Best for beginner divers, 10-26m, shore entry.
Lake Minnewaska is a freshwater wall dive located in the Hudson Valley. Divers access the site via a straightforward shore entry, with the wall dropping to a maximum depth of 26 metres. The average depth is 15 metres, and visibility typically ranges between 5 and 15 metres. A thermocline exists at approximately 7 metres, causing a significant drop in water temperature. Divers should be prepared for cold water conditions, with summer temperatures between 18 and 24 degrees Celsius and near-freezing conditions in winter. The site is suitable for beginners, though careful monitoring of depth and thermal protection is required. Parking and toilets are available on-site.
41.72773, -74.23590
Wear a drysuit or a thick wetsuit, as the water gets noticeably cold below the thermocline even in summer. Shore entry is straightforward, but confirm park access hours before travelling as state park gates have timed closures.
Short walk from parking lot to water along marked trail. Dress at your car or on shore. Dive along wall to your left or right.
Recorded at this site
Depth
10-26m
Visibility
5-15m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Shore
Current
None
Typical Dive
30 min
Yes, the site is suitable for beginners as there is no current to manage, providing a calm environment for building confidence with depth and buoyancy.
The wall drops to a maximum depth of 26 metres, with an average depth of 15 metres.
This is a shore entry dive site.
Hazards include cold water, significant depth, a sharp thermocline at 7 metres, and the presence of jellyfish near the wall.
Due to the cold water and thermocline, divers should wear a drysuit or a thick wetsuit to manage temperature drops.
Diving at Lake Minnewaska State Park in Kerhonkson requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
Visibility at Lake Minnewaska State Park in Kerhonkson typically ranges from 5 metres to 15 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.
