Black Friday Mohonk Preserve HIKE, ULSTER COUNTY

Burn off the Thanksgiving extra pounds with a daylong hike amid the geological wonderment of Mohonk Preserve. Made of very hard quartzite conglomerates, the dramatic high cliffs of the Shawangunks – of which Mohonk is a part – will hover over us most of the day. At the end of the day your neck will be as sore from looking upwards as your legs from hiking.

We will start at the West Trapps Trailhead ($15 per person fee) beginning our hike with stunning views of the legendary “Trapps,” which is world renown for its rock-climbing opportunities. After a two-plus mile warmup along the Undercliff Road trail our journey amid the iconic Mohonk Mountain House begins. Criss-crossing and snaking our way over plethora of carriage roadways and single-track trails our hike proceeds to the shore of Mohonk Lake and then scrambles through the rock-strewn Labyrinth to summit Skytop Ridge. We will take ample time to explore and enjoy the Lemon Squeezer and Skytop Tower before descending again to the lake, returning to the West Trapps Parking Area via the Overcliff carriage trail.

Our start-time is later than common sense should dictate to allow travelers to join us. Pack a headlamp for the return trip as daylight is a premium. Dress in layers, pack cold weather gear including hats and gloves, and bring enough hydration for a ten-mile plus hike.