Hiker’s Holiday
April 23 – 26, 2021
June 4 – 7, 2021 (details coming soon)
September 24 – 27, 2021 (details coming soon)
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.
Guests attending the April 2021 program are welcome to participate in our Brewmasters Weekend events featuring live music, a beer expo, and more.
April 23 – 26, 2021
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 and indoor heated pool provide a relaxing and rejuvenating experience after a day hiking the mountain.
Suggested items to bring: A small pack, rain gear, binoculars, hiking shoes, extra socks, and a water bottle.
On Sunday, April 25, there are two all-day hikes (9am – 3:30pm). Guest will need to supply a day pack and boxed lunches will be provided. Order your box lunch from Theme Programs at the following Hiker’s Holiday events:
- Friday, April 23 at 3pm | 9pm
- Saturday, April 24 at 9am | 10am
The all-day hikes depart on Sunday at 9am and should return to the Mountain House between 3:30pm – 4pm. Sign-up is required and available through reservations before Thursday, April 22 or on the Main Board starting on Friday, April 23.
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.
Availability is limited. For reservations, please call .
**Physical Distancing Requirements and Maximum Occupancy Restrictions
Masks are required at all times, even if you have been vaccinated. Please note our live music performances have two sessions of the same show. You may choose to attend one of the two shows. This will allow access to as many guests as possible. Between each session, we sanitize the room for the next audience to enjoy the show comfortably. We thank you for your understanding as we work to continue to make Mohonk a safe and fun environment for all.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
FRIDAY, APRIL 23

Hiker’s Holiday Meet and Greet
3pm
Join us in the Lake Lounge to answer any question you may have about the program. Sign-up for the all-day hike on Sunday and choose your box lunch. At 4pm, enjoy afternoon tea and cookies and meet the program leaders.
First Hike (Leisurely)
4:30pm
Join us for a casual 1 hour hike with some of the weekend’s hike leaders.
Spring Night Hike (Leisurely)
9pm
Enjoy the beautiful evening mountain air on this casual hike to Cope’s Lookout. We’ll depart the Mountain House 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.
Live Music with Gabrielle Stravelli**
8:30pm / 9:45pm
Dedicated to the music and life of the “Red Headed Stranger”, Stravelli’s newest album “Pick Up My Pieces: Gabrielle Stravelli Sings Willie Nelson,” covers the full spectrum of Nelson’s catalog; from early hits like “Three Days” and “Blame It On The Times,” to favorites from his blockbuster album of American standards “Stardust,” to eternal classics like “Crazy” and “Nightlife.” Alongside the music, Gabrielle weaves in anecdotes from Nelson’s famously colorful personal life and storied 50-plus year career. Blending jazz, country, and blues, Gabrielle and her band reimagine the music of one of America’s most iconic artists.
SATURDAY, APRIL 24

Early Morning Walk
7:30am
Join Paul Huth, Director of Research Emeritus, on a leisurely walk along two historic paths built in the autumn of 1874, Lake Shore Path and Undercliff Path, and discuss some of the 150-year long history of this National Historic Landmark property. (1 hour)
Half Day Hike
9am
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 an its 250th anniversary). Our journey will continue back towards the Mountain House, bringing us to one of the best views of the Catskill Mountains. Hikers will return by 1pm. (4 hours)
Brisk Morning Hike
10am
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. (1 hour)
Moderate Two Hour Hike
10am
This moderate hike will take you to Sky Top Tower where you will get a 360-degree view of the Hudson Valley, Catskill Mountains, and the Shawangunk Ridge. On our descent of the tower, we will pass Lily Pond, where we might just catch spring peepers and wood frogs singing their spring songs for all to hear. Our path will take us on some of the most amazing trails the Mountain House has to offer. (2 hours)
Brewmasters Expo*
2pm – 5pm
Explore, taste, and experience the unique flavor of the Hudson Valley during this special event with displays from breweries, cider houses, distilleries, and local vendors for our Hikers’ Holiday Weekend! Your taste buds will be tantalized by some of New York’s finest crafters including Mill House Brewing Company, Whitecliff Vineyards, Tuthilltown Distillery, and more. No fee.
*Must be 21 years old and have a valid ID to taste.
Leisurely Afternoon Hike
2pm
Join a member of our Recreation staff for this 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. (1 hour)
Summerhouse Tour: Behind the scenes with Mohonk’s Rustic Carpenters
3pm
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! (1 hour)
Live Music with MAMA JUKE**
8:30pm / 9:30pm
MAMA JUKE plays a blend of New Orleans influenced blues, soul, funk, and folk. Comprised of actor/signer Elijah Bridges, lead guitarist Amos Rose, Brendan O’Grady, and drummer Jon Wert, this entertaining four piece will get your toes tapping.
SUNDAY, APRIL 25

Full Day Hikes (Moderate, Strenuous)
The Sunday all-day hikes depart at 9am and should return to the Mountain House by 3:30pm.
Full Day Hike (Strenuous): Our journey will begin at Copes Lookout where we will have majestic views of the Clove Valley and Catskill Mountains. We will then make our way down Laurel Ledge Road to Old Minnewaska Trail while walking through the first settlements (19) of the Clove Valley residents. Reaching the Coxingkill stream (Split Rock) we will be making our way towards the majestic Undercliff Road, where we will observe rock climbers scaling the 250-foot cliff. Heading back to the Mountain House we will hike up Old Minnewaska Road (Godzilla) to reach Lake Shore Road and back to the Mountain House.
Full Day Hike (Moderate): The cliffs of the Shawangunk Ridge will be the focus of this moderate hike, as you take in some of the Hudson Valley’s greatest viewpoints. From Lake Mohonk, we will make our way toward Old Minnewaska Road (Godzilla), where we will catch a great views of the mighty Trapps Cliff and along the way; we may be able to observe climbers scaling the magical Catskill Mountains and Clove Valley. We will finish this beautiful hike at Copes Lookout, where we will partake in some of the most amazing views the ridge has to offer.
*Note: Pre-registration with overnight reservation is required. Space is limited.
Brisk Morning Hike
10am
Brisk morning hike to Sky Top 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. (1 hour)
Leisurely Afternoon Hike
2pm
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. (1 hour)
Brisk Hike
3pm
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 3 ½ miles. Age 7 and up. Proper footwear is required, sneakers or boots, no flip-flops or sandals. (1 hour)
Wildlife of the Shawangunk Mountains with David Johnson
9pm
Join David Johnson as he shares images and stories of the native wildlife right here on the Shawangunk Ridge. “The Gunks” is a 47-mile long ridge of bedrock that has been designated by The Nature Conservancy as “one of Earth’s last great places.”
MONDAY, APRIL 26

Early Fox Walk: The Way of our Ancestors
7:30am
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. (1 hour)
Farewell Hike
9am
Our final long hike will be one to remember. We will travel around the beautiful trails of the Mountain House taking in the majestic views of the surrounding valleys, mountains, lake, and of the mighty Mountain House itself. We will start on Eagle Cliff Road, where we will be able to take in breathtaking views of Sky Top, Lake Mohonk, and the Mountain House from different viewpoints along the way. We then 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 we meet again. (3 hours)
Brisk Morning Hike
10am
Join a member of our Recreation staff for this 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. (1 hour)
Leisurely Afternoon Hike
2pm
Join a member of our Recreation staff for this leisurely afternoon hike. Approximately 1 mile. Age 7 and up. Proper footwear is required, sneakers or boots, no flip-flops or sandals. (1 hour)
Availability is limited. For reservations, please call .
MEET OUR PROGRAM LEADERS

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 at Cortland in Outdoor Recreation. Roger is New York State Certified in 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
In 1963 the Smiley Family helped create what is now known as the Mohonk Preserve, the largest non-profit private nature preserve in New York State. The mission of the Mohonk Preserve is to provide ongoing land protection and stewardship of the outlying lands to “preserve the beauty of the landscape and the integrity of the flora and fauna—with appropriate human use and enjoyment” as well as provide a continuation of conservation science and environmental education.
In partnership with members, supporters, and volunteers, the Preserve protects and manages over 8,000 acres of mountain ridges, forests, fields, streams, ponds, and other unique and beautiful places and welcomes over 200,000 visitors annually.
At the Preserve, you can enjoy scenic beauty, outdoor activities, and peace and quiet, all just 90 miles from New York City. Carriage roads and trails are perfect for hiking, running, mountain biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. Proudly the home of “Gunks” climbing and bouldering, one of the most visited climbing destinations in North America. Learn more, become a member, or make a donation at www.mohonkpreserve.org.

Paul Huth
Paul Huth brings nearly 50 years of natural and cultural history research on the Shawangunk Ridge, mostly concentrated at Mohonk and the surrounding Mohonk Preserve. He worked for 15 years with the Preserve’s first Director of Research, Daniel Smiley and his brother Keith Smiley, two founders of the Mohonk Trust in 1963. Paul followed Dan as the Preserve’s second Director of Research and served for over 20 years. Paul authored and co-authored over 100 Research Reports and published papers on a diversity of subjects, including the century old Mohonk Lake Cooperative Weather Station, where Dan and Paul both served as long-term Cooperative Observers for the National Weather Service. Paul’s decades of service insured the future of Dan’s science legacy, now being digitized, for future generations.

Gabrielle Stravelli
Gabrielle Stravelli’s pairing of a jazz artist’s musicianship with an ability to interpret lyrics and connect with an audience has led to a richly varied career. She has headlined international and domestic jazz festivals and regularly leads her quartet in performances at the country’s finest jazz clubs and performing arts centers. As a U.S. State Department “Jazz Ambassador” she has performed and taught throughout Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and South America. “Dream Ago,” her 2017 release which consists primarily of original material, received a 5-star review from Downbeat Magazine and her 2019 release “Pick Up My Pieces: Gabrielle Stravelli Sings Willie Nelson” was featured by noted music critic Will Friedwald in the WSJ and awarded the 2020 Bistro Award for Outstanding Recording.
When you visit during Hiker’s Holiday, your overnight package includes:
- Three meals daily featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients from our farm-to-table partners. See our full list of dining options>
- Access to more than 85 miles of scenic hiking trails
- Yoga, Meditation, and Fitness classes
- Afternoon tea and cookies in our historic Lake Lounge
- Make an appointment to visit our Greenhouse
- Indoor heated pool with underwater music
- Guided hikes and outdoor activities with our Recreation team
- Nightly evening entertainment, special events, and more! See activities schedule>
Seasonal Activities
- Guided nature hikes with stunning views of the Catskill Mountains
- Boating and fishing on Lake Mohonk
- Rock scrambling our iconic Labyrinth and Lemon Squeeze trail
- Guided archery and tomahawk throwing sessions
- Complimentary greens fees on our historic 9- hole golf course
À la carte experiences available to overnight guests:
- A full menu of nature-inspired treatments at our award-winning spa
- The Carriage Lounge, featuring a full bar and handcrafted cocktails as well as hyper local draft beer and hard cider
- An award-winning wine list in our dining venues
- Scenic carriage rides
- Guided rock climbing with Alpine Endeavors
- Private fitness, yoga, meditation, and mindfulness sessions
- Private golf lessons, archery lessons and tomahawk throwing lessons with our pros
- Fishing pole rental and bait for purchase
- Disc golf discs available for purchase (weather permitting)