Last updated: November 7, 2024
Thing to Do
Hike the Minisink Battleground Park Trail System
NPS
Spend an hour or less on a walk on bright mossy trails and through peaceful forest, with options for both shorter or longer hikes through the winding trails of this county park. Get not just your fill of nature—with towering trees, ponds and small streams, and impressive rock structures—but also a taste of history. The park is the only site in the Upper Delaware Valley region to have seen a major Revolutionary War battle. Interpretive information and monuments to those who lost their lives at the Battle of Minisink are available for visitors to learn from and pay their respects.
The Minisink Battleground Park Trail System includes three winding and intersecting trails: The Battleground Trail, the Old Quarry/Rockshelter Trail, and the Woodland Trail. Taking the outer loop of the trail system along the Old Quarry Tail and then onto the Woodland Trail is approximately 1 mile, although the total mileage of the combined trails is greater. The approximately elevation gain is 137 feet (42m). Please be mindful of potentially wet and muddy conditions, especially after heavy rainfall.
Restrooms are available and are located next to the main parking area, at the interpretive center. There is also a covered picnic shelter area available for the public to use.
This trail system is located within Minisink Battleground Park, which is owned and managed by Sullivan County Parks and Recreation.
Please note Minisink Battleground Park is closed December 1 - April 30.
Parking
There is a paved parking lot located within Minisink Battleground Park. This park is able to accommodate approximately 20 vehicles and there are designated accessible parking spots available.
Safety
Please exercise caution and situational awareness with weather conditions while hiking.
During all seasons, there is always a risk of ticks. Please check for ticks on yourself and any pets after hiking.
Please note that there is very limited cell connectivity in the area and cell phones may not receive signal along the river or on the hike.
Leave No Trace and Pack It In, Pack It Out
Please practice "Leave No Trace" principles and do not litter or leave any waste, including animal waste, behind. Take waste with you and dispose of it properly.
This trail is managed by Sullivan County of New York. Parts of the trail are close to or surrounded by private property. Please stay on the trail.
Details
Duration
30-120 Minutes
The trail system at Minisink Battleground Park is a rough 1-mile (1.6km) loop, though hiking distance and time can vary depending on what trails one chooses to take. The elevation gain is approximately 137 feet (42m).
Activity
Backcountry Hiking
Moderately easy trail, mostly flat with some portions of trails containing moderate inclines. Elevation change is approximately 137 ft (42m). Trail is uneven with rocks, tree roots, and potential for mud and standing water, especially after heavy rain. Trail is surrounded by private property, so please stay on the trail and practice “Leave No Trace” principles.
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pets are welcome to hike alongside people in Minisink Battleground Park. However, there are restrictions for the safety of the park, resources, wildlife, other visitors, and the pet. Please keep pets on a leash while on the trail and pet waste must be collected by pet owners and carried out.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Minisink Battleground Park
From New York Route 97, on the New York side of the Roebling Bridge, turn east up a steep slope onto Minisink Battleground Road (County Route 168). Travel 0.8 miles (1.3km) and the entrance to Minisink Battleground Park will be on the left.
Scroll to bottom of a page for a map.
Scroll to bottom of a page for a map.
Reservations
No
Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
The Minisink Battleground Trail System is open May through November. Please exercise caution and situational awareness with weather conditions while hiking. Be mindful the trail may get muddy after heavy rain and slippery in wet, snowy, and icy conditions. During all seasons, there is always a risk of ticks. Please check for ticks on yourself and any pets after hiking.
Time of Day
Day, Dawn
Minisink Battleground Park is open from 8 AM to dusk.
Accessibility Information
This is a moderately easy trail which although mostly flat, does have a few moderate inclines depending on which trails you choose to take. Notable inclines include parts of the trail from the parking area to Minisink Monument, and on the Rockshelter Trail to the Minisink Spring. However, major inclines can be avoided by avoiding certain trail paths over others.
Trail path is mossy, sometimes with rocks, mud, and tree roots, and is approximately 4 feet wide (1.2m) though it may narrow on some parts of the trails.
Accessible parking spots are available at the main parking area.
NPS