Hike the diverse grounds of Mohonk
Mohonk Mountain House invites hikers of all skill levels to experience nature with unlimited access to some of New York’s finest hiking. Situated in the heart of the stunning Hudson Valley on the Shawangunk Ridge, nature lovers will appreciate the gorgeous mountain vistas, pristine lands, and enchanting forests. Here’s some information on some of the more popular hikes nearby.
Moderate Hikes:
SKY TOP
Just outside the Mountain House, ascend 300 feet on the steep Sky Top path to the impressive stone Skytop Tower. Climb the 102 stairs in the tower where, on a clear day, six states can be seen from the observation deck. Return on a carriage road that winds down through the forest and past a tranquil lily pond before emerging behind the extensive gardens with a spectacular view of the Mountain House. (1.1 miles, 1.7 kilometers)
HUMPTY DUMPTY
This route offers stunning views of the Shawangunk Mountains at Copes Lookout and along the rolling carriage road at the base of an ancient boulder slide. For a more daring adventure, deviate from this path onto one of the rock scrambles where you’ll get a full body workout while you weave your way up, under, and around the boulders. (2.2 miles, 3.5 kilometers)
NORTH LOOKOUT
Hike along this flat carriage road for a dramatic view of the Catskill Mountains and Hudson Valley that shouldn’t be missed. A rustic gazebo at the edge of the cliff offers a place to stretch and relax before heading uphill on your return to the Mountain House. (2.3 miles, 3.8 kilometers) Treks and Longer Trails:
DUCK POND
The first part of this exhilarating half-day excursion takes you through woods and fields as you hike downhill to Duck Pond. Your reward is a serene spot to take a break, look for aquatic life at the edge of the pond, have a snack, and enjoy the striking view of Skytop Tower. Your trek back will be a more strenuous uphill climb on several carriage roads and trails for an interesting circle route. (4 miles, 6 kilometers)
LAKE AWOSTING
Lake Awosting is the largest of the Shawangunk sky lakes, located 11 miles south of the Mountain House. Approximately half way along the route you’ll find a dramatic waterfall cascading down into a large pool of water. Views from the top looking down (and from behind the waterfall!) are just as exciting as those from the bottom. This hike should test the stamina of most hikers with a variety of trail types from shaded carriage roads to rocky sun-drenched paths. (22 miles, 27 kilometers)
For the Adventure Seeker:
SQUEEZE THROUGH:
Rock scramble through The Labyrinth and earn your bragging rights! This popular and well-known primitive path will have you scrambling through boulder fields requiring the use of hands as well as feet. Squeeze your way through Fat Man’s Misery, watch yourself on Headache Rock, and contort yourself through The Crevice to emerge on a tabletop cliff suspended just below the Skytop Tower. Along this route look up to see some of the most popular rock climbing cliff faces in the United States
Half-Day & All-Day Hikes:
For overnight guests, the Mohonk dining room can provide a box lunch for a half-day or all-day hike. Mohonk Mountain House’s grounds are part of the 26,000-acre Shawangunk natural area. Some other popular hiking destinations lie beyond the House grounds, like Duck Pond and Lake Awosting—as well as Lake Minnewaska and Bonticou Crag. These are available to locals and visitors by going straight to their trailheads, or the concierge will schedule a trip for overnight guests of the Mountain House.
Day guests to the Mountain House can purchase a meal, spa treatment, or grounds pass to gain access to the hiking trails.
GROUNDS PASS (Grounds use only)
Adults (per person): $20 midweek, $25 weekends and holidays
Children under 12: $15 midweek, $20 weekends and holidays
Families (2 adults and 2 children): $50 midweek, $65 weekends
For information about day hiking call 845-256-2197.
Thanks to the Mohonk Mountain House for hiking information.
