Mohonk Preserve In The News
The Amazing 94-Year-Old Research Project at Mohonk Preserve
by Jonah
WRRV | April 10, 2025
For nature lovers, there are few places as magical as the Hudson Valley. That magic extends to scientists, too.
Each spring, research projects across the area focus on everything from building nests for the world’s fastest predator to cataloguing the amazing eels that travel over 1,000 miles to Ulster County every year. There’s one project, however, that’s been going strong for nearly 100 years.
The Mohonk Preserve, which acts both as a nature conservancy as well as a destination for hikers, bikers, and rock climbers, is always working hard to act as a steward for their protected land. That includes a project that began back in 1931.
The project centers around the preserve’s vernal pools, the ideal location for amphibians like the wood frog to lay their eggs. As they explain below, tracking the frogs’ reproduction is an important part of protecting the land. It’s also not the only decades-long project…
A Guide to Dog-Friendly Hikes in the Hudson Valley & Catskills
Visit Vortex | March 05, 2025
A change of scenery full of fresh scents to whiff and a nice long walk with you is your pup’s idea of absolute bliss. Many of our Hudson Valley and Catskills trails welcome dogs on leashes, so we’ve put together a season’s worth of cool options for merry roving, most of them the less-traveled choices, all but one of them free. Check out this list of wildly varied possibilities and get out there and have some adventures together!
MILLBROOK RIDGE TRAIL, GARDINER
A moderately challenging 7.4-mile loop rewards your scrambling with a walk atop those glorious white cliff faces you can see looking south from New Paltz; there you’ll find some of the best views of the Gunks and the Hudson Valley in the whole of the Mohonk Preserve, which is to say the best views from anywhere on the planet. Carriage roads offer ample side-quest possibilities…
Springtime Outings by Local County
Visit Vortex | March 05, 2025
Wherever in the Hudson Valley you may be, you’re never far from an epic destination. Now that the weather’s warming, it’s time to enjoy the forests and the farms, the galleries and the goodies, and the splendid folks. To help you make memories and relish the realm, we’ve put together a list of expert suggestions—some of the best fun Dutchess, Ulster, Delaware, and Sullivan Counties have to offer. (We may be just a wee bit biased, but we think this may be a guide to some of the best fun on Planet Earth.)…
Bonticou Crag at Mohonk Preserve is a 2.3-mile loop with an optional mildly challenging rock scramble that rewards you with absolutely breathtaking views.
Mohonk Preserve offers free six-week passes for Ulster County residents for 2025 season
The Dailey Freeman | March 2025
GARDINER, N.Y. — Mohonk Preserve will provide free six-week passes to visitors with proof of residency in Ulster County, according to an announcement.
The passes, part of the 2025 Healthy Ulster Pass Program, will be distributed between Thursday, March 27, and Sunday, March 30. To obtain a free pass, visitors must bring proof of residency to the Mohonk Preserve Visitor Center, 3197 Route 55, Gardiner…
Leveraging Esri Tools to Transform Nonprofit Operations: Insights from Mohonk Preserve
by Steven Davidson
The TechSoup Global Network | February 13, 2025
Nonprofits are increasingly turning to technology to enhance their mission-driven impact. Mohonk Preserve, New York’s largest nonprofit nature preserve, provides a compelling example of how leveraging Esri’s geographical information system (GIS) tools has revolutionized their operations.
In a recent interview, Ed Pestone, the Associate Director of Land Protection and GIS at Mohonk Preserve, detailed its transition from traditional data collection methods to a cutting-edge, integrated digital system…
January Invasive Species News
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation | January 21, 2025
Mohonk Preserve Inc, in New Paltz NY, were awarded Invasive Species Grant Program funding in 2024 to provide early detection, rapid response, and controls for Spotted lanternfly, which was first discovered on Mohonk Preserve lands in October, 2023. Spotted lanternfly (SLF) is a planthopper native to Asia that feeds on native, ornamental, and crop trees including maples, apples, grapes, cherries, and hops.
In the second half of 2024, Mohonk set traps and captured an estimated 1500 SLF. From December to March, egg mass surveys will be conducted. In addition, drone surveys are planned for 2025 to identify locations of Ailanthus, the host tree for SLF and an invasive species itself…
12 Places to Snowshoe in the Hudson Valley This Winter
by Olivia Cambalik
Hudson Valley Magazine | January 9, 2025
Whether you’re a snowshoe novice or a pro, this guide will help you discover top snowshoeing destinations in the Hudson Valley just in time for winter fun.
While not all days during winter in the Hudson Valley are snowy, there are the occasional storms that leave the region covered in a blanket of white. When that happens, it is the perfect time to get out and embrace what the season has to offer. Snowshoeing is an accessible activity that can be enjoyed by almost anyone. Check out these snowshoe-friendly destinations during the next snow day in the region…
Fun Winter Destinations
Visit Vortex | October 29, 2024
MOHONK PRESERVE has miles of trails and carriage roads that are terrific for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing; check out the suggested ski and snowshoe routes on their website for tips on where to go. The scenery is fabulous, and you’re perfectly situated to grab dinner at Mill & Main in Kerhonkson afterward. mohonkpreserve.org, 845-255-0919. For more ideas, head to visitulstercountyny.com…
What Is a Leave No Trace Spotlight?
3BL | October 23, 2024
The Leave No Trace Spotlight program brings together our shared love for the outdoors with a dedication to preserving its well-being and beauty.
Spotlights are designed to energize local Leave No Trace efforts by rallying the community, connecting partners, and inspiring continued action. This free program provides opportunities for Leave No Trace training, community outreach, and volunteer stewardship.
Selected spaces range from National Parks and Forests, to state or municipal sites, to local non-profits and organizations…
Fall foliage is expected to be excellent in the lower Hudson Valley. Here’s a timeline for the best colors.
by Vanessa Murdock
CBS News New York | September 16, 2024
GARDINER, N.Y. — A few trees around the Tri-State Area are already showing their true colors, but the display now pales in comparison to what’s in store about one month from now…
On a scale of 1 to 10, Penelope Adler-Colvin, the community science coordinator at Mohonk Preserve in Gardiner, says the 2024 fall foliage forecast is a 6 or 7, adding just how vibrant the display becomes is weather dependent…
6 Hudson Valley Hikes With Rock Scrambling
by Kayla Sexton
Hudson Valley Magazine | September 13, 2024
Whether you’re a pro climber or just an avid hiker, these scrambling trails offer something for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts…
Into advanced hiking but not quite ready for rock climbing? These scrambling trails in the Hudson Valley are just challenging enough to deliver a strong adrenaline kick. Ranging from one to seven miles, these relatively short hikes are steep enough to get you out of breath, and the views at the top are usually pretty impressive. Scrambling is a cross between hiking and climbing that requires some balance, some grip, and the use of all four limbs – which is why it’s not only fun, but also doubles as a full-body workout. So, grab your water bottle and shoes with good traction and be prepared to get a few scrapes on your fingertips when you head out to take on these trails…
Mohonk Preserve wins Leave No Trace Gold Standard honor
by Frances Marion Platt
Hudson Valley One | August 27, 2024
…For those of us who care about preserving the Shawangunk Ridge, a watershed was certainly reached in 1991 when the Nature Conservancy added the Gunks to its official list of the Earth’s Last Great Places. The largely symbolic designation served to raise public awareness of the rarity and fragility of the area’s high-altitude pine barren ecosystem, and the label is regularly cited by organizations advocating for environmental protection measures or promoting ecotourism in Ulster County.
Now there’s a new honorary title to add to the Ridge’s crown: Leave No Trace Gold Standard Site, which was just awarded to the Mohonk Preserve. The designation was the first of its kind in New York State, and the second in the Northeast, shared only with Acadia National Park in Maine. A ceremony conferring the distinction was held on Saturday, August 17 at the Mohonk Preserve Ceremonial Gateway…
Mohonk Puts New York in Prestigious Outdoor Standard
Shawangunk Journal | August 21, 2024
GARDINER – The Mohonk Preserve has become the first place in New York State to receive the Leave No Trace Gold Standard…
The Mohonk Preserve has become the first place in New York State to receive the Leave No Trace Gold Standard designation. On Saturday, August 17th, Leave No Trace, an international nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting wilderness and promoting Leave No Trace principles, designated Mohonk Preserve as a Leave No Trace Gold Standard Site…
Finding Healing Solitude and Balance Through Yoga – Wellness Travel in the Hudson Valley and Catskills
Hudson Valley Style Magazine | July 7, 2024
The Hudson Valley and Catskills are becoming the go-to destinations for those seeking a blend of adventure, relaxation, and wellness. Amidst the rolling hills and lush forests, wellness travel enthusiasts can find an oasis of tranquility. One of the most rejuvenating experiences to embrace in this region is outdoor yoga, led by the inspirational Coach Maxwell Alexander. With his passion for nature and wellness, Coach Maxwell is redefining the yoga experience, guiding practitioners through standing poses that harmonize body, mind, and the breathtaking beauty of the Hudson Valley…
Spend July 4 Long Weekend Climbing Trad in the Gunks
Gripped | July 3, 2024
Around 150 kilometres from New York City is one of the best, most revered trad climbing areas in America. The routes are steep, the grades are sandbagged and the gear is run-out. Countless climbers have cut their teeth on classic climbs like Modern Times 5.8+ and Le Teton 5.9+, where the “+” indicates a solid sandbag. The jugs will pump you out, the traverses will confuse you and the roofs will intimidate you, but there’s no better place to enjoy some time plugging gear on the sharp end.
The Gunks are found near New Paltz and the rock is composed of quartz conglomerate. It features long horizontal cracks with vertical ones. October is one of the best times of the year to climb in The Gunks, as the temperature cools and the leaves turn. Climbers started ascending the cliffs back in the 1930s, and some of the original hardware can still be found. The Shawangunk ridge extends west along the Hudson River toward Virginia…
New species discovery at Mohonk: A scientist unearths the fossil of a new marine fauna species from some 450 million years ago
by Susan DeMark
Hudson Valley One | June 11, 2024
A paleontologist has discovered the fossil of a new species of marine invertebrate from approximately 450 million years ago on Mohonk Mountain House land.
Howard R. Feldman, a long-time research associate with Mohonk Preserve who has been recognized for his global scientific research on prehistoric marine life, found the fossil during his work at a small quarry. Feldman named the new species Pycnocrinus mohonkensis out of respect for the finding’s location. He and two co-authors have described Dr. Feldman’s discovery and the fossil of the crinoid, a marine invertebrate, in an article published online by Cambridge University Press on May 13, 2024 in the Journal of Paleontology…
Perfect Tens: An Homage to the Best 5.10s at the Gunks
by David Lucander
Climbing | May 19, 2024
The Shawangunks (a.k.a the Gunks) form a precipitous ridgeline slicing through the farmland of New Paltz just 85 miles north of New York City. The cliffs top out at around 250 feet—short by Western standards—but the beta-intensive, powerful climbing on the area’s overhanging quartzite crushes sensitive egos. Heat and humidity make summer climbing frustrating, as afternoon storms often hit the cliff; snow blankets the rock in winter; and showers and bugs make spring unpleasant. But in the fall, the air is crisp and clear, and a carpet of deciduous hardwood foliage covers the approaches. It’s then that the 47-mile ridge turns into a bucolic climbing paradise…
Swimming Spots and Sandy Beaches to Visit in the Hudson Valley
Hudson Valley Magazine | May 16, 2024
There isn’t a better way to celebrate the arrival of warm weather than paying a visit to a swimming spot. Luckily, you don’t have to go all the way to the ocean; the Hudson Valley is full of lake and river beaches, as well as public pools, so the whole family can have fun in the sun (with sunscreen, of course)…
Named for the “split” between two rock faces that form the gorge, Split Rock is tucked away in the Mohonk Preserve. Located off the Coxing Trail, it’s only a short hike from the parking lot. The water isn’t too deep (five to eight feet near the small waterfall, four feet in the wading pool) and there’s plenty of space to lounge and picnic on the surrounding rocks…
5 Surprising Tourist Spots Actually Endorsed by Hudson Valley Locals
by Jonah
WRRV | May 16, 2024
While it’s no secret that the Hudson Valley is a major destination for New York tourism, it’s not every day that a tourist checks in with local residents before their trip. Recently, a Facebook post has the whole area talking…
7 Top Hiking Towns In New York State With The Best Trails
by Purity Gacheri
The Travel | May 14, 2024
Explore New York State’s hiking towns and best trails. From the Adirondacks to the Catskills, discover stunning landscapes and thrilling adventures…
Famous for being home to the oldest inhabited street in America, Huguenot Street, New Paltz is a vibrant college town found in the center of the Hudson Valley in Upstate New York. It attracts outdoor enthusiasts and offers many things to do, including hiking. As it is located at the base of the Shawangunk Mountains, it is home to some of the most challenging hikes in Northeast New York. Hikers can enjoy the Mohonk Preserve’s rugged terrain and Minnewaska State Park’s impressive vistas. After hiking, visit the vibrant downtown to enjoy farm-to-table restaurants and artistic shops…
Russ Clune’s memoir The Lifer chronicles Gunks climbing history
by Erin Quinn
Hudson Valley One | May 13, 2024
The bright-white cliffs stretched north and south of our aerie. The crags were endless! This ridge of immaculate stone went on for miles. I’d found it. This was my place, my cathedral, my home. I knew right then that I would live here.
– Russ Clune, author of The Lifer, on discovering the Shawangunk Ridge as a young aspiring rock-climber in the mid-1970s…
Finding the line to climb and learning how to belay with a rope, using pieces of equipment to fasten into the creases of the rock for support in case of a fall, were all things that fascinated him. Once he jumped into a car with the outdoor club leader and another classmate to test their budding rock-climbing skills in a place known to climbers and outdoors people as the Gunks, in New Paltz, he was hooked for life.
Clune happened upon climbing during a time of incredible change in the sport. In the mid-to-late 1970s, rock climbing was still a niche sport, populated by vagabonds, dirtbags and rebels who all felt more at home in a bivy sack on a ledge of a cliff than they did in conventional dwellings. It was a culture that lived on the margins — and sometimes beyond the margins — as they spent days, months and years trying to find ways to move up cliffs using tiny handholds, nubs, cracks and fissures to leverage themselves upwards, against all reason and certainly in contrast with the laws of gravity…
State conservation partnership grants awarded
Mid Hudson News | May 13, 2024
ALBANY – The state has awarded several grants in the Hudson Valley to protect water quality, prevent farmland conversion, boost public access for outdoor recreation, and conserve open space…
The grants are supported by the State’s Environmental Protection Fund and will be used to leverage an additional $2.5 million in private and local funding.
7 Perfect New York Towns To Live In If You’re A Hiker
By Quinter Auma
The Travel | May 11, 2024
New York is known to be an outdoor lover’s haven, and these towns guarantee an amazing lifestyle for hiking enthusiasts…
Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities that can help improve both physical and mental health. When people plan for a hiking adventure, mountainous places are what many hikers think about, and while the states with the most beautiful hiking trails do have some elevation, this activity is not always all about the highest summits.
While New York doesn’t always first come to mind when it comes to hiking in America, it is actually home to some incredible hikes that uniquely showcase the state’s breathtaking scenery. From the best day hikes near New York City to some of the top-rated trails in the Adirondacks, there are endless options to choose from…
World Atlas names 5 Hudson Valley towns the most picturesque in New York
Rockland/Westchester Journal News | April 4, 2024
Located in Ulster County, in the Mid Hudson Valley, the Wallkill River runs through the town and is in sight of the impressive Shawangunk Ridge. New Paltz was settled by French Huguenots in the early 18th Century. Historic Huguenot Street is home to seven original stone houses and one church founded in 1678. The Mohonk Preserve is located nearby, where 70 miles of carriage roads and hiking/biking/horseback riding trails cover the northern Shawangunk Ridge. The ridge is also home to the Minnewaska State Park Preserve and Mohonk Mountain House – a world-famous resort at the northern tip of the small but dramatic Lake Mohonk…
An 8,000-acre nature preserve in upstate New York is a rock-climbers paradise
WCVB 5 abc Boston’s News Leader | April 4, 2024
NEW PALTZ, N.Y. — The Mohonk Mountain House is an all-inclusive, four-season Victorian castle resort in New Paltz, New York, in the Catskill region — hiking, biking, swimming, riding, golf, and tons of natural beauty.
Not to be confused with the Mohonk Preserve! NY State’s largest private nature preserve. Over 8000 acres of mountains, forests, fields, streams, and lakes surround the hotel property. Perhaps most famously, the Mohonk Preserve is the home of the Gunks, one of the premier rock-climbing spots in the country…
Mohonk Preserve offers free one-month pass to Ulster County residents
HV1 | March 25, 2024
Mohonk Preserve invites Ulster County neighbors to visit the Preserve and receive a free one-month pass during the Healthy Ulster Pass Program distribution Friday, April 5 through Sunday, April 7. Healthy Ulster is made possible through support from Ulster Savings Charitable Foundation.
Visitors with proof of Ulster County residency may obtain their passes at the Preserve’s Visitor Center on Route 44/55 in Gardiner, the Testimonial Gateway Trailhead on Route 299 in New Paltz or the Spring Farm Trailhead off Mohonk Road in High Falls from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Friday, April 5 to Sunday, April 7…
These Are the Top-Rated Hikes in the Hudson Valley
by Kayla Sexton
HV1 | March 8, 2024
It’s that time of year again when the ground is squishy, the trails are muddy, and everyone is eager to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. While the Hudson Valley boasts plenty of hikes with mountainous terrain, challenging routes, and breathtaking views, only a select few can make the top 10 list for the area, according to AllTrails users. From high altitudes to rock scrambles to leisurely strolls, these hikes in the Hudson Valley are not to be missed when spring rolls around…
Hudson Valley landmark discusses major renovations
by Crispin Kott
HV1 | February 6, 2024
Representatives of Mohonk Preserve, Inc. were back before the Town of New Paltz Planning Board last week for further discussions of their site plan and special use application for the Brook Farmhouse on the property.
Ryan Weitz, a senior staff engineer with planning and consulting firm Barton & Loguidice, D.P.C., addressed restoration concerns during the meeting held on Monday, January 22, including six key points detailed in a January 5 letter from Sara McIvor, historic site restoration coordinator for the Division for Historic Preservation of the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP). McIvor noted that the material submitted by the applicants was reviewed in accordance with the New York State Historic Preservation Act of 1980, specifically Section 14.09, relating to historic and cultural resources…
How To Spend Your Summer Giving Back to Hudson Valley Nature
by Paty Quyn
The Wolf Hudson Valley’s New Country | February 6, 2024
Do you find yourself spending a lot of time outdoors? Do you live near Ulster County? Are you the type of person who likes to volunteer while being a part of something fun?
Saying yes to these questions could be your first step to becoming a volunteer at the Mohonk Preserve. I have always admired people whose lives are organized enough that they find time to give back to their community…
Your Guide to Camps in the Hudson Valley
Hudson Valley Magazine | February 2, 2024
Mohonk Preserve camp programs provide opportunities for children ages 7 to 13 to spend their summer outside enjoying the natural wonders the Shawangunk Ridge has to offer. Under the careful supervision of our dedicated and professional educators, campers will laugh, play, and learn together; explore interests and abilities; and expand their understanding of themselves, each other, and the world to which they belong…
$3M in grant awards secured to support invasive species prevention projects across New York
by Maia Noah
News 12 The Bronx | January 24, 2024
New efforts are underway throughout New York state to reduce the negative impacts of invasive species. Gov. Kathy Hochul announced today $3 million in grants to support invasive species prevention projects. Over $420,000 of the $3 million in funding will be distributed across the Hudson Valley…
The grants are part of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Invasive Species Grant Program, which provides funds for both aquatic and terrestrial invasive species spread mitigation, early detection and rapid response, lake management planning, research, education and outreach…
11 Places to Snowshoe in the Hudson Valley This Winter
by Olivia Cambalik
Hudson Valley Magazine | January 24, 2024
Whether you’re a snowshoe novice or a pro, this guide will help you discover top snowshoeing destinations in the Hudson Valley just in time for winter fun…
5 Hudson Valley Trails That Are Perfect for Winter Hikes
by Timothy Malcolm and Matt Moment
Hudson Valley Magazine | January 2, 2024
Tired of waiting for warmer weather to go hiking? Plenty of local spots offer amazing sights that are perfect for winter hikes, regardless of the weather. Here are some great recommended trails for novices looking for serious Hudson Valley views…
The Teenagers Taking the Gunks by Storm
by Matt Stieb
New York Magazine | January 1, 2024
The Shawangunk Ridge, known to anyone with a pair of rock shoes as “the Gunks,” is a long band of quartz conglomerate rising from the Wallkill Valley about two hours north of New York City. Thanks to the high quality of rock there and the challenging movements it demands of those on the wall, it has long been one of the most famous climbing destinations in the country. But thanks to athletes like Hoyt and Shahar — and other kids who have grown up in climbing gyms and learned from those who have come before them — the Gunks are seeing a major resurgence, with people tackling new boulder problems and climbing routes that were out of reach for prior generations. The area has been reestablished as a premier crag in the top tiers of competitive outdoor climbing, a reputation it had lost decades ago…
GIS and Mapping Activities at Mohonk Preserve in the Shawangunk Mountains
eSpatially New York | November 27, 2023
Due to its rich biological diversity, New York State’s Shawangunk Mountains (a.k.a the “Gunks”) is one of the most important sites for conservation in the northeastern United States. Because of the many rare natural communities and species found here, the New York Natural Heritage Program ranked the Shawangunks highest in biological diversity…
Since the early 2000s Preserve staff have been using GIS to inventory and map rare species and habitats in ArcGIS, as well as a wide range of recreational trail maps and related products. Leading the current and most recent use of GIS at Mohonk Preserve is Ed Pestone who serves as Land Protection and GIS Manager. Pestone’s geospatial toolbox includes: ArcGIS client (Map/Pro), ArcGIS Online, Field Maps, Survey 123, and Quick Capture. Helping support higher accuracy field data collection, support staff also use Bad Elf GNSS Surveyor with real time kinematic (RTK) positioning. For the final rendering of maps and cartographic products, staff use several of the apps found in the Adobe Creative Cloud platform…
10 Beautiful Nature Spots In New York’s Hudson Valley That Are A Short Trip From NYC
by George Joseph
The Travel | November 6, 2023
The Hudson Valley region of New York offers many things to do and abundant natural beauty for travelers seeking to escape the concrete jungle of New York City for a short getaway. Adventure seekers and nature lovers alike will find plenty of outdoor recreation and stunning scenery just a couple of hours north of the Big Apple…
Hike amid rocky terrain and lush forests in New Paltz… The Mohonk Preserve offers over 8,000 acres of pristine forests, fields, and cliffs around the Shawangunk Mountains ridge, which can be explored on a road trip. Travelers can follow carriage roads and wooded trails past streams, waterfalls, and a scenic lake. Visitors can also stay overnight at the historic Mohonk Mountain House. With over 140 miles of trails to hike, the Mohonk Preserve gives nature enthusiasts plenty to explore within its sprawling and unspoiled terrain. The sweeping views from the Shawangunk ridgeline make this a favorite spot for day trips or longer visits…
Terns: Trip to Shawangunks offers beautiful mix of colors
by Herb Terns
Times Union | November 3, 2023
We looked south to the Shawangunks for our hike. At just more than 2,000 feet, the Gunks are diminutive compared to the much taller Catskills nearby, but height isn’t everything. The ridge is peppered with scenic lakes and striking white cliffs.
Those striking cliffs, composed of Shawangunk conglomerate, make the Gunks a rock-climbing mecca, but there’s plenty there for those of us who like to keep their feet on the ground. The ridge is laced with old carriage roads, perfect for biking, and miles of hiking trails that often lead to either lakes or those striking white cliffs…
77-year-old rock climber proves it’s never too late to pursue a new passion
CBS Mornings | November 1, 2023
For our series “Never Too Late,” we head a few hours north of New York City to the Shawangunk Mountains to meet a man who picked up rock climbing at age 69. CBS News’ Elaine Quijano meets up with the athlete, who is now 77, to hear how he first fell in love with the sport and why he believes it’s possible to find and pursue a new hobby at any age…
Hike the Millbrook Ridge Trail in the Mohonk Preserve
by Daniel Chazin
The Jewish Link | October 12, 2023
This 6.5-mile moderate loop hike in the Mohonk Preserve (near New Paltz, New York) features some of the most spectacular scenery in the area. It follows the ridge of the Near Trapps and the Bayards to reach the 1,600-foot summit of Millbrook Mountain. Along the way, it passes many panoramic viewpoints from the ridge, with views extending north to the Catskills and south to the Wallkill Valley. The hike involves a total elevation gain of about 800 feet, with a few steep climbs, although most of the grades are gentle. It should take about four-and-a-half hours, and dogs are permitted on leash…
6 Hudson Valley Hikes With Rock Scrambling
by Kayla Sexton
Hudson Valley Magazine | September 20, 2023
Into advanced hiking but not quite ready for rock climbing? These scrambling trails in the Hudson Valley are just challenging enough and deliver a strong adrenaline kick. Ranging from one to seven miles, these relatively short hikes are steep enough to get you out of breath, and the views at the top are usually pretty impressive. Scrambling is a cross between hiking and climbing that requires some balance, some grip, and the use of all four limbs – which is why it’s not only fun, but also doubles as a full-body workout. So, grab your water bottle and shoes with good traction and be prepared to get a few scrapes on your fingertips when you head out to take on these trails…
Ultimate fall colors bucket list: 10 US destinations you need to see
USA Today 10Best | September 15, 2023
It’s that time of year when Mother Nature is gearing up for her annual spectacle of fall color. And what better way to enjoy it than leaf peeping? These 10 destinations — voted by our readers as the top spots in the U.S. — are ideal for viewing the entire spectrum of fall foliage…
The Hudson Valley has long been renowned for its incredible fall foliage, and for those planning an autumn road trip, Mohonk Preserve is one of many can’t-miss destinations across the region. It’s a top spot for rock climbing, but for a more leisurely take on the park, visitors can scale the nearby Sky Top Tower for spectacular vistas of Ulster County at its finest…
Autumn Escapes: 10 Best Fall Weekend Getaways From New York City
by Reena Jain
The Travel.com | August 8, 2023
Fall enchants everyone in New York looking for a change from the summer’s sweltering temperatures and crowded streets with visitors all around. Not only does the city get adorned with a gorgeous display of orange, red, and yellow foliage, but it also offers a range of exciting activities to do in the fall to enjoy its splendor to the fullest. But, yes, for those craving wide open spaces away from New York City, the countryside boasts lots of places decked out in colorful fall foliage…
Another wonderful destination to visit on a weekend getaway from New York City is New Paltz. The town is one of the most beautiful in the Hudson Valley of New York State, and its surrounding Shawangunk Mountains transform into awe-inspiring displays of fall color. Visitors enjoy outdoor activities like rock climbing, motorcycling, and hiking, as these offer an adrenaline rush amid beautiful landscapes…
Shawangunks’ peregrine falcon population increases by three
by Frances Marion Platt
HV1 | August 8, 2023
Along the Shawangunk Ridge, last week was a rapturous one for raptors. On Thursday, August 3, the Mohonk Preserve announced that its seasonal closure of part of the rock climbing and bouldering area of the Trapps had been lifted, because a peregrine falcon chick had fully fledged – for the first time since 2018! The announcement came as happy news for rock jocks and birders alike…
The very next day, Friday, August 4, two more young falcons joined the local peregrine population – or at least had the opportunity to stay. As he prepared to release the two birds that he had taken to the Raptor Trust to be rehabilitated after they fell out of their nests onto the Bronx sidewalks, wildlife biologist Chris Nadareski noted that the falcons could well decide to hightail it right back the City again if they wanted. (The name “peregrine” means “wanderer,” after all.) But he explained that it’s considered inadvisable to release them close to where they were first found as chicks, because falcons will not hesitate to attack or even kill young interlopers…
Mohonk Preserve selected for Leave No Trace program
Times Union Hudson Valley | July 13, 2023
Leave No Trace, a conservation nonprofit organization, has selected Mohonk Preserve for a new initiative highlighting communities “rising to meet environmental challenges” with on-site education and stewardship programs.
The Spotlight program aims to equip each spotlight area with Leave No Trace tools to address environmental issues each site faces.
From Friday, July 28 to Sunday, July 30, a Leave No Trace team will be at Mohonk Preserve to work with the community and local partners on restoration and stewardship projects…
Swimming holes in the Hudson Valley
by Julie Baumgardner
Times Union | July 5, 2023
Tucked inside Mohonk Preserve, off the Coxing Trail and only a short hike away is an absolutely breathtaking wading pool known as Split Rock — which hopefully sets the drama of the stage…
Off the Coxing Kill stream, a 15-foot waterfall collects into a natural pool of mountain water between a 10-foot chasm of granite formations that’s perfect for a whole range of water-seekers, from those who want to dip or simply chill on top of the rocks watching waders below…
An 8,000-acre nature preserve in upstate New York is a rock-climbers paradise
WCVB 5 ABC News | May 22, 2023
The Mohonk Mountain House is an all-inclusive, four-season Victorian castle resort in New Paltz, New York, in the Catskill region — hiking, biking, swimming, riding, golf, and tons of natural beauty.
Not to be confused with the Mohonk Preserve! NY State’s largest private nature preserve. Over 8000 acres of mountains, forests, fields, streams, and lakes surround the hotel property. Perhaps most famously, the Mohonk Preserve is the home of the Gunks, one of the premier rock-climbing spots in the country…
Mohonk Preserve signs alert visitors to give copperheads a wide berth
by Erin Quinn
HV1 | May 19, 2023
As copperheads emerge from their dens in springtime – typically in May or when the air temperature reaches 60 degrees or above – they often have their coming-out party together, sunbathing on the rocks, enjoying that spring air and mild temperatures like the human world; hence their visual presence at places like Split Rock. “Copperheads typically den with other copperheads, so when emergence occurs, it is not unusual to see multiple snakes sunbathing together,” explained [Preserve research ecologist Megan] Napoli, referring to the informational sign at the Preserve hot spot off Clove Road….
What to see, do and eat on a day trip to New Paltz
by Lauren Mulvey
Times Union | May 11, 2023
If you’re searching for a longer trek, set off at the River to Ridge Trail, which branches off Main Street just past the river. This trail is maintained by the Mohonk Preserve, an organization that protects and manages 8,000 acres of land in the region, including several trailheads of varying difficulty. This 6-mile loop spans farmland, borders the river and offers close-up views of the Shawangunk Ridge where the Mohonk Mountain House’s sky top tower sits like a lighthouse over the town. This trail is accessible from multiple parking lots and offers bike rentals during the warmer months at its Springtown Road trailhead.
Another popular hiking route in this preserve offers some of the best views of the Hudson Valley atop Bonticou Crag mountain, accessible at the Spring Farm Trailhead…
The 5 most breathtaking views in the Shawangunks
by Christopher J. Yates
Times Union | May 10, 2023
The Shawangunk Ridge is an undeniably magical place. Is it because of the blazing white rock that forms the ridge? (That’s Shawangunk conglomerate — essentially quartz pebbles bound together with quartz.) Could it be the waterfalls, the five sky lakes, the hundreds of miles of wooded trails and carriage roads? Or all of the above?..
However the magic is conjured, living near the Gunks was the top reason I wanted to buy a home in the Hudson Valley. Since the first time I visited the ridge in 2007, I’ve hiked around 10,000 miles of Gunks trails. Now I’m sharing my five favorite views on the ridge — not an easy task to narrow down…
Gaze at The Stars at the Mohonk Preserve In New Paltz
by Paty Quyn
Hudson Valley Country.com | May 7, 2023
It seems like 2023 has been the year for lots of astrological events. We are regularly hearing about meteor showers and special full moons…
On May 15th from 9 PM to 11 PM, the John R. Kirk Planetarium Director Raj Pandya will lead an evening talking to us about the stars and constellations. The Preserve offers a great place to witness the night sky because it is one of our best dark-sky places in the Hudson Valley…
Mohonk Preserve offers free six-week passes to Ulster County residents
Daily Freeman | April 20, 2023
Mohonk Preserve is offering county residents a free six-week pass as part of the Healthy Ulster Pass program.
The Healthy Ulster Pass Program distribution takes place Friday, April 21, through Sunday, April 23.
Visitors with proof of Ulster County residency may obtain their passes at the Preserve’s Visitor Center on state Route 44/55 in Gardiner, the Testimonial Gateway Trailhead on state Route 299 in New Paltz, or the Spring Farm Trailhead off Mohonk Road in High Falls from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Friday, April 21 to Sunday, April 23…
Scaling New Heights
Rock Climbing 101
by Abigail Gierke
Chronogram | April 1, 2023
Those who’ve been awestruck watching Alex Honnold meander up the side of El Capitan or marveled at Jason Momoa on the reality show “The Climb” and wonder what rock climbing might be like should know that the perfect introduction is at the backdoor. Once a sport of the counterculture in the `60s and `70s, rock climbing is now mainstream, and those curious should look no further than the Shawangunk Ridge. The group of cliff bands of quartz conglomerate just west of New Paltz, better known as the Gunks, are the heart of rock climbing in the Northeast, rich with history and one of the best places for beginners…
Insider’s guide to cross-country skiing in Ulster County
by Alexandra Zissu
Times Union | February 10, 2023
For beginners, including families with young kids, Ruoff suggests Mohonk Preserve’s Overcliff-Undercliff loop as Overcliff is groomed for skiers. “That whole stretch out to Rhododendron Bridge is great,” he said of the approximately 2.5-mile, mostly flat path. At any point along Overcliff, skiers can easily turn around or finish the full 5-plus-mile loop for a challenge…”
A beginner’s guide to bouldering in the Hudson Valley
by Erin Quinn
Times Union | August 2, 2022
The easiest route to the sport of climbing is via bouldering: a full-body workout that only requires some shoes that grip, a pad to fall on, and some chalk to soak up the hand sweat.
In fact, bouldering is now the most common form of indoor climbing, with gyms sprouting up in cities as well as more rural areas that have popular outdoor climbing areas, like the Shawangunk Ridge, which is rich in rock-climbing routes and history as well as simple to complex bouldering puzzles…
Gardiner, N.Y.: Open Space and Mountain Views in Ulster County
by Karen Angel
NYTimes | July 6, 2022
The 50-mile Shawangunk Ridge is just one of the reasons New Yorkers are flocking to this Ulster County town, which is also prized for its wide-open spaces…
About 6,200 acres — 22 percent of Gardiner — is protected land, according to the town’s database of preserved land. The two major holders of protected land are the 8,000-acre Mohonk Preserve, with 1,990 acres in Gardiner, and the 24,000-acre Minnewaska State Park Preserve, which has 2,790 acres in Gardiner.
2022 Nature & the Outdoors Winners
Chronogram | July 1, 2022
Mohonk Preserve was voted the Chronogrammies Readers’ Choice Awards winner for Best Park/Preserve and runner-up for Best Hiking! Thank you to the 20,000 people who participated in this year’s Chronogrammies Readers’ Choice Awards.
Long-term ice phenology records spanning up to 578 years for 78 lakes around the Northern Hemisphere
by Sapna Sharma and Additional Authors and Affiliations
Scientific Data | June 16, 2022
In recent decades, lakes have experienced unprecedented ice loss with widespread ramifications for winter ecological processes. The rapid loss of ice, resurgence of winter biology, and proliferation of remote sensing technologies, presents a unique opportunity to integrate disciplines to further understand the broad spatial and temporal patterns in ice loss and its consequences. Here, we summarize ice phenology records for 78 lakes in 12 countries across North America, Europe, and Asia to permit the inclusion and harmonization of in situ ice phenology observations in future interdisciplinary studies…
Mountain laurel is nearing peak bloom at Mohonk Preserve
by Erin Quinn
Times Union | June 13, 2022
The mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) is blooming all along the Shawangunk Ridge and is due to be at peak flowering on or near June 15. This large, shade-tolerant shrub, which is native to North America, explodes in white and pale-pink hexagon-shaped blossoms that…
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Mohonk Preserve offers free six-week passes to Ulster County residents
by DAILY FREEMAN
DAILY FREEMAN | May 20, 2022
Mohonk Preserve is offering county residents a free six-week pass as part of the Healthy Ulster Pass program.
The program is being offered from Wednesday, June 1, through Sunday, June 5. Visitors with proof of Ulster County residency may obtain their passes at the Preserve’s Testimonial Gateway Trailhead on Route 299 in New Paltz, or the Spring Farm Trailhead off Mohonk Road in High Falls from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Passes will be valid from June 1 through July 16.
Healthy Ulster is made possible through support from the Ulster Savings Charitable Foundation. Passes are limited and available while supplies last…
Peak time for birders
by Erin Quinn
HV1 | May 1, 2022
Birdsongs and mating dances are in flight right now as migratory birds flock to the region and resident birds tease out a breeding companion. “The last week of April through the first three weeks of May are really the peak times for birders,” said Steve Stan, a retired specialist from the Department of Environmental Conservation, an avid birder, and…
Minnewaska, Sam’s Point brace for Southern pine beetle attacks
by Erin Quinn
HV1 | April 29, 2022
The rare and beloved pitch-pine ecosystem is facing a threat brought on by global warming: the Southern pine beetle (SPB). Increasingly warmer temperatures have resulted in the SPB moving north over the last eight years…
71 acres of Shawangunk Ridge to be protected
by Tracy Ziemer
Times Union | March 30, 2022
Over 71 acres of the Shawangunk Ridge have been permanently protected by the Mohonk Preserve and The Shawangunk Conservancy. A group of Ulster County landowners seeking to protect over 71 acres of land from development in the northern Shawangunk Mountains has sold the parcel to two local nature conservancies to permanently preserve it.
After almost two years of planning, The Shawangunk Conservancy (TSC) and Mohonk Preserve announced on Tuesday that they purchased the 71-acre tract from The Shawangunk Conglomerate, a homeowners association of environmentally minded people who sought to protect the land…
Hike the Trails of Mohonk Preserve
by Anne Pyburn Craig
Visit Vortex | March 20, 2022
Protecting over 8,000 acres of mountain cliffs, forests, fields, streams, ponds, and other beautiful places, Mohonk Preserve is New York’s largest nonprofit nature preserve and a true local treasure, preserving what the Nature Conservancy has called one of Earth’s “last great places” for its bounteous biodiversity…
Birdwatching Spots
Visit Vortex | March 19, 2022
There are several areas of the Preserve that can be especially rewarding for bird-watching. The open fields at Spring Farm have a large population of nesting indigo buntings…
Ten races to help runners in the region get back to normal
by Steve Schallenkamp
Daily Freeman | March 12, 2022
The 12th Annual Rock and Snow Bridge 2 Bridge 5-miler, presented by the Mohonk Preserve, is Saturday, April 9. All five miles are on the preserve’s unpaved, groomed carriage trails. Everything is centered around the spectacular Slingerlands Pavilion at Spring Farm…
An Equestrian’s Guide to Horseback Riding in the Hudson Valley
Hudson Valley Magazine
March 12, 2022
Whether you want to learn to ride like a pro or simply mosey along a trail, this stable of local resources will get you going straight out of the gate…
6 Hudson Valley Trails for Hikers of All Experience Levels
Hudson Valley Magazine | March 12, 2022
We may be biased, but the Hudson Valley is one of the best destinations in New York for enjoying the outdoors. With dozens of parks and mountains, there is an endless variety of miles to cover…
Winter is prime time to spot hawks, owls & eagles in the mid-Hudson
by Erin Quinn
Hudson Valley One | February 14, 2022
Wherever you are in the Hudson Valley this winter, there is likely to be an array of hawks, falcons, eagles and owls perched on a tree, swooping in on their prey or blending in with the bark of the tree cavity in which they’re roosting…
16 of the Best Day Trips from New York City
I LOVE NY | February 4, 2022
For amazing views of the Hudson Valley’s Shawangunk Ridge, head to Mohonk Preserve, just a couple of hours from the city. Hike on 70 miles of carriage roads and trails, bike on historic carriage roads, climb the world-famous Gunks cliffs, horseback ride, and run through forests, fields, and mountains. For rock climbers, there are more than 1,000 climbing routes, and plant and animal lovers will adore the discoveries awaiting them in the preserve’s 8,000 acres…
Activity Halted on Popular Hudson Valley Ridge
by Paty Quyn
Hudson Valley Post | February 2, 2022
For those of you who are brave enough to be out climbing the Shawangunk Ridge this time of year, there is an important closure that you should know about that was posted today by the Mohonk Preserve. Not being a climber or boulder myself, I am not very familiar with the places that are being mentioned in the closures that were posted today by the Mohonk Preserve. I am however a big fan of the ridge and it is exciting to see that its stewardship is being well looked after by the Mohonk Preserve…
Snowshoeing for beginners in mid-Hudson Valley
by Erin Quinn
Times Union | January 25, 2022
Light falling on snow has a contagious effect. You want to keep running after it, as if to saddle that sunshine to last you for the next few months. Snowshoeing can make it easier to soak in those fleeting rays. But fearing that snowshoes would be complicated to put on and present an entirely new sport to learn, I have been hesitant to try it. Until Rich Gottlieb, former owner of Rock and Snow outdoors shop in New Paltz, offered to take me out and provide a few pointers…
5 Hudson Valley Trails That Are Perfect for Winter Hikes
by Timothy Malcolm
Hudson Valley Magazine | January 5, 2022
Bundle up and hit the trails for cold-weather Hudson Valley hiking in the Catskills, Shawangunks, and across local state parks. Tired of waiting for warmer weather to go hiking? Plenty of local spots offer amazing sights even in the cold winter months. Here are some great recommended trails for novices looking for serious Hudson Valley views…
Inclusive outdoor programs ensure nobody gets left behind
by Chris Soto
Land Trust Alliance | January 1, 2022
Mohonk Preserve in New York has an active environmental education program for local K-6 students who look forward to their annual trip to the Preserve for field studies. The program was built on the knowledge that bringing students back to the Preserve every year will help them form lifelong connections to the land. But one day, Kathy Ambrosini, director of education, received a call from a special education teacher who let Kathy know children with disabilities were being left behind at school on these field days. Shocked, Kathy wondered how it was possible that they had been administering this program for years and didn’t realize they were missing hundreds of special education students. She immediately set out to correct the inequity…
A look back at Mohonk’s Undercliff/Overcliff Carriage Road Loop
by Erin Quinn
Hudson Valley One | December 31, 2021
One of the Mohonk Preserve’s most iconic routes is Undercliff/Overcliff, that oval-shaped 4.7-mile loop that takes visitors underneath soaring cliffs with rock climbers dangling above to the quietude of more forested Rhododendron Bridge and back along a meandering carriageway that opens up with breathtaking views of Clove Valley and rolling contours of the Catskill Mountains in the distance. Paul Huth, who worked for decades alongside of Dan Smiley and later as the director of the Daniel Smiley Research Center at the Preserve, can attest to the timelessness of this loop, which was built between 1902 and 1928…
A guide to locally sourced and renewable gifts
by Erin Quinn
Hudson Valley One | December 10, 2021
In the Hudson Valley we are surrounded by natural beauty. Yet, too often, we can become complacent, almost dulled as to what exists right outside of our own backyards. We stick to the same routines, the walk around the block, the elliptical at the gym, sometimes even the shuffle from the grocery store to the parking lot might be the only bit of fresh air we breathe in a day. This is where a gift-giving rupture can have life-changing effects. What if, we were to give our friends, family, loved ones, a membership to a local nature reserve or an arts center? It could literally be giving them a ticket to another type of life, one that is enriched by beauty, only a short walk or drive from their home…
Photos: New Paltz and Gardiner foggy landscapes
by Tania Barricklo
Daily Freeman | December 7, 2021
Clouds lie over the Shawangunk Mountains in Gardiner, N.Y., on Monday afternoon, Dec. 6, as seen from Butterville Road in New Paltz, N.Y…
Trail mix: Hiking the crown jewel of Mohonk Preserve
by Erin Quinn
Times Union | December 2, 2021
Lots of hikes in the Hudson Valley offer scenic views. But this particular loop, which is part of the 8,000-acre Mohonk Preserve, is special for the natural eye candy throughout and its accessibility. Being located near two beloved, longstanding dining spots for a post-hike reward doesn’t hurt. Iconic and well-traveled, the 4.7-mile Undercliff Carriage Road to Overcliff Carriage Road loop, located in the Shawangunk Mountain Range in Gardiner, is a year-round destination for every flavor of outdoor enthusiast: runners, hikers, bikers, snowshoers, cross-country skiers, boulderers and rock climbers…
Banner Photo by Steve Aaron