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Shawangunk Ridge Offers World Class Hang Gliding

Just a short distance to the northwest of Sam's Point, at 1,100 feet above the Ellenville Valley, you can find one of the most famous hang gliding flying sites in the United States. On any day where the winds are from the northwest, dozens of colorful gliders can be seen soaring high above the ridge.

First flown by daring hang gliding pioneers in 1973, in homemade bamboo and plastic gliders, the ridge quickly became famous for its excellent uplifting air currents. This phenomenon was well known in the sailplane world, with the nation's oldest sail port being established six miles down the ridge in Wurtsboro.

The sport of hang gliding quickly evolved into a sophisticated sport, with certified factory-built gliders, and excellent certified instruction available from local flight schools. You can read more on the Southern New York Hang Glider Pilots' Association's website.

In 1980, the U.S. National Hang Gliding Championships were held at the Shawangunk site. Additionally, in both 1994 and 2002, the National Hang Gliding Fly-Ins were hosted there. On many occasions, a photograph of "Flying over Bear Hill" has graced the centerfold of the Hang Gliding national magazine.

The local hang gliding club, Southern New York Hang Glider Pilots' Association, feels very lucky that their sport dovetails so well with the other conservationist entities that continue to preserve the surrounding lands for use by only "no impact", non-intrusive activities.


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