Mohonk Preserve: Bonticou Crag, the Mountain House, and More (Strenuous)

The plan is to get a full serving of early autumn beauty in the
Mohonk region! We will begin at Spring Farm, take in Table Rocks,
and then on to stunning Bonticou Crag. Next, the group will head west
along a mix of trails and carriage roads over to the Mohonk
Mountain House and Sky Top. Finally, we will return to Spring Farm
mostly via carriage roads. If you like, you may join the leaders for a
bite to eat in New Paltz before heading home.

The total distance will be a good 12-15 miles, so this is not a short,
easy hike, but much of it will be on mellow terrain. There will be
some uphill sections, mostly at the beginning of the day, and a
difficult, but optional, rock scramble at the crag. There is an easier
route if you prefer that.

Bring at least 1-2 quarts of drinking water, snacks, and/or a lunch,
and dress appropriately for a full day on the trails. Please note that if
you are not a member of the Mohonk Preserve, you will be required
to fork over a $15 admission fee.

We will meet near the Spring Farm parking lot at 10 am and get
going shortly thereafter. This is not a public transportation-friendly
hike, but it may be possible to take a train to Poughkeepsie or a bus
to New Paltz, and then get a ride to the trailhead from another
participant (or take a cab). We leave it to you all to try to arrange
ride shares, but feel free to use the chat for this purpose. If you are
able to offer rides, please post it in the chat. A forecast of bad weather will result in cancellation, so please be aware of that.

The hike leaders are Tim Burrows, Nicholas Reitter, and Jane Davis. Feel free to post any questions or comments in the chat.

For more information about the Appalachian Mountain Club and its wide range of activities, take a look at outdoors.org

AMC website listing:
https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UUN000001n2JR2AY/act00016506