Protecting over 8,000 acres of mountain cliffs, forests, fields, streams, ponds, and other beautiful places, Mohonk Preserve is New York’s largest nonprofit nature preserve and a true local treasure, preserving what the Nature Conservancy has called one of Earth’s “last great places” for its bounteous biodiversity.
Up here are panoramic vistas to lift your heart, enchanted groves, and a plethora of rare species and ecological communities. Prepare for a first visit by visiting the Preserve’s website, then make a stop at the Visitor Center to learn a little about what you’ll be seeing.
The Preserve has five trailheads and over 70 miles of carriage roads and trails, offering you the chance to get to know the Shawangunk Ridge in all its precious, rugged, and breathtaking glory. Below are suggested hikes from each trailhead. Note: The Visitor Center and its immediate grounds are free to the public. To access the land, you need to have a current membership or pay a day use fee.
Photo by Kate Schoonmaker
bonticou crag
Protecting over 8,000 acres of mountain cliffs, forests, fields, streams, ponds, and other beautiful places, Mohonk Preserve is New York’s largest nonprofit nature preserve and a true local treasure, preserving what the Nature Conservancy has called one of Earth’s “last great places” for its bounteous biodiversity.
Photo by Gerald Berliner
the j&s grafton sensory trail
Step outside the Visitor Center for an easy stroll on a family-friendly, accessible, quarter-mile path with views of the Shawangunk Ridge. Signs describe natural features along the way, including a butterfly garden.
Photo by Renee Zernitsky
valley view loop
This 5.7-mile hike from the Coxing Trailhead features the Split Rock waterfall along the Coxing Kill and a tranquil forest path through hemlock groves that connects to Overcliff Carriage Road featuring views of the Clove Valley and Catskills beyond.
Photo by Maryalice Citera
foothills loop
Begin your 3-mile journey at the Testimonial Gateway Trailhead—the Preserve’s newest trailhead—as you explore the Mohonk Preserve Foothills. Pass through the historic Testimonial Gateway Tower arch and along the Pin Oak Allee on the Lenape Lane Carriage Road to the Mohonk Preserve Foothills Loop of the River-to-Ridge Trail. This hike features beautiful farm fields and majestic views of the Shawangunk Ridge.
Photo by John Hayes
undercliff-overcliff loop
This iconic West Trapps Trailhead 5-mile roundtrip loop hike includes soaring cliffs and sweeping vistas of the Wallkill Valley (from Undercliff) and the Catskills and Clove Valley (from Overcliff). The hike is entirely on historic carriage roads. Do the entire loop, or pick one of the two carriage roads for an out-and-back hike./p>
For a list of suggested hikes, trail maps, and fee information, visit
mohonkpreserve.org/visit/activities/suggested-hikes.
mohonk preserve 845-255-0919
mohonkpreserve.org
