High Falls Ellenville New Paltz Rosendale  New Paltz - High Falls The SHAWANGUNK SCENIC BYWAY is an 80-mile network of country roads that surrounds and passes through the northern Shawangunk Mountains. Access the Scenic Byway via New Paltz at Exit 18 on the New York State Thruway. In 1994 The Nature Conservancy designated the Shawangunks one of the 75 "Last Great Places" in the world. Visit them from any point around the Byway. The scenic byway passes through  charming villages set in glorious countryside. Each has its own distinctive character. New Paltz is a bustling urban community housing a branch of SUNY New York, while tiny High Falls pairs sophisticated stores, restaurants and a museum with a Sunday flea market and a complete absence of sidewalks. This is some of the best hiking territory in New York State. Along with the Catskill Mountains to the north, the area is popular among rock climbers. Shawangunk climbing locations include Sam's Point and The Trapps.    Northern Gunks    Southern Gunks    The entire Gunks area      L O D G I N G    L I S T I N G S