Recreation abounds within Wawarsing’s wilderness
Networked by a labyrinth of streams, ponds and other bodies of water, Wawarsing lives up to the origin of its name in upstate New York. The neighborhood’s moniker came from a Lenape name describing it as “where the streams wind,” and flows of water spiderweb the large neighborhood amid a few state routes and several state forests and preserves. The Vernooy Kill State Forest, Rondout Reservoir and Witch’s Hole State Forest are just a few of the region’s prominent topographical features.
Modern-day Wawarsing is known for its recreation on a significant scale, as those forests and preserves are laden with trails and wilderness in which to wander. "It's a rural area," says Karina Galeano, a real estate salesperson with Keller Williams Hudson Valley North. "It borders the Catskill Mountains and the Shawangunk Range. One of the more amazing attractions is Sam's Point, formerly the ice cave mountain. You can hike through the Dwarf Pine Forest -- that's an ecosystem there -- and you can crawl into the ice caves." Along with natural recreation, campgrounds and parks are also scattered throughout Wawarsing.
Sparse homes scattered across the landscape
Architecture in Wawarsing varies widely, ranging from more common ranch-style homes and split-levels to colonials, Cape Cods and cottages. Properties are widely spaced in most parts of the neighborhood, mostly concentrated along several looping, major roads like state routes 52 and 55. Plots of farmland also sit within Wawarsing. Prices generally fall between $250,000 and $450,000 but can vary widely, including some log-cabin-style homes and custom contemporary properties that sell for $700,000 and up. Others can be priced at over $1 million.
Hiking through forests in established state parks
Lippman Park sits just off Route 209 in the northeastern area of Wawarsing, spanning more than 100 acres with nearly 10 miles of trails. Dogs aren’t allowed on the paths at Lippman, but hiking and biking are the most popular activities there. Cape Pond is a popular spot for anglers to cast for bass, and Rondout Reservoir accommodates fishing and boating. and Oak Ridge Multiple Use Area doesn’t have any established amenities on-site, but is frequented by hunters and hikers. “Hiking down the creek, all the way down through the Hudson Valley from Rondout Peak and all through Kerhonkson and Accord, that’s huge,” says Chrissy Paterno, an executive assistant and transaction coordinator for the Quintana Team. “People love to do that and there’s also all kinds of fishing.”
The nearby Minnewaska State Park provides access to Witch’s Hole State Forest, which offers opportunities to hunt, hike, ski or simply take in wildlife in southeastern Wawarsing. In the northern part of the neighborhood, the Vernooy Kill State Forest is popular for snowshoeing and skiing during the winter months. Hiking is another frequent pastime there, but the pure wilderness has no established trails. Portions of the Catskill Forest Preserve and the Sundown Wild Forest also sit within Wawarsing. Both offer natural features like waterfalls and allow hiking, biking, snowmobiling and more.
Ellenville’s town center sits close by
The intersection of state routes 52 and 209 is located in Ellenville, which Wawarsing wraps almost completely around and serves as the town center of the area. Residents head there for most nearby dining options, which range from the Twin Ravens Coffee Company to American fare at Aroma Thyme Bistro. International outlets include Sook House’s Korean selections and a Mexican food menu at Gaby’s Café. In northeast Wawarsing, the Paper Mill Restaurant has a bar, hosts events and even puts on themed nights like murder-mystery dinners. Under two miles up Route 209 from Ellenville sits a ShopRite for grocery needs.
Cultural celebrations in Wawarsing
Northeast Off-Road Adventures facilitates team outings and also provides off-road driving lessons and training. The Soyuzivka Heritage Center, an outlet celebrating Ukrainian culture, is affectionately known as “Suzi-Q” and sits in northeast Wawarsing. The center focuses on the arts, dance and music while putting on camps, seminars and workshops.
State roads running parallel through the neighborhood
New York State Routes 55 and 52 parallel each other through the northwestern and southwestern parts of Wawarsing, respectively, both spanning over 100 miles and extending to the Pennsylvania state line. Route 209 runs through eastern Wawarsing in a span that includes both New York and Pennsylvania, connecting with areas like Kingston. Access to the New York State Thruway sits about 20 miles east near New Paltz.
Education in the Ellenville Central School District
Students living in the Wawarsing region can head into Ellenville for education, where Ellenville’s entire school system sits on one campus. Ellenville Elementary School runs from kindergarten through sixth grade and scores a C with Niche, while Ellenville High School garners a B and offers clubs including student newspaper, yearbook and art organizations.
![Jerome Strauss]()
Photography Contributed By
Jerome Strauss
