Mohonk Preserve

Mohonk Preserve protects a broad Shawangunk landscape of cliffs, woods and historic carriage roads. For visitors based in New Paltz, its value lies in the range of routes rather than a single viewpoint. The first decision is the trailhead: the Visitor Center, West Trapps and other entrances lead to different terrain and are not interchangeable parking options.

The Visitor Center and its immediate grounds are free, while access farther into the preserve generally requires a day pass or membership. From that building, the East Trapps Connector climbs a strenuous set of stone steps. West Trapps provides a different approach toward Undercliff Carriage Road, useful for understanding why the same general destination can produce very different walks.

Accessibility information includes advance consultation and an all-terrain wheelchair loan, subject to availability and conditions. Carriage roads are not equivalent to paved, level sidewalks, and seasonal surfaces matter. The preserve publishes current storm and trail alerts; consult those before deciding on a route.

Mohonk Mountain House is a separate neighboring resort, not a preserve trailhead. Transport also needs current information: UCAT's 2026 Nature Bus Ridge Route lists its final service on September 19, despite broader seasonal wording on some preserve pages. Do not rely on that bus for an autumn outing after its published dates. Use the Visitor Center's Gardiner address when navigating there and arrange the return journey as carefully as the arrival.

Verified: 2026-09-27 · Official website · Address: 3197 State Route 44/55, Gardiner, NY 12525 · Phone: +1 845-255-0919 · Address: Visitor Center; the preserve has several trailheads · Facebook · Instagram · YouTube · Official logo

Sources: Plan Your Visit - Mohonk Preserve · Trailheads - Mohonk Preserve · Alerts - Mohonk Preserve · Accessibility - Mohonk Preserve · Activities - Mohonk Preserve · Nature Bus – UCAT