The Mohonk Preserve: An Escape From NYC

Many people from the United States and around the world go to New York City for vacation, but where do New Yorkers go?

A short getaway vacation for New Yorkers, the Mohonk Preserve is a popular option for those who love the outdoors. Over 7,000 acres of streams, ponds, fields, mountain ridges and forests provide visitors with a place to escape the hustle and bustle of the NYC rat-race, leave their woes behind and become one with nature. The Mohonk Preserve exists as a way to protect the Shawangunk Mountains of New York and simultaneously inspire people to care about and enjoy the natural world.

Just 90 miles north of NYC, Mohonk Preserve is a mountain climber’s mecca. The ever-so-popular “Gunks” cliffs offer world-class rock climbing routes that even the most technical climber finds challenging. Climbers have over 1,000 world-class routes and more than five linear miles of cliff face to conquer. In addition, climbers definitely have the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the Appalacian Mountains and soak in the views of the Hudson Valley.

If rocks don’t suit your fancy and you’re more of a water person, Lake Minnewaska offers a place for Preserve visitors to swim, boat, fish and scuba dive. Fish, however, are difficult to find because the water is rather acidic. Hunting is part of the research-based deer management program, and is allowed at the Preserve. Lake Minnewaska is technically not part of the Mohonk Preserve but is readily accessible as part of the adjoining Minnewaska State Park Preserve.

Carriage roads and trails are aplenty at Mohonk Preserve, allowing visitors to hike, run, mountain bike, ride horses and cross-country ski. Educational programs about land stewardship, preservation and nature are also available for learners of all ages.

The Visitor’s Center is a great first-stop for people wondering what their options are at the Preserve. Short self-guided trails around the Visitor Center are viable options for those wanting a quick, easy way to learn about the Shawangunk Ridge.

• Shawangunk Sensory Trail – an easy ¼ mile level loop with interpretive stations along the way which encourage visitors to touch, look and listen to nature. The Weinstein Butterfly Garden sits along the Sensory Trail. The Garden is an ideal place to sit down, take a short rest and appreciate the flowers and butterflies.
• LaVerne Thompson Nature Trail – a rolling 1/3^rd mile loop that shoots off the Sensory Trail can be explored using a free trail brochure which leads you to 16 different stops along the trail to appreciate the plants, animals and geology of the Ridge.

“My favorite think about Mohonk is the hiking,” said Christina Calvino, who visits Mohonk once every two or three years. “Whether you just walk up the path to the tower, of if you do the lemon squeeze, it’s always worth it. The views are amazing the whole hike, not just at the top.”

It doesn’t matter whether you have one hour to kill or two days to relax – the Mohonk Preserve is the perfect place to go. People wishing to stay overnight and extend their stay from a day-trip to a weekend getaway can stay at the Mohonk Mountain House, a majestic spa-resort hotel.

“The gift shop is also great,” said Calvino, “because it doesn’t sell the standard tourist-trap souvenirs. There are some really unique and special gifts.”

The resort property includes numerous gardens, a Victorian maze, stables and a fitness center. Night owls can participate in evening activities including dancing, nature shows and movies. Programs designed specifically for children are also available at Mohonk Preserve and the Mohonk Mountain House.

The Mohonk Preserve is an ideal place for NYC residents to escape reality, but also attracts visitors from around the world. The Preserve is home to more than 1,400 animal and plant species including 2,000 acres of rare dwarf pitch pine. Endangered peregrine falcons can also be found at the Preserve, as well as black bears, bobcats, timber rattlesnakes and warblers.

The Preserve lands are open 365 days a year from sunrise to one hour after sunset.

For more information about the Mohonk Preserve and the Mohonk Mountain House, visit their websites at www.mohonkpreserve.org and www.mohonk.com.