Today, I’m going to be talking about one of my favorite day trip destinations to check out outside NYC and that’s Mohonk Preserve. It’s a protected natural area located in the Shawangunk Mountains in Upstate NY.
Throughout the many years I’ve lived in NYC I’ve taken dozens of trips here and let me tell you that if you love nature, castles and just having an escape from the everyday life of the city, this is one of the best places to do that in. So let’s me show you exactly why that’s the case by first giving you some basic info on this place.
Basic info:
- Name: Mohonk Preserve
- Location: Ulster County in Upstate NY
- Cost to enter: Some areas are free, but the main one is $26 per person
- Distance from NYC: 2 hours
- Ideal time to go for: 1-2 days
- Reviews: 5 out of 5
Things to know:
While for me Mohonk Preserve is more of a nature attraction area to check out, it really is much more than that. It’s an area with amazing sights, historical features and much more which I’ll talk about in more detail below.
Accessibility is key when it comes to enjoying such a magnificent area. I’m here to tell you that Mohonk Preserve has gone to great lengths to ensure that anyone who wishes to experience the beauty of the Shawangunks can do so. There’s well maintained carriage roads, visitor centers, and clear signage, this natural haven welcomes everyone from serious climbers to families looking for an unforgettable day out.
Things to do:
If you’re keen on sinking your boots into some earth and breathing in fresh mountain air, Mohonk Preserve is your playground. It’s a hub for a variety of outdoor activities that can cater to the adrenaline junkie or the tranquility seeker alike. Here’s just a short list of things to do there:
- Hiking
- Rock climbing
- Boating and kayaking
- Horseback riding
- Castle explorations
- Mountain biking
- Picnicking
- Nature walks
- Botanical Garden
- And much more
Let me cover some of the most popular attractions there. We’ll start with rock climbing:
Rock climbing enthusiasts flock to the Shawangunk Ridge which is locally known as ‘The Gunks’, renowned for its world-class climbs. With routes ranging from beginner friendly scrambles to advanced technical challenges, there’s something for every level of climber. And don’t worry about equipment as there’s local outfitters who provide the right gear and even tours if you’re new.
For those who prefer wheels to climbing chalk, mountain biking trails weave through the Preserve’s landscapes. In this area you’ll be able to cycle past stunning rock formations and open areas that may have you easily distracted.
One of my favorite places to check out is the Mohonk Mountain house, one of the most famous castles in Upstate NY which is actually a hotel. You can reach it via a short hike or reserving a room there.
Then there’s the horseback riding trails specifically designated for a leisurely trot. The only area I know of that has this available as the Mohonk Stables which are located right by the Mohonk Mountain house area.
I also want to highly recommend you check out the famous Botanical garden right outside the Mohonk Mountain house. It’s extremely scenic, mostly in the spring and summer seasons.
Best hiking trails in Mohonk Preserve:
The preserve boasts over 70 miles of trails, each offering a unique glimpse into the area’s natural splendor. The hiking trails are what I visit Mohonk Preserve most often for and for me the following trails are a must see if you enjoy this activity:
- Labyrinth trail (2 mile loop, moderate)
- Bonticou Crag (3 mile loop, hard scramble)
- Table Rocks (3 mile loop, easy)
- Lost City Loop (3 mile loop, moderate)
- Sky Top Tower trail (1.5 mile in and out trail, easy)
- Hike to Mohonk Mountain house (1.5 miles, moderate)
These have always been my top choices as they are extremely scenic and cater to just about every type of hiker. Kids might enjoy the Labyrinth trail most of all out of this list but that’s also one where I would make sure you supervise them.
Ideal times to visit:
I’ve mostly explored this area in the Spring and Summer, but the Preserve shows off different charms with each changing season, giving you a fresh experience every time you visit.
Spring is one of the top choices because it’s the season of rejuvenation, presenting a lush backdrop of emerging flowers and sprouting leaves. It’s a photographer’s paradise, especially as migratory birds return. Consider visiting during mid-week to avoid the weekend crowds.
Summer might be the ideal time for most people to go due to the weather being ideal for rock climbers and swimmers. Long days mean more time to explore, but it’s also peak tourist season. My tip for summer visitors? Get there early in the morning or later in the afternoon, and do it on a weekday if you can because weekends here are crazy packed.
Fall might just be the most magical time at Mohonk Preserve though because this is when the already breathtaking charm of the area is even further colored by autumn colors. It’s a popular season, so if you’re planning a hike to witness the fall splendor, weekdays again offer a more serene experience and just as well, this is when photographers will also have the best experiences here.
Finally the last season to consider visiting during is winter and there’s some advantages of seeing Mohonk Preserve then. For starters the stark beauty of the snow covered landscape is stunning. And just as well, the Preserve is quieter during this time because it’s the least popular season for visitors. Although it’s cold and some of the main trails will be closed during this time, it’s still worth going but I’d make this a plan B visit if you’re trying to decide which season is best.
Keep in mind, special events and natural phenomena like the fall foliage peak and spring wildflower blooms can influence the best times to visit. Booking accommodations and securing necessary permits ahead of time is wise, particularly if you’re targeting these popular periods.
And there you have it, just about everything you can see and do in Mohonk Preserve! To finish up I want to say that when you visit this place for the first time to not rush anything and try to do 2 or more of the things above, but at a comfortable pace. Even if you visit this place a dozen times like I have, you’ll still find even more things to explore and reexplore so just know that there’s always something to check out here!