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Couple Hiking at Mohonk

Hiker’s Holiday

September 25 – 28, 2020
April 23 – 26, 2021

For 88 years hiking enthusiasts have gathered to hike the remarkable trails throughout a spectacular 40,000-acre wilderness region that includes both Mohonk Mountain House and Mohonk Preserve lands. Travelers from around the globe seek out the world-class hiking here, traversing mature forests, sweeping cliffs, and mountain streams. This new and exciting weekend version features a variety of hikes for all levels. Hike all day or choose just a few as we explore changes to the natural landscape in the stunning Shawangunk Mountains made by nature itself.

This Year’s Theme

Mohonk Mountain House and the Mohonk Preserve come together to share their history and introduce guests to the natural wonders and simple beauty of hiking on this property.

Each day features hikes for all levels

Whether you seek the challenge of steep trails over boulders and cliffs or prefer a relaxing stroll along carriage roads, you will find like-minded hiking companions.

Each day’s outing is complemented by afternoon tea and cookies, sumptuous meals, and captivating evening entertainment. Our award-winning Spa, fitness center, and indoor heated pool provide a relaxing and rejuvenating experience after a day hiking the mountain.

On Sunday there is an all day hike. Pack your lunch at breakfast starting at 8am in the Main Dining Room. These all-day hikes depart at 9am and should return to the Mountain House by 4:30pm on Sunday. Sign up will be available at the Main Board starting on Friday.

Grading of Hikes
Strenuous – Full-day and half-day, mornings
Moderate – Full-day mornings and half-day mornings or afternoons
Leisurely – 45-60 minutes, afternoons

Length of time for the hikes are listed with descriptions and are approximate.

Book now to save 20% on Hiker’s Holiday in April!

Availability is limited. For reservations, please call .

SAMPLE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Sunset Clouds

Hiker’s Holiday Meet and Greet and First Hike (Leisurely)

Join us in the Lake Lounge, enjoy afternoon tea and cookies, meet the Program Leaders, and explore the week ahead of you. Then at 4:30pm join us for a casual hike.

Evening Walk (Leisurely)

Join us on this casual jaunt around Mohonk Lake, as we take in the sheer beauty of the Mohonk Mountain House as it illuminates the night sky and our hearts.

Spring Night Hike (Leisurely)

Enjoy the beautiful evening mountain air on this casual jaunt to Cope’s Lookout. We’ll depart the Mountain House at dusk and return in full darkness, watching and listening for sights and sounds of the night: stars, planets, satellites, owls, coyotes, whippoorwills, and more – if the weather allows! No flashlights, phones, or electronics please.

Mohonk landscape

Early Morning Walk

Join Paul Huth, Director of Research Emeritus, on a leisurely walk along the historic Lake Shore Path and Undercliff Path, built in the autumn of 1874, to see springtime blooms and bird arrivals and discuss some of the 150-year long history of this National Historic Landmark property.

Half Day Hike

Take a step back in time with us as we hike on the trails as the first pioneers did.  We will be hiking through beautiful forest and over streams to arrive at the historic Yeaple Cabin (built circa 1771).  Our journey will continue through Rock Rift Crevice, bringing us to one of the best views of the Catskill Mountains.

Brisk Morning Hike

A member of the Recreation staff will lead a hike along Huguenot Drive, Bridge Road, Forest Drive, and Lake Shore Road. This hike is moderate to fast pace over carriage roads with gradual descents and ascents. Approximately 3 miles. Age 7 and up. Proper footwear is required, sneakers or boots, no flip-flops or sandals.

Moderate Hike

This moderate hike will take you along Sunset Path (the name speaks for itself) all the while catching glimpses of the Northern Catskill Range.  Our journey will take us North as we head towards Maple Path, connecting us with the quartzite rock slabs of Stokes Trail, and the beautiful views looking northwest at the Catskill Mountains.

Brisk Hike

A member of the Recreation staff will lead a brisk morning hike along Mossy Brook Road, Cedar Drive, Old Glenn Anna Road, Bonticou Road, and North Lookout Road. This hike is moderate to fast pace and contains a steep descent with a gradual ascent. Approximately 3 miles. Age 7 and up. Proper footwear is required, sneakers or boots, no flip-flops or sandals.

Leisurely Afternoon Hike

Leisurely afternoon hike along Eagle Cliff Road. Approximately 2 miles. Age 7 and up. Proper footwear is required, sneakers or boots, no flip-flops or sandals.

Beer & Gear Expo*

Explore, taste, and experience the unique flavor of the Hudson Valley during this special event with displays from breweries, cider houses, distilleries, local farms, and hiking gear vendors for our Hikers’ Holiday Weekend! Your taste buds will be tantalized by some of New York’s finest including Arrowood Farms, Brooklyn Cider House, Bjorn Qorn, Atina Foods, and more! No fee.

*Must be 21 years old and have a valid ID to taste.

Summer House Tour: Behind the Scenes with Mohonk’s Rustic Carpenters

Summerhouses have been an integral feature of Mohonk’s breathtaking grounds since the beginning. During this walk you will see the latest projects undertaken by this very talented crew. Prepare to be amazed!

After Dinner walk (Leisurely)

Join us for a nice stroll out to Copes Lookout, as we take in the breathtaking views of the Catskill Mountains and the surrounding area.  We just may catch the sun as it slips below the skyline affording us the opportunity to take in this magnificent sunset.

Live Music with the Dylan Doyle Band

Southern born and Northern raised, Dylan Doyle has been steeped in everything from Bob Dylan, Wes Montgomery, and Bill Withers to John Prine, Jimi Hendrix, and The Band. From this comes a unique musical interpretation that lies somewhere within the delta of Roots, Rock, and Jazz; giving him a style that defies classification. All are welcome! Cash bar available.

People hiking on rocks

Full Day Hikes (Moderate, Strenuous)

Pack your lunch at breakfast starting at 8am in the Main Dining Room. Hikes should return to the Mountain House by 4:30pm.

Full Day Hike (Strenuous):  This hike will get the heart pumping, as we will be covering a lot of mileage while gaining and losing elevation as the hike evolves throughout the day.  Our Journey will take us to Copes Lookout where we will have majestic views of the Clove Valley and Catskill Mountains.  We will then make our way to Arching Rocks Path and scrambling through the mighty Giants Workshop Rock Crevice.  We then will be hiking the historic Undivided Lot Trail to meet up with the steep and rugged Clove Path and over to Zaidee’s Bower Crevice.  We will be heading up and over the Clove Escarpment via steep paths and trails to get us back to the Mountain House.

Full Day Hike (Moderate):  Skytop will be the focus of this moderate hike, as you take in some of the Hudson Valleys greatest viewpoints.  From Mohonk Lake, we will make our way around Skytop hiking on the Spring Path and Staircliff Path, while taking in the views of Smiley Tower from the talus below.  We then will travel on Forrest Drive Carriage Road heading towards Fox Path and up the backside of Skytop Tower hiking Skytop Carriage Road passing Lily Pond where you just might catch spring peepers and wood frogs singing their spring song for all to hear.  Our descent of Skytop will bring us to back on various trails to the Mountain House to share your experiences of the day with fellow Hikers Holiday participants.

Brisk Morning Hike

Mohonk’s Recreation staff will lead a guided hike to Sky Top Tower via Huguenot Drive and Sky Top Road. This hike is moderate to fast pace is up hill on carriage roads and returns on a path. Approximately 3 miles. Age 7 and up. Proper footwear is required, sneakers or boots, no flip-flops or sandals.

Leisurely Afternoon Hike

Take a hike along Home Farm Loop with Mohonk’s Recreation staff. Approximately 1 ¾ miles. Age 7 and up. Proper footwear is required, sneakers or boots, no flip-flops or sandals.

Brisk Hike

Mohonk’s Recreation staff will lead a guided hike along Lake Shore Road, Forest Drive, Bridge Road, and Huguenot Drive, Hemlock Lane, and North Lookout Road. This hike is moderate to fast pace over carriage roads with gradual descents and ascents. Approximately 3½ miles. Age 7 and up. Proper footwear is required, sneakers or boots, no flip-flops or sandals.

After Dinner Walk

 (Sky Top Tower) This casual uphill hike (downhill on the return) will bring us to the iconic Sky Top Tower as we take in the views of the Hudson Valley and beyond.  This is one of the most amazing viewpoints around as you get a full 360-degree view from the top of the tower.  If we are fortunate enough, we just may catch a glimpse of a stunning and breathtaking sunset.

Couple sitting on rock looking at Mohonk land

Fox Walk: The Way of our Ancestors (Moderate, Strenuous)

Fox Walk: The Way of our Ancestors
Learn how moving efficiently through the natural world helps to pattern our brains for expanded awareness and our bodies for balance, agility, and strength. Shifting from an urban or suburban gait to our ancestral gait makes us instantly quieter in the woods and enables a more intimate perspective into the natural world. By learning to expand all of our senses to their fullest potential, we are able to see more wildlife and discern more subtle patterns. 1 mile, easy pace, all are welcome.

Farewell Hike

Our final long hike will be one to remember. We will travel around the beautiful Mohonk Lake to a short rock scramble where we will be able to take in breathtaking views of Sky Top, Mohonk Lake, and the Mountain House from Eagle Cliff. We then will travel to Copes Lookout where we will soak up the views of the Catskill Mountains from one of the best view spots on the ridge. Our journey will end at the Mountain House where this will conclude our Hikers’ Holiday program until September.

Brisk Morning Hike

Brisk morning hike along Copes Lookout Road, Humpty Dumpty Road, Long Woodland Drive, and Lake Shore Road – This hike is moderate to fast pace over relatively flat terrain with gradual uphill portions. Approximately 3 miles. Age 7 and up Proper footwear is required, sneakers or boots, no flip-flops or sandals.

Leisurely Afternoon Hike Around the Lake

Approximately 1 mile. Age 7 and up. Proper footwear is required, sneakers or boots, no flip-flops or sandals.

Availability is limited. For reservations, please call .

MEET OUR PROGRAM LEADERS

Michael Ridolfo

Michael Ridolfo
Mohonk Mountain House Naturalist

Michael has been walking in close connection with nature his entire life. After 20 years of rock climbing, ice climbing, mountain biking, skiing, winter mountaineering, nature photography, writing, and music he began learning about and practicing the art of tracking, wilderness survival and the native mentoring model. This journey has evolved into teaching children and adults how to deepen their relationship with the natural world. Among many other endeavors, in 1999 he founded ‘Wilderness Mind’, a school dedicated to preserving the ancient arts of tracking and nature awareness. Michael is currently the full-time naturalist at Mohonk Mountain House.

Roger Ennis

Roger Ennis

Roger grew up in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia where he eventually made his way to the Hudson Valley in 1995 where he has lived ever since. He found his passion in rock climbing, which afforded him the opportunity to receive a degree from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Cortland in Outdoor Recreation. Roger is a New York State (NYS) Certified Rock and Ice Climbing, Hiking, and Camping Guide as well as a Ranger-Program Specialist with the Mohonk Preserve. When he is not working, you can catch him (usually with his wife and son) out rock climbing or doing the many other activities he enjoys. The Shawangunk Ridge has given him the opportunity to explore and nurture his love for the outdoors and he will forever have a place in his heart for the ridge.

Mohonk Preserve Logo

Mohonk Preserve

In partnership with our members, supporters, and volunteers, we protect and manage over 8,000 acres of mountain ridges, forests, fields, streams, ponds, and other unique and beautiful places. As New York’s largest nonprofit nature preserve, each year we welcome over 200,000 visitors.

The Preserve’s devoted volunteers, dedicated donors, and expert staff all work in harmony for a common cause – to create a place where people and nature thrive. To accomplish our goal of protecting one of the region’s most treasured and beautiful places, we conduct programs in four key areas – environmental education, land protection, land stewardship, and conservation science.

At the Preserve, you can enjoy scenic beauty, outdoor activities, and peace and quiet, all just 90 miles from New York City. Our carriage roads and trails are perfect for hiking, running, mountain biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. We’re also the home of “Gunks” climbing and bouldering, and one of the most visited climbing destinations in North America

By visiting Mohonk Preserve, becoming a member, or making a donation, you help ensure that generations to come will be able to enjoy this special place.

When you visit during Hiker’s Holiday, your overnight package includes:

Meals

Daily Activities

Seasonal Activities

À la carte experiences available to overnight guests:

 

See full list of what’s included in your stay!

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