The Lesser-Known Wonder Weeks at Mohonk Mountain House
Updated May 29, 2025
Quick Takeaways
- Summer is the most popular time to visit Mohonk for classic lakeside activities and family fun.
- Want fewer crowds but the same great weather? Early September is your sweet spot.
- Ideal for couples or solo travelers looking for serenity and adventure.
- Save with special midweek offers available in September.
Guests often ask us, “When is the best time to visit?”
It’s a simple answer, really.
Most travelers are keenly aware that when they look at travel destinations, there are “high season” periods and “off-season” periods. High season is more expensive than other times of year, but these time frames offer the best weather, the most activities, and ultimately the best “value” for the price. The off-season typically features more competitive pricing because it’s a less desirable time to visit.
Why Summer Is the Most Popular Time to Visit
Here at Mohonk Mountain House, summer is high season, particularly from the end of June through the end of August. For more than 150 years, guests have been escaping the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoying an Upstate New York summer getaway at our mountain resort with miles of hiking, lake swimming, boating, our famous Granary outdoor BBQ, and campfires with s’mores at night. It’s a classic summer vacation that continues to be incredibly popular for all ages, especially for multi-generational travel and family reunions, because of its old-world charm and endless outdoor playground for adventurers, both young and old, to explore. So yes, summer is traditionally “the best” time to visit.
The Best-Kept Secret: Early September
When we ask Mohonk insiders, like our Director of Recreation Annie Pilek (celebrating over 15 years on the mountaintop) or our President Eric Gullickson (5th generation Smiley Family member celebrating more than 20 years on the mountaintop) about the best time to visit, their answer is clear.
The first two weeks of September.
Annie says, “It’s everything that is great about summer at Mohonk, but without the crowds. I always tell people that the first two weeks of September are the best time to come. The kids have gone back to school, so everything slows down a bit, but the lake is still warm, the [hiking] trails are stunning, and horseback and carriage rides are still in full swing.”
These first two weeks in September are “a hidden gem,” Eric adds. He suggests that “guests who love the outdoors and aren’t traveling with children will get the most value during these first two weeks of September. There’s a real sense of serenity that isn’t always possible during the busy season.”
Whether you’re into traditional rock climbing, mountain biking, or rock scrambling through our iconic Labyrinth and Lemon Squeeze, these “last days of summer” are just as enchanting as the high season, but without the crowds. You can cap off your perfect stay together with our engaging resort activities and inclusive meals or a cocktail on the Sunset Porch. Be sure to toast one of our best-kept secrets—the magic of an early September visit.
Ready to book? Stay midweek and save 20% with the Hudson Valley Getaway special.
FAQs About the Best Time to Visit Mohonk Mountain House
When is the most popular time to visit Mohonk?
Summer, especially late June through August, is our high season. It’s perfect for families and multi-generational travelers enjoying lake activities, hiking, and outdoor events.
What’s the best-kept secret time to visit?
The first two weeks of September. According to longtime staff and leadership, it offers summer’s best features with fewer crowds and a more relaxed pace.
Who would enjoy an early September visit the most?
Adults, couples, and anyone not traveling with children. This quieter period is ideal for outdoor adventure or peaceful escapes.
Are the same activities available in early September?
Yes. You can still enjoy warm lake swims, horseback rides, rock scrambling, and our famous resort amenities.
Are there any special offers for this time of year?
Yes. Book a midweek stay and save 20 percent with our Hudson Valley Getaway special.
