L-R: Rich Koening, Gardiner resident; Joe Katz, Gardiner Town Supervisor; Glenn Hoagland, Executive Director, Mohonk Preserve; Al Wegener, Executive Director, Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway. ( Photo courtesy of Mohonk Preserve)

GARDINER - In order to provide visitors to the Shawangunk Mountains with more opportunities to enjoy the beauty of the region, the Town of Gardiner and the Mohonk Preserve have been taking action to improve the Wallkill Valley Scenic Overlook area on U.S. Route 44/State Route 55, just west of the Preserve’s Visitor Center below the Trapps Cliffs.

Despite a longstanding 30-minute parking limit, for several years the area was used for longer-term parking for easy access to the Preserve’s climbing areas and carriage roads. As a result, the scenic overlook was often filled with cars all day and entry and exit could be hazardous.

Starting in mid-May, additional parking limit signs were placed at the pull-off and the Town of Gardiner started issuing warnings to violators. Mohonk Preserve rangers authorized to act on behalf of the Town began to issue parking tickets. The effort has been successful. With the Overlook now clear much of the time, many visitors have begun to take the opportunity to stop, look around, and orient themselves to the region.

“We don’t enjoy limiting parking or ticketing people, but we have an obligation to fulfill the original purpose of the scenic overlook from when it was installed in 1930,” says Joe Katz, Gardiner Town Supervisor. “Travelers really prize quiet spots to rest, get out of their cars, and take in the beautiful view. Many people have been, and will continue to be, involved in making this possible.”

Over the coming year, the Town of Gardiner and Mohonk Preserve will collaborate with the Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway and the New York State Department of Transportation to develop plans to improve the scenic overlook for public benefit. Steps will include landscaping and a kiosk with information on the natural and cultural history of the area and efforts to protect land and the environment. This project will serve as a model for the 85-mile Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway system of roads, designated by the State in 2006.

“The Preserve offers 450 accessible, safe parking spots at four off-road lots, and we really appreciate the cooperation of visitors in efforts to restore the overlook so it’s not just a place to park cars,” says Glenn Hoagland, Executive Director of Mohonk Preserve. “It’s exciting to envision the area as an attractive place that encourages visitors and local residents to truly enjoy traveling through the Shawangunks.”