Smolen Observatory is located on the south side of the SUNY New Paltz campus.
Video: Directions to the Smolen Observatory
From the New York State Thruway (I-87)
Take New York State Thruway (I-87) to Exit 18. Turn left at the traffic light after toll booth. See “Once you have reached New Paltz“ below.
From the Mid-Hudson Bridge
Turn right onto Route 9W north. Proceed 2 3/4 miles to traffic light intersection with Route 299. Turn left onto Route 299 and proceed approximately 6 miles to New Paltz. See “Once you have reached New Paltz“ below.
Once you have reached New Paltz
Turn left at the third traffic light onto South Manheim Boulevard (Route 32 South). After passing the main campus entrance, turn right onto Southside Loop. Continue past the pond until the road ends, then turn left on South Road. Go to the end of South Road. and park in the South Parking Lot. Parking is free after 6:30pm.
From West of New Paltz
Take Chestnut Street to New Paltz and turn onto Hawk Drive at the west entrance of the campus. From the north this will be Route 32 South and a left on Hawk Drive; from the south this will be Route 208 North and a right on Hawk Drive. When the road ends turn right on South Road. Go to the end of South Road and park in the South Parking Lot. Parking is free after 6:30pm.
From the Parking Lot
After parking in the South Parking Lot, walk down the path at the far (south) end of the lot. You will see a large boulder at the entrance to the path. The path goes downhill then along a stream. At this point you should see the observatory building. Turn left and go over the bridge, then follow the path to the observatory on your left.
Full Campus Map
Interactive campus map also available on the main New Paltz website.
