Gunks closed d/t fire?!

Just saw this on my facebook feed, Gunks closed for a fire?

parks.ny.gov/parks/127/deta…

Peterskill and Minnewaska are closed down. Mohonk Preserve is still open as of this morning.

As said - Minnewaska(Peteskill/Dickie Barre) is closed, but Mohonk is open.

HOPEFULLY they'll get that fire put out by next weekend, but just as an FYI - if Minnewaska Park is not open by then, the MP will be INSANE with visitors/parking. Sunday was the most absurd thing most of us have ever seen. People were not aware that Minnewaska was closed, and that combined with a beautiful day to be out, had the Minnie people flocking to the preserve. Parking lost ALL quickly filled except for Spring Farm. People were not taking No Parking for an answer, and put their vehicles on the road - stretching from the West Trapps lot on 44/55 west to Clove, and then down Clove for a good 1/3 mile or so till the drop just before the curve.

If you will travel up this coming weekend, you may want to check status with Minnewaska State Park - If they are closed, you will want to be parked at MP BEFORE 9:30, I would say. Maybe even earlier, if it is a beautiful day, since Minni peoples may also decide to go to MP early.

ALSO NOTE: There is a smoking ban on the preserve at present - NO SMOKING!

Happiegrrrl wrote:As said - Minnewaska(Peteskill/Dickie Barre) is closed, but Mohonk is open. HOPEFULLY they'll get that fire put out by next weekend, but just as an FYI - if Minnewaska Park is not open by then, the MP will be INSANE with visitors/parking. Sunday was the most absurd thing most of us have ever seen. People were not aware that Minnewaska was closed, and that combined with a beautiful day to be out, had the Minnie people flocking to the preserve. Parking lost ALL quickly filled except for Spring Farm. People were not taking No Parking for an answer, and put their vehicles on the road - stretching from the West Trapps lot on 44/55 west to Clove, and then down Clove for a good 1/3 mile or so till the drop just before the curve. If you will travel up this coming weekend, you may want to check status with Minnewaska State Park - If they are closed, you will want to be parked at MP BEFORE 9:30, I would say. Maybe even earlier, if it is a beautiful day, since Minni peoples may also decide to go to MP early. ALSO NOTE: There is a smoking ban on the preserve at present - NO SMOKING!

The preserve's Rock the Ridge ultra marathon fundraising event is this weekend too. A good chunk of the course was supposed to be at Minnewaska but no word yet if / where they will re-route.

Between the RtR race, expected good weather, the falcon closure of the middle of the Trapps, and possible Peterskill closure (but I'm optimistic that today's rain will get the fire under control if not totally out), I'm thinking Saturday will be a zoo of epic proportions. What could possibly make it worse? Hopefully it's not a Canadian holiday of some sort, or Parents Weekend at the college.

North to the Adirondacks this weekend it is.

I've seen some posts on FB that say the fire is out. Hoping that's right.

Edit(Thursday, 4/28): The above seems it was wrong. Heard on this morning's news that as of last evening the fire was 60% contained, and had burned over 1900 acres.

Medic741 wrote:North to the Adirondacks this weekend it is.

The gunks have turned into a circus goat rope joke!!

Looks like Minnewaska will be open Saturday at both 44/55 entrances,based on the state park's website. Access to Sam's Point is out of course, but climbing should be good at Peter's Kill and people will be able to hike Lake Minnewaska etc. Not so bad.

Map of closures due to Sam's Point Fire

Still on topic - Tappan Zee northbound is down to one lane on Sat/Sun, so plan accordingly.

Are any of the climbing areas closed? We're driving from Wisconsin to hopefully climb in the Gunks 5/16 and 5/17 (next week). I'm thinking one day in the Peterskill area and one day in some other area but flexible.

I read the parks.ny.gov site but it seems out of date now.

Nope, GUNKS are open, some seasonal falcon closures. IMO if all you have is 2 days I'd spend both in the trapps or near trapps, peters kill is a cluster on weekends, at least in the trapps/nears you can always find good lines that are open

edit: doh that's a weekday. Disregard

Thanks for the replies, I appreciate your help!

Bill Kirby wrote: Thank you! That's a great idea.. It's a big week at work (earnings) so I was planning on calling some friends and head up there to celebrate or cry over losses. Looks like I'll be on a bicycle not on rock.

Morgan Patterson wrote: pm or analyst?

Bill Kirby wrote: Scalper