Gertrude's Nose Trail is a 7.8 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Gardiner, New York that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from April until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
A beautiful trail with diverse terrain. The views from the south and east are breathtaking. Additionally, the rock outcroppings are truly spectacular. Allow for plenty of time to enjoy the views and pack enough water. Fee ($10) or the Empire Pass card ($80). Machine takes both cash and credit card Dogs are allowed however dogs are not recommended for this trail due to its rocky paths and scrambles.
There are restrooms and informational signs at the trailhead.
Minnewaska State Park Preserve (845) 255-0752
Make sure to be back at your car before the park closes!
January 17, 2021Really fun out there today, spikes a must as there are lots a slippery areas. Great hike for views, some challenging areas, and just overall bliss.
January 2, 2021Because of last nights ice storm, spikes of some sort would be recommended
January 2, 2021January 2, 2021So learned two valuable lessons today, first as great as it is to get to the trail early, the gate opens at 9:00 a.m. no matter what. Second, the early hike is beautiful and you have the trail to yourself, but since the sun has not warmed things up yet, portions of the trail were treacherous with ice. Just means I will come to hike it again with ice gear!
December 29, 2020One of my favorite trails in minnewaska. Lots of amazing views, very cool geology and glacial history and just the right amount of ascents and descents.
December 29, 2020Great views, different kinds of terrain, water features, some rock scrambling. This hike had a little bit of everything!
December 13, 2020December 13, 2020December 13, 2020December 12, 2020Great trek all around, sky was pretty clear when we arrived but the fog came in about halfway through. Brought a very cool atmosphere to the hike. Terrain was not too bad although it did get a little slippery in some areas once the fog came in.
December 6, 2020Beautiful! Has all my favorite parts of a good trail. I definitely agree with other reviews that going left when it’s time for the loop is best! UNLESS it just rained bad the day before, then yes you’ll want some waterproof shoes and if you don’t, you don’t want to start the trail with wet feet (blisters galore). We went a week after some heavy rain fall and we were able to get around walking through water when going left. So just pay attention to the weather before and after! Took us about 4 hours including stoppage time for snacks/lunch.
November 30, 2020Very crowded so make sure you get there early and start left on the trail. Overall beautiful place with great views!
November 29, 2020November 29, 2020Awesome!
November 29, 2020November 29, 2020November 29, 2020November 29, 2020November 29, 2020We went left and it was definitely wet. We have waterproof shoes and no one got ankle deep, so all was well. I would suggest actually going left towards the wetter areas first because it’s a much easier second half when you’re exhausted. The weather varied today from gorgeous (most of the hike) to hail while we were just getting to the nose. We had a blast and it was beautiful. Can’t wait to get back.
November 28, 2020Started recording pretty late, but still a great hike! lots of up and down, reminds you how much your knees do for you! make sure to bring snacks and pack for all the weather differences after fall. we hit sun, wind, hail and a variation of about 10 degrees. the cave is really cool, coming down from minnewaska, would love to explore it proper some day!
November 28, 2020
November 28, 2020I would recommend starting the loop left so it's easier on way back. overall nice views on one side.
November 28, 2020A very very popular trail, though less so once you get off the carriage road, with many complacent or unaware day trippers. Don't start this loop after 1 p.m. at the latest. Check what time sunset is and bring a headlamp, warm layers, etc. If it gets late, consider taking the longer Milbrook Mtn carriage road back, which is wide and level and open to the sky, rather than risk taking the trail from Milbrook back to the lake through Hammock Creek in the dark. We saw three young people in street shoes, no gear, no map, no lights, no water starting that trail after 4 p.m. today. They didn't beat us back to the parking lot and other hikers reported that they were having some trouble. Please stay safe out there!
November 27, 2020State park, 10 bucks to enter. Beautiful trail. I recommend parking near the exit- it adds a few extra miles and some wonderful scenery. Pretty rocky but absolutely worth it.
