Step onto the trails with our Recreation Team every day at 10am and 2pm, and discover Mohonk’s forests, ridgelines, and hidden corners with a guide by your side. For a closer look at the natural world, join our naturalist-led hikes, where you can follow animal tracks, uncover the stories woven into the landscape, and more. Check the activities schedule for details on each day’s offerings.
Hiking
Find your path at Mohonk
most hiking Trails open all year
weather & trail conditions dependent
From scenic carriage roads to challenging rock scrambles over cliffs and boulders, Mohonk offers 85 miles of private Hudson Valley hiking trails to explore at your own pace. Trails range from beginner to advanced and wind through forests, along dramatic ridgelines, and past sweeping mountain views. As part of your overnight stay, hiking is included and easily enjoyed throughout the day, whether you’re heading out for a guided hike or setting off on your own adventure.
Guided Hikes
Daily 10am & 2pm
weather permitting
Must-Do Hikes
Labyrinth + Lemon Squeeze Rock Scramble
Strenuous
Suggested for 7 and up. From the Lake Porch, begin on Lake Shore Road. The Labyrinth opening is located directly across the Lake from the Mountain House. Featuring narrow crevices and rock formations that demand agility and nimbleness, this unique trail presents adventurers with a combination of natural beauty, physical challenge, and a touch of adventure. Return via Sky Top Road to pass Lily Pond.
1.1 miles
Sky Top Tower
Moderate
From the Lake Porch, take Sky Top Path until you reach the Tower. On a clear day, six states can be seen from the observation deck. Return via Sky Top Road to pass Lily Pond.
In winter, from the Lake Porch, take Huguenot Drive to Sky Top Road.
1.1 miles in warm months
3.25 miles in winter
Eagle Cliff: Mindfulness Hike – Virtually guided by Nina Smiley Ph.D.
Easy
From the Valet Porch, take Eagle Cliff Road past the Tennis Courts for an easy-moderate walk through the lush forests. Scan QR codes along the way at summerhouses & look-outs to be guided through a mindfulness exercise with Nina Smiley Ph.D. herself.
1.7 miles
Copes Lookout
Easy
From the Valet Porch, take Copes Lookout Road past the Tennis Courts to the Scenic Vista at the end of the road loop. Return via Copes Lookout Path.
1 mile
Around the Lake
Easy
From the Valet Porch, start toward Eagle Cliff, then descend the stairs to the Bathing Beach. Turn right and take Undercliff Path to the cool woods at the southern end of the Lake. Return via Forest Drive and Lake Shore Path and Road.
1 mile
Mohonk Spring
Easy
From the Lake Porch, pass the boat dock and head across the wooden bridge. After the sign to the Labyrinth, turn left on Spring Path to the Mohonk Spring, once used as the source of the resort’s drinking water. Return via Forest Drive and Lake Shore Road.
1 mile
Naturalist Hikes
Take a closer look at the natural world on guided hikes & nature walks led by Mohonk’s on-site naturalist, Michael Ridolfo.
Enjoy a truly unique experience as Michael shares his knowledge and passion for nature and the world around us.
The Gift of Water
Strenuous
Gain insights into the value of this vital element on this three-mile hike through the Mossy Brook watershed. Brisk pace & some steep terrain.
2 miles
Grey Wolf Chronicle
strenuous
A closer look at the history and legacy of this apex carnivore of North America and beyond.
2-3 miles
Sky Top Nature Hike
Moderate
Join Michael for a fascinating overview of birds, mammals, geology, and native culture as he leads the way to Sky Top Tower. Brisk Pace.
3 miles
Mohonk: A Cultural and Geologic Legacy
Moderate
Hike forest and field, observing the unique nature of the Shawangunk Ridge and the Smiley family’s commitment to its preservation.
2-3 miles
Glacier Tracking
moderate
Observe evidence of the glacial footprints that remain after receding 14,000 years ago on this walk around Lake Mohonk.
2-3 miles
Animal Tracking
moderate
Learn how to look for tracks and other signs of animal life on this guided nature walk.
2 miles
Black Bear – Shadow of the Forest
moderate
Walk through our forests as our naturalist shares his knowledge about the history and behavior of this shy and enigmatic omnivore.
2 miles
Forest Ecology of the Shawangunks
moderate
Learn this history and evolution of the fragile yet diverse ecosystem of the Shawangunks as we wander through the forest and fields of our landscape.
2 miles
Native American Journey
moderate
Follow in the footsteps of our predecessors and learn how they thrived in this lean yet diverse landscape.
1-2 miles
Spring Calls of the Songbirds
Easy
Hear the spring voices of the birds! Join us as we track both the winter residents and migratory species who have begun their ancient spring mating rituals.
1-2 miles
Winged Migration
easy
Celebrate the arrival of our avian summer residents as we watch, observe, and identify species during this bird walk.
2 miles
Meet Michael Ridolfo
As a full-time naturalist at our mountain resort, Michael’s daily mission involves immersing guests in the wonders of nature. He teaches them how to listen to the voices of the natural world and understand its patterns, encouraging them to view the elements as their teachers. Michael provides guided hikes on an array of over 150 topics that include native knowledge, history of animal species, navigation, tracking, wilderness survival, and more. Each guided hike offers a unique and enriching experience for the Mohonk guest, as Michael shares his knowledge and passion for nature and his unwavering belief in the transformative power of connecting with the world around us.
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