Mohonk Preserve
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4.4(82)yelp
Hiking TrailClimbingScenic LookoutOutdoorPhotography SpotMountainForestRock Formation
Overview
The Mohonk Preserve is a nature preserve in the Shawangunk Ridge, 90 miles (140 km) north of New York City in Ulster County, New York. The preserve has over 8,200 acres (33 km2) of cliffs, forests, fields, ponds and streams, with over 70 miles (110 km) of carriage roads and 40 miles (64 km) of trails for hiking, cycling, trail running, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and horseback riding. It is also a major destination for rock climbers, hosting 50,000 climbers each year who enjoy more than 1,000 climbing routes.
Practical Info
Every day9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration4-7 hours
Best TimeLate September through mid-October is the ultimate season to experience this world-renowned rock climbing and wilderness trekking preserve. Arriving at the visitor center by 6:30 AM on a clear autumn morning is highly advised; early alpine rays bathe the white quartz conglomerate cliffs of 'The Gunks' in warm golden tones, providing crisp photography conditions before climbing routes become busy.
Getting ThereSituated in the Shawangunk Mountains just west of New Paltz at 3197 Route 44-55. Driving is the primary method: from NYC, take the NY State Thruway (I-87 North) to Exit 18, follow NY-299 West through the village center, and turn onto the winding mountain lanes of US-44/NY-55 West for 4 miles straight to the Samuel F. Pryor III Visitor Center lots. No public transit buses serve this mountain ridge.
Travel Tips
- Operating as an independent private non-profit preserve, the NY State Empire Pass is entirely invalid; all entrants must purchase a premium individual Day Hike Pass at local toll trailheads.
- The technical Lemon Squeeze rock crevice scrambling route mandates significant upper-body strength and narrow physical profiles; oversized hiking backpacks or slick shoes will trap climbers instantly.
- Carriage roads are shared multi-use trails; mountain bikers are legally required to dismount completely and yield the absolute right-of-way whenever encountering equestrian riders or horse teams.
Reviews
Positive
- The visual impact is unmatched! The famous Shawangunk Ridge is a rock-climbing mecca; looking out from the cliff edges offers panoramic views of pristine forests and the Hudson Valley.
- The winding carriage roads are flawlessly maintained—wide, level, and free of rugged rocks; with a very high safety factor, they are perfect for family strolls or biking with strollers.
- The ecological and environmental management is exemplary. Major trailheads feature immaculately clean modern restrooms, crystal-clear signage, and spacious, included parking lots.
- It avoids big-city clamor and over-commercialization, preserving a pure rustic mountain vibe. The capacity control works well; even in peak seasons, deep trails offer supreme peace.
Heads up
- The admission fees are staggering! As a nature preserve, it charges an expensive day pass per person (~$15-$20) rather than per vehicle, lowering the value for large families.
- Without driving, public transit is non-existent to any trailhead. Moreover, popular lots overflow and completely close before 9 AM on autumn foliage weekends, forcing U-turns.
- Outside flat roads, iconic rock-scrambling paths like the Labyrinth and Lemon Squeeze feature rugged boulders; the lengthy English-only warning plaques are tough for foreign guests.
- Adhering to strict 'Leave No Trace' policies, there are absolutely zero trash cans along the miles of wilderness paths; hikers must carry all waste inside their bags until exiting.