peters Kill Trail. It’s marked with blue blazes.
It’s about 2.8 miles one way and it’s spectacular. You’ll get these massive, sweeping views of the Rondout Valley and the Catskills in the distance. It’s a lot more rugged than the Lake Minnewaska loops. You're going to be stepping over "V-shaped" rock cracks and navigating some steep-ish sections.
The trail eventually connects to the Mohonk Preserve at the Coxing trailhead. If you do the full loop using the Red Trail and the Blue Trail, you’re looking at about 4-5 miles of moderately strenuous hiking.
A Few Real-World Tips
I’ve spent a lot of time here, and there are things the official brochures won't tell you.
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- Static Rope is King: If you’re top-roping, bring a long static line (at least 60-100 feet). The anchors are often set back from the cliff edge to protect the trees and the fragile soil. You do not want to be that person trying to make a 20-foot cordelette work when you need 50 feet.
- Watch for Copperheads: They live here. Specifically in the rocky talus at the base of the cliffs. They aren't out to get you, but they're very well camouflaged. Just look where you put your hands and feet.
- The Water is Cold: Even in July, the Peters Kill stream is chilly. It’s refreshing, but don't expect a bathtub.
- Dickie Barre's Secret: Most people stay at the Main Wall. If you walk all the way to the right end of Dickie Barre, past the "Fortress" section, the crowds disappear entirely. It’s just you and the pitch pines.
Moving Beyond the Main Entrance
Peters Kill is basically the antidote to the "tourist" version of Minnewaska. You don't get the paved paths, but you do get the silence. You get the smell of the pines without the noise of a hundred people talking at once.
It’s a place that rewards patience. Whether you’re trying to figure out the sequence on a tricky V3 boulder or just trying to find the best angle to photograph the ruins near the falls, it takes time.
If you're planning a trip, skip the main lot once. Try the Peters Kill side. It feels more like the "real" Shawangunks used to be before the Instagram crowds arrived.
Next Steps for Your Visit
To make the most of your day, check the official Minnewaska State Park Preserve website the morning of your trip to confirm the parking lot status. If you're climbing, pick up the "A Rock Climber's Guide to the Peter's Kill Climbing Area" by Marty Molitoris—the 2025/2026 updates are the gold standard for beta. For hikers, download the Avenza Map (Shawangunk Trails #105) so you don't get turned around on the unmarked footpaths near the stream.