The Art of Nature Awareness
June 7 – 11, 2021
August 23 – 27, 2021
November 29 – December 3, 2021
Immerse yourself into the ancient art of nature, mindfulness, and self-awareness. Join Mohonk’s Naturalist, Michael Ridolfo as he teaches time-tested principles of tracking and nature observation, authentic survival skills, and the spontaneous attention that occurs when we move through the arena of the natural world. Michael will be joined by Dr. Jackie Schnurr who is a Professor of Biology and Environmental Science at Wells College. You’ll never look at a hiking trail the same way again…
Availability is limited. For reservations, please call .
Physical Distancing Requirements and Maximum Occupancy Restrictions: Guests attending indoor events must wear a mask, even if you have been vaccinated, and sit in socially distant seating that will be preset. The Parlor will be open 15 minutes before and these events are first come first serve though we usually can accommodate all guests. Between each session the room will be reset and sanitized. We thank you for your understanding as we work to continue to make Mohonk a safe and fun environment for all.
MEET OUR PROGRAM LEADERS

Michael Ridolfo
Michael Ridolfo is the Naturalist at Mohonk Mountain House. After 20 years of rock climbing, ice climbing, mountain biking, skiing, winter mountaineering, nature photography, writing, and music, he began 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. In 1999, he founded Wilderness Mind (now The Earthtime Project), a school dedicated to preserving the ancient arts of tracking and nature awareness.
Dr. Jackie Schnurr
Dr. Jackie Schnurr is a Professor of Biology and Environmental Science at Wells College, a small liberal arts college located in the Finger Lakes region of New York. She has been working with plants for over 25 years, and her research mostly looks at the roles that biotic factors, such as small mammals, and abiotic factors, such as light and nutrients, have on dictating plant distributions.
Availability is limited. For reservations, please call .
When you visit for The Art of Nature Awareness, 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
- Access to more than 85 miles of scenic hiking trails
- Guided nature hikes with stunning views of the Catskill Mountains
- Boating, fishing, and swimming on Lake Mohonk
- Rock scrambling our iconic Labyrinth and Lemon Squeeze trail
- Guided archery and tomahawk throwing sessions
- Complimentary court time on our Har-Tru and red clay tennis courts
- Complimentary greens fees on our historic 9- hole golf course
- Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on more than 30 miles of groomed trails (weather permitting)
- Winter hiking with MICROspikes® (weather permitting)
- Ice-skating in the open air pavilion (November – March)
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, pony rides, and horseback riding
- Guided rock climbing with Alpine Endeavors
- Private fitness, yoga, meditation, and mindfulness sessions
- Private tennis lessons, golf lessons, archery lessons and tomahawk throwing lessons with our pros
- Mountain bike rental to explore our single track trails
- Fishing pole rental, and bait for purchase
- Disc golf discs available for purchase (weather permitting)