Mohonk Mountain Reserve is a nature preserve located in Ulster County, New York, United States. The preserve covers over 8,000 acres of land and is owned and managed by the Mohonk Preserve, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the Shawangunk Mountains region.

The Mohonk Mountain Reserve is known for its diverse ecosystems, including forests, cliffs, streams, and wetlands. It is home to numerous plant and animal species, some of which are rare and endangered.

The preserve offers a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, rock climbing, biking, skiing, snowshoeing, and fishing. There are over 70 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging, with scenic vistas, waterfalls, and other natural attractions along the way. Rock climbers come from all over the world to scale the Shawangunk Ridge, which offers some of the best climbing in the eastern United States.

The Mohonk Preserve also operates the Mohonk Mountain House, a historic resort located on the preserve’s land. The resort offers a variety of amenities, including lodging, dining, and spa services.

Visitors to the Mohonk Mountain Reserve are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles, which involve minimizing human impact on the natural environment. This includes carrying out all trash and minimizing the use of campfires.

Mohonk means “Lake in the sky.” The Catskill Mountains are in background.

Mohonk Preserve is the largest private nature preserve in in New York located in Ulster county New York. The Preserve protects 8,000 acres of the Shawangunk Ridge, for people to explore the natural world.

Split Rock is park of the Mohonk Preserve, and while there is no “official” swimming area or lifeguard, swimming seems to be allowed. This area is very popular and you should arrive early, as the parking lot does fill quickly. The rock formation here is unique, and very picturesque.

The most famous part in Mohonk mpountain is Victorian castle resort Founded by the Smiley Family in 1869 and nestled in the Hudson Valley, only 90 miles north of New York City. Surrounded by 40,000 acres of pristine forest, our National Historic Landmark resort.

MOHONK MOUNTAIN hotel

The Mohonk Mountain House is a historic hotel located on the Mohonk Mountain Reserve in Ulster County, New York. The hotel was built in 1869 by the Smiley family and is now owned and operated by the Mohonk Preserve.

The Mohonk Mountain House is a popular destination for visitors who are seeking a relaxing getaway in a natural setting. The hotel offers a range of accommodations, including guest rooms, suites, and cottages. Many of the rooms have views of the surrounding mountains and lake.

The hotel also offers a variety of amenities, including multiple dining options, a full-service spa, an indoor pool, a fitness center, and a range of outdoor activities. Guests can enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, boating, fishing, golf, and tennis on the hotel’s grounds. There are also daily programs and events for guests, including nature walks, yoga classes, and live music performances.

The Mohonk Mountain House is known for its Victorian architecture and its stunning location on Lake Mohonk. The hotel has been recognized for its environmental sustainability efforts and has received numerous awards for its commitment to preserving the natural environment.

Overall, the Mohonk Mountain House is a unique and beautiful destination that offers a perfect blend of history, luxury, and natural beauty.

MOHONK MOUNTAIN hotel history

The Mohonk Mountain House is a historic hotel located on the Mohonk Mountain Reserve in New York State. It was built in 1869 by the Smiley family as a small boarding house, and over time it grew into the grand hotel that it is today.

The Smiley family was known for their commitment to the preservation of nature and the promotion of outdoor recreation. They believed that nature was an important part of human life, and they wanted to provide a place where people could connect with nature and enjoy its beauty.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Mohonk Mountain House became a popular destination for wealthy city dwellers who were seeking a respite from the noise and pollution of urban life. The hotel offered a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and boating, as well as indoor amenities like a bowling alley and billiards room.

During the Great Depression, the hotel struggled to stay afloat, and it was temporarily closed in 1936. However, it was reopened in 1939, and during World War II, it served as a rest and relaxation center for soldiers.

In the years following the war, the Mohonk Mountain House continued to attract guests who were seeking a peaceful and natural environment. It underwent several renovations and expansions, and today it is recognized as a National Historic Landmark.

Throughout its history, the Mohonk Mountain House has remained committed to the Smiley family’s vision of preserving nature and promoting outdoor recreation. Today, it continues to be a popular destination for visitors who are seeking a relaxing getaway in a beautiful natural setting.