The State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the Palisades Interstate Park Commission (PIPC) have announced the reopening of historic cliffside steps at Sam’s Point area of Minnewaska State Park Preserve after a three-year rebuilding project.
The Lenape Steps were constructed originally in the 1860s by Thomas Botsford, who subsequently built a hotel nearby against the base of the escarpment. After the hotel was destroyed by fire in 1874, the steps remained in use, but gradually fell into disrepair from damage caused by water, freezing temperatures and thawing.
“Having the Lenape Steps restored to their former glory represents another improvement to one of the Hudson Valley’s premier recreational attractions,” said State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid. “This gives visitors a now much-safer way to reach Sam’s Point, the highest point on the Shawangunk Ridge with its panoramic vistas.”
Restoration of the stairs was the result of a three-year project by about 50 volunteers from the Jolly Rovers, a Hudson Valley group specializing in the building of natural stone pathways in difficult to reach areas.
“The Commission was very pleased to partner with the Jolly Rovers to support the restoration of the Lenape Steps,” said Palisades Interstate Parks Commission (PIPC) Executive Director Joshua Laird. “This project brings back a historic feature that has helped visitors reach Sam’s Point, the highest point on the Shawangunk Ridge, for over 150 years. We salute the Rovers for their dedication and hard work that helps us keep important park trails and stonework in good shape for the future.”
The view from the bottom of the Lenape steps.
Starting in July 2019, volunteer crews from the Jolly Rovers primarily using hand tools cut, shaped, and set about 100 stone steps made from nearby boulders. More…
Sam’s Point
Momma Lo cooking ribs. Photo by E.M. Marcus