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 protect the northern Shawangunk Ridge and keep its trails, carriage roads, and climbing areas open for everyone. 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.

What is Changing and Why?

Over time, our membership options have grown to more than twenty different choices, creating unnecessary complexity for members and staff alike. As part of our strategic plan, we’re simplifying the structure to make it easier to understand, easier to use, and more sustainable long term.

Beginning April 20, 2026, we will streamline our membership structure and adjust pricing:

  • Membership levels are being refreshed and renamed for clarity.
  • Membership rates are increasing to reflect the unfortunate impacts of inflation on our operating costs. See table for more details:
Mohonk Preserve Annual Membership Options: Basic Access - Admission at all Mohonk Preserve trailheads for hiking. $80 - Basic Access Individual for one member. $145 - Basic Access Dual for two members in the same household. $280 - Basic Access Household up to four members in the same household. All Access Admission at all Mohonk Preserve trailheads for hiking, biking, climbing, cross-country skiing & equestrian. $130 All Access Individual for one member. $235 - All Access Dual for two members in the same household. $450 - All Access Household for up to four members in the same household. Members receive two complimentary day pass certificates per household. Children 15 and under are always free with an adult member or day pass holder. Student, senior, and military discounts are available, along with other affordable access programs. Visit our website for more information. Mohonk Preserve is a 501(C)3 charitable organization registered in the State of New York, TIN#14-1609484. All contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

What Stays the Same:

  • Senior, student, and active-military discounts will continue.
  • Households with multiple members will still have flexible options and reduced cost per member.
  • Children 15 and younger 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 that certain activities require.

What Will Change:  

    • PLUS+ will be renamed All Access.
    • Within Basic and All Access, memberships will 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)
    • Members receive two complimentary day pass certificates per household.
    • We will no longer offer “Combination” memberships that mix access levels within a single membership. Members of the same household needing different access levels can purchase those memberships separately.
    • “Add-on” members outside the standard membership types will be discontinued. Members needing additional access can upgrade to a different level or purchase a separate membership.
    • Cross-country skiing will move to the All Access level. This activity requires active grooming, specialized equipment, and coordinated staff and volunteer support.
    • Veterans:
        • We are introducing a new $10 discount on any household membership.
        • Veterans will continue 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 20.

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. We ask members to select discounts based on the honor system and only when applicable.

  • 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?

We will no longer offer “Combination” memberships that mix access levels within a single membership. Members of the same household needing different access levels can purchase those memberships separately.

Memberships can be purchased online, by mail, by phone or at any staffed trailhead or the Visitor Center.

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 separate 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
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 serve our members 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 staff time, 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