Cragsmoor, an Historic District in the National Register of Historic Places, is located atop the Shawangunk Mountains, about 90 miles north and west of New York City. To the west, the Rondout Valley and the Catskill Mountains offer spectacular views and sunsets. To the east the Wallkill Valley and the Hudson Highlands greet the morning sun, and offer equally beautiful views. Originally, Cragsmoor was a community of hunters and trappers, then timber harvesters (hemlock for tanning and shingles), and farmers (by necessity), settled in the 1700's and eventually known as the Mance Settlement. Potatoes were a major crop. Access was available only by wagon, on the old Plank Road, from the east, or the South Gully Road from Ellenville and the west. As time went on various businesses and trades flourished.

In the late 1800's National Academy artist E. L. Henry and other friends discovered the beautiful mountain and its panoramas. Summer homes were built and an artist and intellectual colony thrived, aided by the talents of the original families. Painters such as Helen Turner, Edward Gay, Carroll Brown, and George Inness, Jr., joined Mr. Henry and made Cragsmoor their summer home. The owner of Blithwood resides next door in the home built by Charles C. Curran, N. A. The explorer Frederick Dellenbaugh also made his home here, designing many of the community's structures. The name "Cragsmoor" also came with the artists - it is descriptive of the local landscape, crags and moors, cultivated by the Shawangunk Mountains' 400 million year old geological history.

To this day, the community is still home to descendents of the original families, as well as many artists and variously talented residents. Its Library is host to various functions, to which all are invited, and is the owner of the Bear Hill Nature Preserve, which, in conjunction with the Cragsmoor Association, is kept open to residents and guests. Bear Hill was a particular favorite of Charles Curran as a setting for his paintings.

Besides its own beautiful natural setting and architectural charm, Cragsmoor is home to the Sam's Point Preserve, a tract of 4600 acres, owned by The Open Space Institute and managed by The Nature Conservancy. The Preserve is open for foot travelers from dusk to dawn, with an easy 2.9 mile loop trail, and more rugged trails for serious hikers. Birds such as warblers, hawks, falcons, vultures, ravens and others inhabit the cliffs, forests, and dwarf pines of this magnificent preserve. Various mammals, reptiles, and amphibians also make their homes here. The plant life is often unique, with some species of great rarity.

The Cragsmoor Free Library, designed by Frederick Dellenbaugh, is also available to guests. Recommended reading is the Library's publication, Cragsmoor - an Historical Sketch. This unique structure exemplifies Cragsmoor charm, with its chestnut pillars, balcony, stone fireplace, and examples of Cragsmoor's arts and crafts from residents old and new. The community also boasts The Cragsmoor Historical Society, The Chapel of the Holy Name (Episcopal, but open to all denominations) or, more familiarly, The Stone Church, and a Post Office. Grocery stores, laundromats, convenience stores, are located in nearby Ellenville or Pine Bush.