Overview
Mohonk Preserve is a nonprofit nature preserve covering roughly 8,000 acres on the Shawangunk Ridge in Ulster County, New York, about 90 miles north of New York City. It protects one of the finest outcrops of Shawangunk conglomerate in the Northeast, forming the dramatic white cliffs that have drawn climbers, hikers, and naturalists for generations.
The preserve adjoins the historic Mohonk Mountain House resort and shares access to a broader corridor of Gunks trails. Trails range from flat carriage roads suitable for families to technical ridgeline paths. Climbers will find thousands of established routes on the Trapps and Near Trapps cliffs, making the Gunks one of the most celebrated climbing destinations in North America.
The land is managed by the Mohonk Preserve, a membership-supported organization focused on conservation, environmental education, and low-impact recreation. Visitor passes are required for most recreational access; fees support trail maintenance and land stewardship. Verify current pass prices and requirements on the official Mohonk Preserve website before visiting.
Before You Go
Visitor Passes
A day pass or annual membership is required to hike, climb, or use the carriage roads. Passes can be purchased at trailhead kiosks or in advance online. Check the official site (mohonkpreserve.org) for current pricing, membership tiers, and any seasonal restrictions.
What to Pack
- Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support for rocky terrain
- Water (limited sources on the ridge; carry enough for your full outing)
- Layers — the ridge can be significantly cooler and windier than the valley
- Sun protection; exposed quartz conglomerate reflects light strongly
- Trail map (available at visitor centers and downloadable from the preserve's website)
Dogs and Permits
Dogs are permitted on a leash in designated areas. Some zones are dog-free to protect nesting wildlife — check the preserve's current map for details. Climbing permits or proof of climbing experience are not required by the preserve itself, but climbers should familiarize themselves with the preserve's specific climbing rules and seasonal raptor closures, which change annually.
Getting There
Mohonk Preserve is most easily reached by car. The main visitor entrances are near New Paltz, New York, accessed from Route 44/55 or Mountain Rest Road depending on which trailhead you are targeting. GPS directions to specific trailheads (Trapps Gateway, Spring Farm) are widely available and generally reliable.
Public transit options exist but require planning. From New York City, Trailways and Adirondack Trailways buses serve New Paltz. From the New Paltz bus stop, the trailheads are several miles away; bike rentals are available in town, or you can arrange a rideshare or local taxi. Verify current bus schedules and fares directly with the carrier before travel.
Parking at the main trailhead lots fills quickly on weekends and holidays, especially in October. Arriving before 9 a.m. is strongly advisable during peak season. Overflow parking and shuttle arrangements (when offered) are announced on the preserve's website and social channels.
Getting Around
Within the preserve, movement is on foot, by bicycle (on carriage roads only), or on horseback (with a permit). The carriage road network is extensive and generally well-graded, making it accessible for most fitness levels. Trails vary considerably — the Trapps ridge path involves scrambling over exposed rock, while Sky Top Path and many carriage roads are gentler.
Trail junctions are signed, but signage can be sparse in some areas. Download the official trail map or pick up a paper copy at the visitor center before heading out. Cell service is intermittent on the ridge, so do not rely on real-time navigation once on the trail.
Things to See & Do
Hiking
Over 70 miles of trails and carriage roads cross the preserve and connect to adjacent lands managed by the Palisades Interstate Park Commission (Minnewaska State Park Preserve is immediately adjacent). Popular routes include the Trapps Carriage Road, the Labyrinth, and the Sky Top loop.
Rock Climbing
The Shawangunks (locally called 'the Gunks') are internationally recognized for their horizontal crack and slab climbing on quartz conglomerate. The Trapps cliff is the largest and most visited crag; the Near Trapps and Millbrook cliffs offer quieter alternatives. Climbers should review the preserve's current seasonal raptor closure zones before heading out, as closures to protect peregrine falcon nesting are enforced each spring.
Wildlife Watching and Photography
The ridge-and-valley ecosystem supports diverse birdlife, including raptors, warblers during spring migration, and breeding grassland birds in the lowland meadows. Wildflowers on the ridge — including rare Shawangunk communities of pitch pine barrens and dwarf pitch pine — are best viewed in May and June.
Carriage Road Cycling and Snowshoeing
In warmer months the carriage roads are popular with cyclists. In winter, when snow conditions allow, snowshoeing is permitted; verify seasonal access policies before a winter visit.
Food & Drink
There are no food concessions inside the preserve itself. Visitors should bring their own food and sufficient water for their outing. New Paltz, about 5 miles from the main trailheads, has a genuine range of cafes, diners, and restaurants serving the large student and outdoor-recreation population of the area. Options range from casual sandwich shops to sit-down dining; the town is also known for its independent coffee shops.
Post-hike, many visitors stop in New Paltz for a meal. The Walkill Valley Rail Trail connects parts of the town and provides a pleasant wind-down route if you have energy remaining. Check locally for current business hours, as the dining scene in a college town fluctuates with the academic calendar.
Practical Information
Emergency and Safety Contacts
In a medical emergency on the trail, call 911. Ulster County has search-and-rescue services coordinated through the county sheriff. Cell signal is unreliable on the ridge — inform someone of your planned route and expected return time before heading out.
Restrooms
Toilet facilities are available at main visitor centers and some trailhead areas. There are no facilities on the ridge itself.
Leave No Trace
The preserve asks all visitors to practice Leave No Trace principles: pack out all waste, stay on marked trails, and do not pick plants or disturb wildlife. Fires and camping are not permitted within the preserve.
Accessibility
Some carriage roads are accessible to visitors with mobility limitations. Contact the preserve visitor center in advance to identify the most suitable routes for your needs.
Safety
The Shawangunk Ridge terrain is rocky and exposed in places. Ankle injuries from loose rock are the most common visitor mishap; proper footwear is essential. In hot weather, heat exposure on south-facing cliffs can be intense — hydrate well and take breaks in shade.
Lightning is a serious hazard on the open ridge. If thunderstorms are in the forecast, plan to be off the ridge before midday, particularly in summer. The National Weather Service forecast for the Catskill and Hudson Valley region is a reliable planning resource.
For winter visits, ice on carriage roads and rock can form rapidly. Microspikes or crampons are advisable after freezing rain or overnight cold following a thaw.
