Department of Environmental Conservation

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Sam's Point Preserve

Ellenville, Ulster Co.

Rocky ledges of the Shawangunk Ridge, a Northern flicker and two people descending into a cleft in the rocks

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Considered a National Natural Landmark, one of the Earth's Last Great Places, and an Important Bird Area, this awe inspiring preserve along the Shawangunk Ridge is a great place to view a wide variety of raptors and high elevation forest birds, among other wildlife. Sam's Point Preserve features waterfalls, crystalline streams, high-altitude "sky" lakes, dense forests, and sheer cliffs with ledges that open to spectacular views, all within a 90-minute drive of New York City.

Wildlife to Watch

Where to Watch

  • High elevation oak-heath woodlands
  • Dwarf pitch pine barrens
  • Ridge-top lake
  • Ice caves

Recreational Opportunities

  • Accessible visitors center (daily parking fee; buses and motor homes accommodated)
  • Nature trails, with brochures, lookouts and interpretive signs
  • Hunting
  • Birdwatching
  • Snowshoeing

Size

5,400 acres

Closest Town

Ellenville

Directions

See Google Maps and enter your address for step by step directions to Sam's Point Preserve (This link will open a page outside of the DEC website. Hold Shift down while clicking on the link to open it in a new window.)

Contact Information

Telephone: 845-647-7989

Address: 400 Sam's Point Road, Cragsmoor, NY 12420

Website: Sam's Point Preserve (This link leaves DEC's website)

Photo Credits: Gary Gleason, NYSDEC, Cara Lee