Visitor Guidelines

Parking is available at all trailheads

• Parking lots fill early on peak weekends: On summer and fall weekends, arrive early and consider carpooling. During the busy fall season, visitors may wish to consider alternate travel routes. For a list of options, click here.
• Mohonk Mountain House Parking: Preserve members will not be able to park at the Mohonk Mountain House Gatehouse on busy weekends. Consider using the Preserve’s Spring Farm Trailhead instead.
• Parking on the road: Parking on the road is not recommended. New York State Department of Transportation has posted ½-hour parking limits at the “Scenic Overlook” and “Hairpin Turn” located one mile north of the intersection of Routes 299 and 44/55 in the Town of Gardiner. Consider using long-term parking lots at the Mohonk Preserve Visitor Center and at the West Trapps parking lot, located ½ mile and 1½ mile respectively from the intersection of Routes 299 and 44/55.
• 511 NY Rideshare: To help with parking, traffic in New Paltz, and to lighten your carbon footprint, consider using 511NYRideshare.

Dogs are welcome to accompany you but must be on a leash and under your control at all times.

Please remove dog waste from the trail and carriage roads, which helps ensure a more pleasant experience for visitors and keep streams and other water systems clean. Dogs are not allowed on the grounds of the neighboring Mohonk Mountain House, on Preserve carriage roads during cross-country ski season, or in any Preserve ponds or streams.

Why leashes are important:

• Leashes protect dogs from becoming lost and from wilderness hazards such as porcupines, bears, poisonous snakes, or sick, injured, or rabid animals.
• Unleashed dogs may intimidate other visitors and their pets, depriving them of the peace nature provides.
• Off-leash dogs can harass, injure, and sometimes kill wildlife.
• A leashed-dog’s keen senses can enhance your awareness of nearby wildlife or visitors.
• Tying a dog up at the bottom of a cliff while rock climbing does not constitute “under your control.” Please consider leaving your dog at home while you climb or boulder.
• Failure to leash your dog may result in a citation, impoundment, or revocation of Preserve use privileges.

Film Location Information

With over 8,000 acres of mountain cliffs, forests, fields and streams, along with sweeping iconic vistas, Mohonk Preserve has served as a location for numerous feature films, television programs, videos and commercials. Experienced staff are available for scouting and logistical support. For information about location opportunities, fees and requirements, contact Associate Director of Visitor Experience Jon Ross at jross@mohonkpreserve.org.

Wedding and Other Group or Commercial Photography or Videography

Wedding and other group or commercial photography is permitted in designated areas only and requires advance notification and permission. For information about location options, fees and requirements, contact Associate Director of Visitor Experience Jon Ross at jross@mohonkpreserve.org.

Mohonk Preserve Policy on the Use of Unmanned Aerial Systems/Drones

Mohonk Preserve prohibits the use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) otherwise known as unmanned aerial vehicles, drones, quadcopters, radio-controlled model airplanes and/ or any other equipment of this type, on or above its property unless such use is approved through our permit application process. This policy supports our commitment to the protection of all wildlife (specifically in this context, birds of all species), and the safety and well-being of our visitors, as well as the quality of their personal experiences in nature. This prohibition includes, but is not limited to, any and all use of drones for purposes such as aerial photography, videography and entertainment/recreational use.

Mohonk Preserve will accept applications for the operation of unmanned aerial systems for purposes such as conservation management, scientific research, mapping, authorized photo/film shoots, or other Preserve-related projects only. Applicants must carry general liability insurance coverage as specified on the application form. All applicants must operate their equipment in compliance with all federal, state and local statutes, regulations and ordinances governing the use of UAS and will provide documentation of such compliance to Mohonk Preserve upon request.

All drones weighing more than 0.55 pound but less than 55 pounds are required to be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration. Click here to read the FAQs on the FAA registration website.

Permit Applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. If approved, Mohonk Preserve will issue a limited permit for the use of unmanned aerial systems for the specific project and time period for which the application was submitted.

Click here for the Mohonk Preserve permit application (including a listing of Standard and Special Conditions for UAS Operations). The completed form shall be returned to: Jon Ross, Associate Director of Visitor Experience, at jross@mohonkpreserve.org.