Mohonk Preserve Membership Levels and Rates Update

Mohonk Preserve thrives because of the people who care about it. As a member and visitor supported nonprofit, we rely on this community to help us protect the northern Shawangunk Ridge and to keep its trails, carriage roads and climbing areas open for everyone to enjoy. Your annual membership makes it possible for us to balance recreational access with our commitment to ecological stewardship. We’re deeply grateful for your support, which truly keeps this place thriving.

Why the change?

Over time, our membership options have expanded into more than twenty different choices, far more than most people ever need. As part of our strategic plan, we’re taking this opportunity to simplify and streamline the structure so it’s easier to understand, easier to use and more sustainable for the long term.

Beginning April 15, 2026, we’ll be making a few updates to create a simpler, more intuitive membership experience:

  • Membership levels are being refreshed to offer clearer, easier‑to‑understand options.
  • Membership and day pass pricing to reflect inflation since the last time rates were adjusted by around 13%.
  • Membership Level names will change.

What will stay the same:  

  • We will continue to offer senior, student, and active‑military discounts.
  • Households with multiple members will still have flexible membership options.
  • Children 15 and younger will remain free with an adult member or day pass holder.
  • We will continue to offer two access levels, reflecting the additional management, infrastructure, and stewardship required for certain activities.

What will change:  

    • PLUS+ will be renamed All Access.
    • Within Basic and All Access, memberships will now be offered in three straightforward options:
        • Individual (one member)
        • Dual (two members at the same mailing address)
        • Household (up to four members at the same mailing address)
    • We will no longer offer “Combination” memberships that mix different recreational access levels within a single membership. If members of the same household need different access levels, those memberships can simply be purchased separately.
    • We will discontinue “Add‑on” members outside of the standard membership types. If you need additional access, we can help you upgrade to a different level or purchase separate memberships.
    • Cross‑country skiing will move to the All Access level. This activity requires active grooming, specialized equipment, and coordinated staff and volunteer support to maintain safe, high‑quality conditions.
    • Veterans:
        • We are introducing a new discount: $10 off any household membership.
        • Veterans will continue to be eligible to receive a complimentary day pass for their own access on any visit, a benefit added in 2025.
    • Day pass rates will also be adjusted for inflation beginning April 15.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this change affect my current membership?

No. Your active membership remains unchanged.
You will only see the updated membership options when it’s time for you to renew.

How do I get my senior, student, or veteran discount online?

At checkout, enter the appropriate discount code:

  • Senior: mpsenior
  • Student: mpstudent
  • Veteran: mil10
Will you honor my current Basic Membership for cross‑country skiing through it's expiration date?

Yes, your basic membership will be honored for cross-country skiing through it’s expiration date.

How do I join or renew for multiple household members at different access levels?

Online: Each membership level requires its own transaction. The person logged in will be listed as the primary member. If you are purchasing a membership for someone else, please select the gift option.

By check: You may send one check for the total amount if you prefer. Please complete the membership form(s) clearly for each member.

I have three members on my membership. What level should I choose?

You may select any of the following combinations:

  • Three Individual memberships
  • One Individual and one Dual membership
  • One Household membership (up to four members)
I have five or more members. What should I choose?

For households with more than four members, you can purchase additional memberships as needed. For example, for five members you could choose:

  • One Individual membership (one person) and one Household membership (up to four people), or
  • Five Individual memberships
This doesn’t feel simpler to me. Why was this approach chosen?

We understand that no single structure will work perfectly for everyone. With more than 10,000 members, some compromise is unavoidable. Our staff and board reviewed many options and looked at peer organizations for comparison. The previous system had more than 20 membership types, which made database management, reporting, and customer service unnecessarily complex. Streamlining the structure helps us operate more efficiently and sustainably

Can I leave an empty slot on my membership for a guest?

No. Each membership must be assigned to a specific adult member. Memberships are non‑transferable.

How are you keeping access affordable?

We continue to offer a range of free and reduced‑cost access options, including library passes, our Family of Woodstock partnership, companion passes, and Healthy Hudson Valley programs. Learn more about affordable access options here.

Why are prices different for different activities?

Activities such as biking, horseback riding, and cross‑country skiing require additional management, infrastructure, and stewardship beyond typical trail use. These activities place higher demands on our carriage roads and natural resources and often require specialized design, resurfacing, drainage improvements, and ongoing monitoring.

Cross‑country skiing also requires active grooming, specialized equipment, and coordinated staff and volunteer support to maintain safe, high‑quality conditions.

Adjusting access fees for these activities ensures we can manage them responsibly while caring for the landscapes our members value.

Best management practices for these activities are supported by organizations such as the International Mountain Bicycling Association, Back Country Horsemen of America, American Trails, and the National Park Service.

Where can I learn more about responsible recreation and Leave No Trace?

Mohonk Preserve is a Proud Leave No Trace Community Partner and Gold Standard Site. Learn more about Leave No Trace at Mohonk Preserve here: mohonkpreserve.org/lnt

More Resources:

Banner photo by John Mizel