Choose Your Adventure!
- Hike on 70 miles of carriage roads and trails
- Climb on the world-famous Gunks cliffs
- Run through forests, fields, and mountains
Click the tabs below to learn more!
- Bike on our historic carriage roads
- Horseback Ride from our Spring Farm Trailhead
- Ski/Snowshoe on groomed and natural terrain.
Come take a hike!
Experience beautiful cliffs, forests, fields, streams and vistas on foot on 70 miles of carriage roads and trails named “Best of the Hudson Valley” by Hudson Valley Magazine. Check out our Suggested Hikes for great views at the end of a short hike, a leisurely simple stroll, or an uphill challenge.
Is there a fee to hike?
Yes. You can join online now, or you can buy a day pass or membership at a trailhead or at the Visitor Center.
Can I hike to Mohonk Mountain House or Minnewaska State Park Preserve from Mohonk Preserve?
You can continue your hike onto the grounds of the Mohonk Mountain House and into the Minnewaska State Park Preserve. Some restrictions and separate regulations apply. Check with a ranger for details.
Can I bring my class or community group for a hike?
Yes! For more information go to the School and Group Visits page.
I have mobility impairment. Are the trails accessible?
You can stroll along the Preserve’s carriage roads, which are more level and easier than many of our trails. The J & S Grafton Sensory Trail at the Visitor Center is a fairly level, self-guiding, 15-minute loop where outdoor exhibits encourage visitors to use sight, sound, smell, and touch to enjoy the full experience.
If you use a wheelchair, you will need a special, overland wheelchair for your visit, as our trails are shale-surfaced. There is handicapped parking at most trailheads. We are pleased to offer the use of our All-terrain Wheelchair for day visitors at the Mohonk Preserve. Loan of the chair is available at our Visitor Center by reservation or on a first-come first-served basis. Visit our Accessibility page for more information.
The “Gentle Stroll” entrance path at the Mohonk Preserve Visitor Center is an easy, wheelchair-accessible, paved route from the parking lot to the building. The Visitor Center has accessible restrooms and an elevator to take you to two levels of exhibits.
For more information check out our Accessibility web page.
Can I hike in the winter?
Yes! All Preserve trails and some carriage roads are always open to non-skiers in the winter season. Please note these winter regulations:
- All Preserve trails and some carriage roads are always open to non-skiers, such as Undercliff and Trapps Carriage Roads (from West Trapps Trailhead) and Farm Road and posted sections of Spring Farm Carriage Road (from Spring Farm Trailhead).
- Please respect the signage and barriers in place when any carriage road access is restricted for use by skiers and snowshoers.
- Don’t walk or bring your dog on carriage roads that have been groomed for skiing. Hiking on groomed trails creates “foot potholes” that can cause skiers to fall; they are also hard to fix and make the snow melt quicker. Hikers on groomed trails will be asked to leave.
Go for a ride!
Discover varied scenery ranging from cliff-top views to open meadows on 80 miles of carriage roads in the Gunks, including 30 miles on the Preserve, with linkages to the bike routes of the adjacent Minnewaska State Park Preserve and the Mohonk Mountain House resort.
Varied topography to meet the needs of novice and experienced bikers. Because of the sudden elevations in the Gunks, many of the bike routes will test your endurance and strength – the Preserve is a great place to train!
Is there a fee to bike?
Yes. You can join online now, or you can buy a day pass or membership at the Visitor Center, at one of the trailheads, or from a ranger in the field.
Are there rules and guidelines?
Yes, just a few…
- There is no technical singletrack on the three major properties. All mountain bike riding is restricted to designated bike routes, which encompass most of the carriage roads on the ridge.
- A Preserve day permit will allow you to bike (not drive) onto all three properties; paying the Minnewaska parking fee only gives you access to Minnewaska.
- Day visitors biking onto Mohonk Mountain House property must purchase a day permit from the Preserve and sign a waiver, and may not park at the Mountain House Gatehouse.
- Helmets are always required.
- Maximum speed is 15 mph.
- Mountain bike riders are expected to understand and comply with the Rules of the Trail of the International Mountain Bicycling Association.
- Ride on open carriage roads only (designated bike routes).
- Leave no trace – no litter, no skid marks.
- Control your bike.
- Always yield to pedestrians and horseback riders, who have the right of way.
- Never scare animals.
- Plan ahead – know your equipment, your ability, and the area in which you are riding.
Are e-bikes allowed?
Mohonk Preserve permits cyclists to operate Class 1 e-bikes only on designated Carriage Roads and Shared Use Paths where traditional “pedal” biking with the following requirements:
- The e-bike must be identified as Class 1
- Weigh less than 100 pounds
- Be equipped with two or three wheels at least 11 inches in diameter, as well as operable pedals
- Be powered by an electric motor system rated at not more than 750 watts
- All e-bike users must also adhere to Mohonk Preserve’s rules and regulations regarding the use of traditional bicycles on Preserve property.
Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes are prohibited.
Is snow biking allowed?
Snow biking is permitted at Mohonk Preserve on designated bicycle trails only. Please help us in creating a respectful and cooperative experience for all users by abiding by our biking rules and guidelines and:
- Only ride designated Bike trails. Bike maps are available at all trailheads.
- Helmets are required for all riders.
- Do not ride in the classic ski tracks, give skiers a wide berth, ride single file.
- Riding is only permitted when temperatures are below 25 degrees F for the duration of planned ride.
- Be an ambassador for the sport—stay polite, educate other bikers, discourage bad behavior, follow the rules.
- Purpose built Snow Bikes only! Tires must be wider than 3.5″ and tire pressure must be less than 10 psi.
- Bikes yield to all other users. Cross-country Skiers don’t have brakes, so bikes are responsible for staying out of their way.
- Be a good trail citizen. If the conditions cause you to leave ruts (deeper than 1 inch) that will impede skiing, leave the trail.
- For our members and visitors who are cycling on-road in New Paltz, please refer to the Rules of the Road from the New Paltz Bike/Pedestrian Committee.
The Home of Gunks Climbing
Most of the Gunks climbing cliffs are located on the Preserve and can be accessed from the West Trapps Trailhead.
Why do climbers from all over the world climb at Mohonk Preserve?
In the early 1950s, there might have been 50 climbers on a busy day in the Gunks. By the 1990s, that number grew to 500-800. Today, the Gunks are a world-class climbing area, offering some of the best climbing in the eastern United States and receiving over 100,000 climber visits a year.
- Climbers have easy access to hundreds of routes and more than five linear miles of cliff face, located near parking areas and sanitary facilities.
- It’s the best. The vertical cliffs and their overhangs create a wide variety of high-quality climbs of varying levels of difficulty. The distinctive, stark, white cliffs of the Gunks are as tough as they look – with sharp angles testing your skill and with quartz pebbles and deep fissures providing multiple holds.
- Climbers can climb more safely here. The Preserve has one of the best-trained, vertical rescue teams in the northeastern United States. In collaboration with climbing guides and groups, the Preserve regularly hosts climbing clinics.
PEREGRINE BREEDING SEASON: April 20, 2024 – Adjusted temporary cliff and boulder closures are in place at the Trapps Cliff. Click here for more information.
Is there a fee to climb?
Yes. You can join online now, or you can buy a day pass or membership at the Visitor Center, at one of the trailheads, or from a ranger in the field.
Is there bouldering?
Yes. Acres of boulders offer hundreds of problems – from basic to advanced. Bouldering areas are easily accessible from the parking areas. Climbers come from all over the country to try out the new problems put up almost every day.
What should I know before I go?
Be aware that you climb at your own risk on the Preserve, which isn’t responsible for the condition of the cliffs, climbing protection, climber behavior, or training or supervising climbs. For your safety, read the Preserve’s Climbing Policy.
Rock Climbing Guidebooks: The Climbers Guide to the Shawangunks: The Trapps (revised 2nd ed. ©2016) by Dick Williams is available for purchase at the Nature Shop in the Visitor Center for $34.99.
Download Gunks Apps Rock Climbing Guide to Your Mobile Device: Bring a digital guidebook with you on any mobile device. Gunks Apps climbing guidebooks are now available for purchase for Trapps Routes, Nears Routes, Trapps Bouldering, and Nears Bouldering.
Help protect the resource
Prevent damage to the cliffs and to the fragile life found here:
- Use only established trails and carriage roads.
- Use the yellow-blazed climber approach trails in the Trapps.
- Avoid damaging lichen and vegetation growing on the cliff and treat the rock gently: tree cutting, rock trundling, hold chopping, and bolting or gluing of holds are prohibited.
- Minimize chalk use and brush off heavily chalked holds.
- Leave only rock-colored slings at rappel stations.
Parking is extremely limited on weekends and holidays. During peak seasons, parking lots fill early. Ease traffic congestion by carpooling or coming at off-peak times. Please comply with posted regulations, including “no parking” signs.
Dogs must be attended and leashed at all times. To avoid having your dog disturb others, don’t leave your dog tied-up at the base of a climb. If you leave your dog unattended, it will be removed by an animal control officer.
Please keep the trails at the base clear so others can pass by.
Does Mohonk Preserve offer guiding services?
The Preserve does not offer instruction, but the guides and guide services below are registered with the Mohonk Preserve.
- Advanced Rockcraft (845) 663-7391
- Alpine Endeavors (845) 658-3094
- Alpine Logic (207) 949-1736
- Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) (800) 310-4504
- High Xposure Adventures (800) 777-CLIMB
- Mountain Skills (845) 853-5450
- Ragged Mountain Guides (203) 228-2311
- Rise Outside info@riseoutside.org
- Vitti Mountain Guides (845) 901-3687
Only registered guides may instruct organized climbing classes.
If you suspect that a guide is not affiliated with one of these services, please notify a ranger. If you want to offer guiding services, please consult the Preserve Climbing Instruction Policy.
Is there camping?
Yes. The Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground on Rte. 299 is available for camping. For more information, click here.
For other hotel and lodging information, please see our Area Guide.
Ride at the Preserve
Bring your horse and enjoy cool, forested trails and sweeping views from open fields down to the valley below. Riding along our 19th-century carriage roads, you’ll feel you’ve stepped back in time… and into nature. Wider than most horseback riding trails elsewhere, our carriage roads have less foot traffic – and no cars (except for the occasional ranger truck).
Is there a fee to horseback ride?
Yes. You can join online now, or you can buy a day pass or membership at a trailhead or at the Visitor Center.
Can I rent a horse at the Preserve?
No. To ride on the Preserve, you must bring your own horse. If you want to go on a guided trail ride, contact the neighboring Mohonk Mountain House hotel. Depending on availability, the Mountain House may take day visitors’ reservations for trail rides on weekdays. On weekends, holidays and peak seasons, trail rides are usually for Mountain House guests only. For further information, contact the Mohonk Mountain House at (845) 255-1000 or (800) 772-6646.
Where can I bring my horse trailer onto the Preserve?
Parking is available at the Preserve’s Spring Farm Trailhead and Mohonk Mountain House Gatehouse only.
Can I bring my carriage?
Carriages must call ahead to the Mohonk Mountain House Stables at (845) 255-1000 to make sure that they will not conflict with the Mountain House carriages. Some horse roads are dead ends or have gates where carriages will not be able to turn around. Check the map carefully to plan your route.
Where can I ride?
To plan your ride, please pick up a copy of Shawangunk Horse Trails, our brochure and trail map, at the Visitor Center. Riding is on carriage roads only and the trail map indicates areas where riding is not allowed.
What rules are there for horseback riding?
Please note:
- Helmets are required.
- An adult must accompany children who are riding.
- Observe all No Horseback Riding signs.
- Control your horse and always yield the road to pedestrians and bicycles.
- Ride at your own risk. Carriage roads are not maintained specifically for horses or carriages and may contain potholes and other impediments.
Horseback riding isn’t allowed when trails are open for skiing or snowshoeing. Please call the office at (845) 255-0919 to find out if the Preserve is open for horseback riding on particular winter days.
Run in the Gunks
Come experience some of the best running trails in the Northeast, according to New York Runner magazine.
Enjoy jogging through open meadows with spectacular views, sprinting along gently rolling carriage roads, or testing your endurance up steep and rocky footpaths… it’s a runner’s dream!
It’s a great place to train
Whether you’re an occasional jogger or a mad marathoner, the hundreds of miles of carriage roads and trails crisscrossing the Shawangunks (or Gunks) are a perfect training ground. Make this your outdoor track and see the seasons change while you better your time.
Is there a fee to run at the Preserve?
Yes. You can join online now, or you can buy a day pass or membership at a trailhead or at the Visitor Center.
Are there winter regulations for running?
Yes. Please note these winter regulations:
- All Preserve trails and some carriage roads are always open to non-skiers, such as Undercliff and Trapps Carriage Roads (from West Trapps Trailhead) and Farm Road and posted sections of Spring Farm Carriage Road (from Spring Farm Trailhead).
- Please respect the signage and barriers in place when any carriage road access is restricted for use by skiers and snowshoers.
- Don’t run, walk, or bring your dog on carriage roads that have been groomed for skiing. Running or walking on groomed trails creates “foot potholes” that can cause skiers to fall; they are also hard to fix and make the snow melt quicker. Runners or hikers on groomed trails will be asked to leave.
Check out these great annual running events at Mohonk Preserve!
Enjoy the serenity of the Preserve in winter
Experience the incomparable and varied scenery ranging from valley views to forests, to open, snowy fields. Spot ice flows sculpted by nature on rocks and in streams, branches sporting winter coats of snow, and the tap-tap-tap of a hungry woodpecker as a break in the welcomed silence. Varied topography meets the needs of novice and experienced visitors alike.
When conditions, staff obligations and partner support permit, groomed trails may be available at the West Trapps and Spring Farm Trailheads. Please note that, in inclement weather, parking lots will remain closed until snowplow operators deem them safe for access.
At West Trapps, when groomed Overcliff Road is for skiing, snowshoeing and, under certain conditions, fat-tire bikes only (see below). Trapps Road is groomed and accessible for all activities as a multi-use area. Undercliff Road will not be groomed and will remain a multi-use area. In multi-use areas, hikers should avoid walking in ski tracks.
At Spring Farm, Spring Farm Road, Cedar Drive and Bonticou Road may be groomed for skiing, snowshoeing and, under certain conditions (see below), fat-tire bikes only. Hiking maps are provided at the trailhead booth and visitors are encouraged to review the winter activities map and use the designated routes.
Ungroomed skiing is available on all other trails. Visitors may snowshoe on any trails or carriage roads on the Preserve but should stay out of ski tracks.
Is there a fee for skiing/snowshoeing at Mohonk Preserve?
Yes. You can join online now, or you can buy a day pass or membership at a trailhead or at the Visitor Center.
What are the current trail conditions?
This season, Mohonk Preserve has established a new partnership with the Mohonk Mountain House and the Shawangunk Nordic Ski Association to coordinate grooming operations and to meet the challenges of managing increased visitation, various winter recreational uses and maintaining safe winter access.
We are working with our partners to assist with maintaining the groomed trails and providing improved on-trail signage, external communications and friendly visitor interactions.
For updated cross-country skiing conditions in the Gunks, please visit the Shawangunk Nordic Ski Association’s Facebook page here. Mohonk Mountain House and Mohonk Preserve groomed trails are also listed on the MMH ski report here. Click here to see current weather conditions from our NYS Mesonet station at Spring Farm.
Upon entering to ski, please stop and talk with our Trailhead Rangers for any updates regarding access and trail conditions.
What are the rules for skiing/snowshoeing?
Please note these regulations:
- Please respect the signage and barriers in place when any carriage road access is restricted for use by skiers and snowshoers.
- Don’t walk on carriage roads that have been groomed. Hiking on groomed trails creates “foot potholes” that can cause skiers to fall; they are also hard to fix and make the snow melt quicker. Hikers on groomed trails will be asked to leave.
- Pets are not allowed on groomed trails.
- Horseback riding isn’t allowed when trails are open for skiing or snowshoeing. Please call to find out if the Preserve is open for horseback riding on particular winter days (845) 255-0919.
Can I rent equipment at Mohonk Preserve?
The Preserve has no equipment rentals on site. You can get rentals nearby from outdoor equipment shop Rock and Snow in New Paltz.
Is snow biking or fat tiring biking allowed?
Snow biking is permitted at Mohonk Preserve on designated bicycle trails only. Please help us in creating a respectful and cooperative experience for all users by abiding by our biking rules and guidelines and:
- Only ride designated Bike trails. Bike maps are available at all trailheads.
- Helmets are required for all riders.
- Do not ride in the classic ski tracks, give skiers a wide berth, ride single file.
- Riding is only permitted when temperatures are below 25 degrees F for the duration of planned ride.
- Be an ambassador for the sport—stay polite, educate other bikers, discourage bad behavior, follow the rules.
- Purpose built Snow Bikes only! Tires must be wider than 3.5″ and tire pressure must be less than 10 psi.
- Bikes yield to all other users. Cross-country Skiers don’t have brakes, so bikes are responsible for staying out of their way.
- Be a good trail citizen. If the conditions cause you to leave ruts (deeper than 1 inch) that will impede skiing, leave the trail.
- For our members and visitors who are cycling on-road in New Paltz, please refer to the Rules of the Road from the New Paltz Bike/Pedestrian Committee.
Can I ski/snowshoe into Mohonk Mountain House property or the Minnewaska State Park Preserve?
Access to carriage roads and trails, includes linkages onto the adjacent Mohonk Mountain House resort. Please note that Minnewaska State Park Preserve charges a separate per-person fee for skiing on the carriage roads on their property.
Where can I park?
Trailhead parking availability is subject to snow and ice removal. Maintaining safe access is our top staff priority. Lots will remain closed until snowplow operations staff feel they are safe for access. Contact the Mohonk Preserve Visitor Center at 845-255-0919 for updated conditions. Learn more about our trailheads here.
Banner photo of Lost City by Karen Maloy Brady