Hiking @ Mohonk Preserve

About this series "New York Living- Nature & Countryside":
We often feel fortunate to live in Manhattan-- get to enjoy its rich cultural life and, with a short drive, beautiful nature. This series shares the nature and countryside near Manhattan that we like to visit/do outdoor sports.

Mohonk Preserve
6,500 acres
100 miles of hiking trails

Location:
-- 90 miles northwest of Manhattan
-- in the Shawangunk Mountains

Mohonk Preserve, its adjacent neighbor Mohonk Mountatin House Resort, and Minnewaska State Park are the jewels in the Shawangunks. Every time we were there, we felt its beauty matches and even beats many far away world-famous sights. The Shawangunks' cliffs attract rock climbers from all over the world. You don't have to be a technical rock climber to enjoy it though. And if you live in New York state, but have never been to the gunks, it's a shame. Especially for my fellow cement jungle dwellers, come out here often! Trust me, it's beautiful, relaxing, thrilling and romantic here. And it's so close to home.

The slideshow below features some serious climbing on purely rocky terrain to reach the Bonticou Crag in the northern section of the preserve. The view from the top was of course rewarding. The second half of our hike was more like a stroll-- Northeast Trail to descent, then Clearwater Road to Farm Rd, finnally Table Rocks. This hike was one of the most fun hikes we had. (We took the Spring Farm entrance into the Preserve, followed the Crag Trail and Bonticou Road to the forest in front of Bonticou Crag.)



As its name suggests, Mohonk Preserve is a nature preserve and is supported by members and visitors.