Stroll over wooden bridges, gape at a peaceful lake, and listen to the sounds of rippling streams. In just 1.9 short miles, you’ll see unimaginable beauty. You don’t have to be an expert hiker in order to experience the Lake Minnewaska Loop Trail. This easy hike in New York is less than two miles and takes you to a gorgeous waterfall.

The clear pathways are well-maintained and easy to follow.

David Mrsich/AllTrails It’s easy to see why New Yorkers adore this natural oasis.

You don’t have to have years of hiking experience under your belt.

J.Karl Sanchez/AllTrails Just pack a water bottle and wear comfortable shoes. Adventure awaits!

This breathtaking hike will lead you through whimsical surroundings.

Garson Xie/AllTrails You’ll feel like you entered another world. Rustic wooden bridges seem like things only found in storybooks.

Listen to the calming sounds from the creek.

OMI ROHA/AllTrails

Soon, you’ll be greeted with an even more astonishing sight.

Jennifer Pawenski/AllTrails

The gushing waterfall is simply breathtaking.

OMI ROHA/AllTrails Stay a while and absorb the view. Nature has a way of completely relaxing you.

The spectacles don’t end there. Keep climbing to the top and gape at the land below.

Nick Horelik/AllTrails In the Fall, this sight is especially wonderful. There’s nothing like staring at forest of colorful trees below.

Pack a picnic and relax a while.

Aliona Dronyak/AllTrails You won’t want to rush away from this vision. Why not stop and smell the roses?

As the sun sets, the lake feels tranquil and serene.

Julia McCullagh/AllTrails You’ll fall in love with Minnewaska Lake, and this breezy trail is the best way to explore it. Address: Hamilton Point Trail, Gardiner, NY 12525. To learn more, visit the Minnewaska State Park Preserve website here.

Have you explored this easy trail yet? Where’s your favorite place to hike in New York? If you need more ideas, check out these 12 out of this world hiking spots.

David Mrsich/AllTrails

It’s easy to see why New Yorkers adore this natural oasis.

J.Karl Sanchez/AllTrails

Just pack a water bottle and wear comfortable shoes. Adventure awaits!

Garson Xie/AllTrails

You’ll feel like you entered another world. Rustic wooden bridges seem like things only found in storybooks.

OMI ROHA/AllTrails

Jennifer Pawenski/AllTrails

Stay a while and absorb the view. Nature has a way of completely relaxing you.

Nick Horelik/AllTrails

In the Fall, this sight is especially wonderful. There’s nothing like staring at forest of colorful trees below.

Aliona Dronyak/AllTrails

You won’t want to rush away from this vision. Why not stop and smell the roses?

Julia McCullagh/AllTrails

You’ll fall in love with Minnewaska Lake, and this breezy trail is the best way to explore it. Address: Hamilton Point Trail, Gardiner, NY 12525. To learn more, visit the Minnewaska State Park Preserve website here.

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