Outdoors at Mohonk
Hidden in nature. Open for adventure.
The Hudson Valley is known for its lush forests and mountainous landscape. Mohonk Mountain House offers a variety of ways to enjoy this natural beauty. Explore miles of protected forest and scenic hiking trails, master the art of archery, or sharpen your outdoor survival skills.
Things to do outdoors
Filter by Season & Vibe
Row Boating
Mid-April – Late October
Enjoy a peaceful moment in nature during a leisurely row around Lake Mohonk. Our classic wooden row boats are uniquely designed for Mohonk Mountain House.
Guests under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
Pedal Boats
Mid-April – Late October
There’s something uniquely relaxing about our two-person paddle boats. You and your co-captain can gently circle Lake Mohonk by pedaling with your legs.
Guests under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
Kayaking
Late May – Early September
A kayak brings you closer to the water as the sun warms your skin and fresh mountain air rushes over your body.
Guests must be 16 or older to use kayaks.
Canoeing
Early May – Late October
Discover the local flora, fish, and wildlife as you paddle around our half-mile long lake. Bring your favorite book and enjoy the serene beauty of Lake Mohonk from the comfort of your canoe.
Guests under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
Paddleboarding
Late May – Early September
Our stand-up paddleboards will test your balance and agility and offer an entirely new way to experience our lake.
Guests must be 16 or older to use paddleboards.
Fishing
Mid-April – Late October
Each spring, we stock our lake with rainbow trout for the busy season ahead. Lake Mohonk is an ideal spot for catching the oversized trout that swim below. Fishing equipment and rods are available for rent as well as live bait and power bait are available for purchase at the Boat Dock.
Fishing is reserved for guests with a Stay Experience only. Equipment is available for an additional fee.
Beach Swimming
Late May – Early September
Cool off from the heat with a refreshing dip in our glacial mountain lake, or sun yourself on our sandy beach and take in the peaceful view.
Beach swimming is reserved for guests with a Stay Experience only.
Lake Swim
Mid-June – Early September
Another popular summer activity is our lake swim, where guests can enjoy a supervised swim across the glacial mountain lake offered at certain times in the day. Only available Father’s Day to Labor Day.
Swimming is reserved for guests with a Stay Experience only.
Basketball
Year Round
Pick up a basketball at the front desk and head to the court for some shooting practice.
Pickleball
Year Round
Request equipment at the front desk and head to our basketball court for an impromptu game of pickleball.
Disc Golf
Year Round
Our 18-hole disc golf course wraps in and out of the woods and near scenic views.
Equipment is available for an additional fee.
Outdoor Dining
The Granary Evening Cookout
Closed for the season
Enjoy an impressive selection of grilled favorites and seafood, including crab cakes, salmon, and more!
Lobster is also on the menu for $37 per lobster. To pre-order, please call (844) 330-3834.
Attire: Resort Casual; Athletic attire permitted
Spirits on the Sunset
Closed for the season
Pull up a chair on the Sunset Porch and enjoy one of the best seats in the Mountain House with our signature handcrafted cocktails.
Not included in the Stay Experience rate.
Must-Do Hikes
Labyrinth + Lemon Squeeze Rock Scramble
Suggested for 8 and up. From the Lake Porch, begin on Lake Shore Road. Labyrinth opening is located directly across the Lake from the Mountain House. Featuring narrow crevices and rock formations that demand agility and nimbleness, this unique trail presents adventurers with a combination of natural beauty, physical challenge, and a touch of adventure. Return via Sky Top Road to pass Lily Pond.
1.1 miles
Sky Top Tower
From the Lake Porch, take Sky Top Path until you reach the Tower. On a clear day, six states can be seen from the observation deck. Return via Sky Top Road to pass Lily Pond.
In winter, from the Lake Porch, take Huguenot Drive to Sky Top Road.
1.1 miles in warm months
3.25 miles in winter
Eagle Cliff: Mindfulness Hike – Virtually guided by Nina Smiley Ph.D.
From the Valet Porch, take Eagle Cliff Road past the Tennis Courts for an easy-moderate walk through the lush forests. Scan QR codes along the way at summerhouses & look-outs to be guided through a mindfulness exercise with Nina Smiley Ph.D. herself.
1.7 miles
Copes Lookout
From the Valet Porch, take Copes Lookout Road past the Tennis Courts to the Scenic Vista at the end of the road loop. Return via Copes Lookout Path.
1 mile
Around the Lake
From the Valet Porch, start toward Eagle Cliff, then descend the stairs to the Bathing Beach. Turn right and take Undercliff Path to the cool woods at the southern end of the Lake. Return via Forest Drive and Lake Shore Path and Road.
1 mile
Mohonk Spring
From the Lake Porch, pass the boat dock and head across the wooden bridge. After the sign to the Labyrinth, turn left on Spring Path to the Mohonk Spring, once used as the source of the resort’s drinking water. Return via Forest Drive and Lake Shore Road.
1 mile
100+ Years of
Sky Top Tower
Standing tall since 1923, Sky Top Tower was originally constructed to be used as a forest fire lookout station. Earlier versions of the tower had succumbed to the elements, and after the passing of Mohonk’s founder, Albert K. Smiley, a committee of guests formed a plan for a memorial tower in his honor.
The tower was constructed out of excavated stone from the ridge it resides on. The excavation left a large pit directly under the tower, which was then converted into a working reservoir, which is still in place today.
Outdoor Signature Events
Discover the Catskills through Mohonk Signature Events—from hiker holidays to nature-focused retreats. Explore our gardens with 30,000 tulips and our 85 miles of horse-carved trails.
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