A great place for running: Minnewaska preserve

By Pete Colaizzo
Poughkeepsie Journal

Horses are still permitted on the trails these days. But what was once the sole province of the rich and famous of the late 19th century is now the unforgettable and breathtaking experiences for lovers of off-road running.

Runners the world over talk about Boulder, Colo., and Albuquerque as ideal training havens, with miles of off-road possibilities. Runners in the mid-Hudson region have their own world-class bliss, and its launching point is usually Minnewaska State Park and Preserve in Ulster County, located west of New Paltz off Routes 44/55.

''I had a friend who was an outstanding runner,'' said Steve Schallenkamp of the New Paltz-based Shawangunk Runners. ''And he really thought the Shawangunk Ridge was nicer than the trails in Boulder. He thought they were more runnable.''

Schallenkamp's club puts on two races each year from Minnewaska: The Summer Solstice 15-kilometer in mid-June and the After The Leaves Have Fallen 20km in early November. Both races are run exclusively on carriage trails and both provide runners with something no road race could ever offer.

''On a clear day,'' Schallenkamp said, ''there is a vista where you can see parts of five different states. And the ridge itself was formed in the glacial era 40,000 years ago. You can still see glacial scratches in the rocks. It's like looking back in time 40,000 years.''

Try finding that in your average, hometown 5K.

Visitors to Minnewaska will get an idea of what to expect when driving to the parking area. The park's main access road climbs and curves, and climbs and curves, and climbs and curves some more. So, too, do the carriage trails.

The Summer Solstice run begins will essentially an uphill climb for the first several miles. But alas, what goes up, must come down.

''When you get to the top of that hill it feels so good,'' said LaGrange runner and Mid-Hudson Road Runners

Darryl Bautista/Poughkeepsie Journal A rock overhang dwarfs a runner in the Summer Solstice race at Minnewaska State Park Preserve.

Club member Irv Miller of the 15km race, which is run in June every year. ''The rest of the race is downhill and level.''

Added Mary DeNitto of Rhinebeck, who has finished among the top 15 in her age group at the last four Boston Marathons: ''I have run a couple of the foot races held at Minnewaska State Park and have completed the Survival of the Shawangunks Triathlon (the run and swim legs of the triathlon are in the park). The run from Lake Awosting to Minnewaska has beautiful views of the lake and mountains and the run from Lake Minnewaska to Lake Mohonk is very peaceful.''

Conni Grace, another MHRRC member, does most of her off-road running on the Appalachian Trail in eastern Dutchess County. But she has run both Minnewaska races and enjoyed them.

''It's not as rugged as the AT,'' Grace said, ''but it's beautiful up there.''

The carriage trails provide an almost road-like width not usually found in off-road running. Additionally, the footing is not treacherous, making Minnewaska an ideal spot for someone not comfortable with more sophisticated trail running.

Challenging trails, too

Despite this, Minnewaska does offer challenging, single-track trail running off the main carriage trails for those seeking additional thrills -- and possibly spills.

Onteora Runners Club President Debbie Briggs trains and organizes races on single-track trails in northern Dutchess County near her Rhinebeck home. When she goes to Minnewaska, it is these types of trails she seeks.

''There are plenty of hills and the views are gorgeous,'' Briggs said. ''Off the carriage roads, there are beautiful single-track trails. It's nice stuff.''

The park opens each day at 9 a.m. Daily user fees and closing times are posted, and each are adjusted according to the season.

The park attracts a bevy of recreational sports enthusiasts: Hikers, cross country skiers, cyclists, swimmers, scuba divers, horseback riders, fishers and boaters.