Mohonk Preserve - New Paltz - Late Summer 2012

Today I am featuring one of my favorites hikes in New York State and one that I think is the most unique. It is near one of my favorite towns as well, New Paltz, NY.

Hike: Bonticou Crag to Labyrinth and Lemon Squeeze
Location: Mohonk Preserve, New Paltz, NY
Fee: $12 per hiker
Terrain: moderate elevation gain, rock scrambling, ladders, cliffs
Difficulty: High


My good friend Lappy hiked this with me. She is always up for anything and this was a challenging hike that neither of us had done before. Though we felt tired after, there was also a feeling of accomplishment.

We started out from Spring Farm Trailhead in Mohonk Preserve. It's usually rare to have to pay to hike, but because this is a preserve there is a fee. The hike is well worth the fee though and it is a well kept and beautiful preserve.

The hike and scramble up to Bonticou Crag is short. You can do just this hike for the day or continue on to more. We thought about it after finishing up the Crag and decided to go on to the Labyrinth.

The trail starts on a slight incline until you reach the base of the mountain. An easier route to the side takes you up the back way on a regular foot trail. Or you can rock scramble your way up on the trail directly ahead. I'd definitely recommend the scramble.

Once you reach the top you'll have a magnificent view of the surrounding area and the Bonticou Crag is easy to spot. It is a good place to take photographs and spend some time.

Sometimes you need some time to sit and think on top of a mountain.

We descend down the trail on the backside rather than scramble down and head onto the Labyrinth which is another whole adventure in itself.

The Labyrinth starts from the Mohonk Mountain House. This is a beautiful place to stay over for a night and the grounds have a garden with flowers in bloom. To get to the trail from the parking lot it is a few miles of flat walking. There is a shuttle you can also take for a shortcut if you want to skip this middle walking between trails. We did this on the way back.

Mohonk Mountain House

Here is the warning before starting the hike....

The trail ends at Sky Top Tower. There is an easier route here that goes directly to the top avoiding the rock scramble. Again I'd recommend the rocky route.

There are some tight spaces to crawl over and under and in-between.

Looking out from within the crevice

The view upon emerging

The lookout...

Sky Top Tower below...

Sky Top Tower

From here head on down the direct route and it's back the same way we came to the parking lot. The shuttle will be a welcome convenience at this time.

If I didn't love this place already, the Twilight Zone pinball machine discovered at the shuttle stop would've sealed the deal for me. This is my favorite television show of all time.

A last look below on the our way back to the cars...

The town of New Paltz has become one of my favorite places. There are plenty of unique places to wander and eat and shop after your hike. Make sure to leave time for exploring.

Hope you enjoyed the post. Peace out! <3