Sam's Point Preserve

Sam's Point Preserve is a 4,600-acre protected area located at the highest elevation of Shawangunk Ridge with several natural features. The site contains Lake Maratanza, rare dwarf pitch pines, and the Ellenville Fault Ice Caves.

The land was originally protected as village watershed and was later converted to conservation land through efforts by the Open Space Institute and The Nature Conservancy. This transformation took place during the 20th century and ensured the long-term preservation of the site.

The Sam's Point Conservation Center, opened in 2005, displays information about regional plant and animal life for visitors interested in learning more. The exhibits explain how rare dwarf pine trees and cave ecosystems thrive in this highland environment.

Visitors need to reserve parking on weekends and holidays from April through November, as spots fill up quickly during these periods. Planning ahead for your visit helps avoid delays and ensures you can access the trails and cave areas.

The Ellenville Fault Ice Caves maintain ice formations throughout the year due to unique temperature conditions within the cave system. This rare phenomenon allows northern plant species to survive in this southern highland location.