Hiker’s Holiday: June
2023 dates to be announced
For 90 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. Our Hiker’s Holiday program 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. Mohonk Mountain House and the Mohonk Preserve come together to share their history and introduce all guests to the natural wonders and simple beauty of hiking on this property.
Save 10% on your rate when you book our special Hiker’s Holiday offer!
Availability is limited. For reservations, please call .
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.
On Sunday, June 5th, there are two all-day hikes at 9:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. and should return to the Mountain House by 3:30 – 4:00 p.m. On Sunday, transportation for the full day hikes depart at 8:45 a.m. & 9:15 a.m. respectively (Note that these hikes begin off–site) Sign-up is required and available through reservations before Thursday, June 2nd. Guests will need to supply a day pack and a buffet table will be provided for you to make your own boxed lunch in the Laurel Lounge (adjacent to the Lake Lounge) from 8:00 a.m.—9:15 a.m. Signup for the full day hikes with Theme Programs at the following Hiker’s Holiday events:
- Friday: 3:30 p.m. Meet & Greet or 9:00 p.m. Performance
- Saturday: 9:00 a.m. Hike or 10:00 a.m. Moderate 2 Hour Hike
Suggestions to bring: A small pack, rain gear, binoculars, hiking shoes, extra socks, and a water bottle.
Length of time for the hikes are listed with descriptions and are approximate.
PAST SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
FRIDAY
Hiker’s Holiday Meet and Greet
Join us in the Lake Lounge to answer any questions 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)
Join us for a casual 1 hour hike with some of the weekend’s hike leaders.
Campfire, S’mores, & Music
Join local musician Jude Roberts for an evening of family fun and songs by the campfire while roasting a delicious marshmallow treat!
Spring Night Hike (Leisurely)
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. (1 hour)
Live Music
More details to come.
SATURDAY
Early Morning Walk
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
This hike will certainly offer some majestic views of the Catskill Mountains as we will be hiking and rock scrambling to some of the best viewpoints of the Mountain House and Mohonk Preserve. This hike will start with sweeping views of the Catskill Mountains, as we will be making our way towards the Clove Valley side of the Shawangunk Ridge. As we make our way back towards the Mountain House, we will be able to soak up beautiful views of the Catskill Mountains, Mountain House and Mohonk Lake. We will be rock scrambling up to Sky Top Tower via the Labyrinth for a 360 degree view of the Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountains. This hike includes rock-scrambling sections and we suggest only seasoned hikers participate. (4 hours)
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. (1 hour)
Moderate Two Hour Hike
This moderate hike will take you around the base of Skytop Tower and back over to Mountain House, where you will be able to take in views of Sky Top Tower. As we head back to the Mountain House, we will be traveling around Mohonk Lake, where the beauty and grandeur of the lake is breathe taking. This hike will lead us through the Mountain House and Mohonk Preserves majestic property via carriage roads and on some of the best hiking trails, this area has to offer. (2 hours)
Leisurely Afternoon Hike
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
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)
Tasting
More details to come.
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. (1 hour)
Taiko Drumming & Japanese Folk Dance
Masterful performance, Japanese culture, and a mask dance are featured in this interactive program designed for drummers and fans of all ages.
SUNDAY
Full Day Hikes
All-day hikes depart at 9am and 9:30am and should return to the Mountain House by 3:30pm – 4pm.
*Please Note: Transportation for the all-day hikes depart Mohonk Mountain House at 8:45am and 9:15am respectively.
Full Day Hike (Dynamic)*: Just as guests of the Mountain House of years past journeyed to reach their amazing getaway, our journey will begin much the same way. We will make our way toward the Mountain House via the River 2 Ridge Carriage Road, stopping along the way to take in beautiful views of Sky Top Tower. The tower serves as a beacon for weary travelers, who would be traveling by horse and buggy from the train station in New Paltz. Upon arrival to Duck Pond, we will travel alongside the Kleinekill Creek, hiking with the ever present Tower as our guide. We’ll then hike back to the Mountain House on some of the most amazing trails and carriage roads this region has to offer.
*Note: Pre-registration with overnight reservation is required. Space is limited.
Full Day Hike (Moderate)*: This hike is almost identical to the dynamic hike, but without the harder hiking up the Duck Pond Trail. We will travel to the Mountain House as travelers did in years past by horse and buggy from the train station in New Paltz. Sky Top Tower will serve as our beacon throughout the day, enhancing the views of the surrounding majestic landscape. The trails and carriage roads leading up to the Mountain House will be the focus of this moderate hike, while hiking through forested areas that the pioneers once traveled.
*Note: Pre-registration with overnight reservation is required. Space is limited.
Brisk Morning Hike
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
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
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)
Campfires, S’mores, & Music
Join local musicians Michael & Emmy Clarke and Friends for an evening of family fun and songs by the campfire while roasting a delicious marshmallow treat!
Washington’s Secret Six with Historian Bob Ulrich
Washington and his troops are outmanned, outgunned, outspent and out supplied. Names, some still unknown to this day, were part of a spy ring that helped save the American cause. As noted by a British officer of the time, we did not outfight the Redcoats, but we did out spy them! Local historian Bob Ulrich will walk us through his picture filled story of how this spy ring operated, and how it succeeded in bringing about the final victory against English oppression.
MONDAY
Farewell Hike
Our farewell hike will be one to remember. We will travel around on 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 our hike up to Sky Top Tower, where we will take in a beautiful 360-degree view of Mohonk Lake, Catskill Mountains, Shawangunk Ridge, and of the Hudson Valley. We then will travel down to Mohonk Lake and up to Artist Rock on Eagle Cliff carriage road, where we will step back in time and see the majestic views as the artists of the Hudson River School of Art did many years ago. Our journey will end at the Mountain House where this will conclude our Hikers’ Holiday program until the next time we meet. (3 hours)
Brisk Morning Hike
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)
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.
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.