By: Annie Pilek, Director of Recreation and Entertainment, Mohonk Mountain House
From carriage roads to rock scrambles, Mohonk Mountain House is known to have some of the best and most diverse hiking trails in New York. With so much variety to offer, here are our four favorite hikes all visitors should experience. Be sure to rest in the many summerhouses located throughout the trails to catch your breath and take in the views.
#1 Sky Top Tower
If you only take one hike while you’re here, you have to visit the iconic Sky Top Tower which can be seen from several miles away. Once you arrive, take the steps all the way up the tower—you’ll feel on top of the world!
All levels can make it to the top:
Easy to moderate: Sky Top Path is the most direct way. It’s uphill with excellent views, and takes about 20 minutes.
Easy: For a gradual ascent, take the 45 minute scenic hike along Sky Top Road.
Strenuous: The Labyrinth rock scramble ends in a narrow crevice with ladders. It’s an hour-long adventure you’ll never forget!
#2 Copes Lookout
A simple hike with a big payoff! One of the most rewarding views on the property, Copes Lookout is just a 20 minute walk from the front entrance.
Insider’s Tip: Take the steps down to the summerhouse pictured above for an even more amazing view right from the cliff’s edge.
#3 Eagle Cliff
photo by Michael Kelly
An easy hike with amazing views! A trail with gradual inclines that loops back to the Mountain House for a 40 minute hike. Features include fantastic views of Sky Top Tower, Lake Mohonk, and a side view of the Mountain House where you can see it rise right out of the rocky cliff.
#4 Bonticou Crag
A challenging hike to an unbeatable panorama. This rock scramble in the Mohonk Preserve is a 90-minute hike from the Mountain House to the base of the crag. From there, it takes about 30 minutes to get to the summit, but it’s vertical all the way up. Views from the top are stunning— you’ll see a sweeping vista of the entire valley.
Want more great hikes? Visit during Hiker’s Holiday Week this May 13-18, featuring expert guides and hikes for all levels of ability.