Undercliff Carriage Road Will Be Closed:

July 20 – August 28, 2026 |  Monday – Thursday 

From July 20 through August 28, Undercliff Carriage Road will undergo essential resurfacing and drainage upgrades. This work marks the first full resurfacing of this historic carriage road in 30 years, an essential step in preserving its character and ensuring safe access for years to come.

Closure Schedule
    • Closed Monday – Thursday to hiking and biking
    • Open Friday – Sunday to all visitors
    • Climbing will remain available. Climbing and bouldering availability from the Welcome Boulder to Son of Easy O will be limited during work hours. Access to climbing routes north of Son of Easy O will be limited to the climbers trail traversing the base of the cliff. Ascent trails off Undercliff Road will be closed Monday – Thursday.
    • The East Trapps Connector Trailhead parking lot will be closed Monday – Thursday and limited parking will be available Friday – Sunday.
What to Expect
  • Heavy equipment in operation along Undercliff Carriage Road Monday to Thursday from 6am – 3pm
  • Increased vehicle traffic on Overcliff Carriage Road
  • Temporary restrictions to ascent trails off of Undercliff Carriage Road
  • Bouldering areas off of Undercliff Carriage Road closed during work hours
Climbers Access
    • The Son of Easy-O ascent trail is the point where climbers leave the Undercliff Carriage Road and head north to reach the rest of the cliff. It connects directly to the base of cliff trail for continued access along the wall.
    • Stay on designated open trails only. For your own safety, please respect closures on other ascent trails and Undercliff Carriage Road.
    • Expect work‑crew noise during the closure. Commands may be harder to hear, so plan ahead for communication with your climbing partner.
    • The climbers trail may be more crowded than usual during the closure. Keep gear organized and out of the main path so everyone can move efficiently. Communicate clearly when passing others.
Closure Area Map

Section 1 (Yellow): Limited Access During Work Hours – Climbing and bouldering availability from the Welcome Boulder to Son of Easy O will be limited during work hours.

Section 2 (Orange): Fully Closed – No Access Monday through Thursday. Access to climbing routes north of Son of Easy O will be limited to the climbers trail traversing the base of the cliff.

Alternative Options

Climbing

Bouldering problems along Undercliff Carriage Road will be closed Monday through Thursday, and cliff‑side climbing routes and bouldering problems may be more crowded than usual. Great alternatives include:

  • Near Trapps — classic climbing routes and bouldering problems with quick access
  • Lost City — remote, quiet, and high‑quality rock
  • Bonticou — unique features and varied difficulty
  • Peter’s Kill at Minnewaska — our neighbors on the Ridge with excellent climbing terrain (separate fees apply)
Climbing at Bonticou Crag by A. Jesse Jiryu Davis
Bouldering at Lost City by A. Jesse Jiryu Davis

Alternative Options

Hiking & Biking

If Undercliff is part of your usual loop, consider exploring other parts of the carriage road network. These areas offer beautiful alternatives with plenty of mileage and varied terrain.

  • Spring Farm Trailhead — sweeping views of the Catskills and dense forests
  • Testimonial Gateway Trailhead — rolling carriage roads and scenic connections in the foothills

Overcliff Carriage Road will remain open and is the most direct alternative, but will have increased vehicle traffic from the Stewardship team.

Biking in the Mohonk Preserve foothills by June Archer
Hiking at Spring Farm Trailhead by Susan Koehler

Why This Work Is Important:

For the first time in 30 years, Undercliff Carriage Road is receiving a full resurfacing. As a historic carriage road, it requires periodic maintenance to preserve its character, protect its structure, and ensure safe access for visitors.

Our stewardship team will also be installing new drainage features, including:

    • Culverts to move stormwater safely under the road
    • French drains to reduce erosion and protect the cliff base
    • Improved grading to extend the life of the road surface

These upgrades are critical to protecting the landscape, strengthening the road, protecting the cliff base, and ensuring long‑term sustainability.

Stay Updated

Check back here for updates and visit our Alerts page for closures & conditions.

Follow us on social media for the latest updates, photos of progress, and reopening announcements!
Follow along on Facebook or Instagram.

Photos by Michael Neil O’Donnell; Mohonk Preserve Staff; Mohonk Preserve Volunteer Photographers