Mohonk Preserve & Lemon Squeeze Day Hike

Let’s go for a hike in Mohonk Preserve this Sunday! We’ll do a ~9-10 mile out & back hike through the nature preserve, beginning and ending at the Testimonial Gateway trailhead. Along the way, we’ll enjoy scenic carriage roads, gorgeous flora & fauna, and go through the Lemon Squeeze – a famous rock scramble on the Labyrinth Trail. We’ll climb a set of sturdy wooden ladders through a 100-foot-deep rock crevice, culminating in a steep ascent that opens to panoramic views of the whole park in all of its spring glory!

The hike will take 4 to 5 hours and we will take breaks for snacks and lunch. Expect to move at a moderate pace with some steep climbs and descents. The level of intensity is moderate to strenuous given the distance, elevation gain, and rock scramble elements. Only physically fit individuals should participate in the hike, though no prior hiking experience is necessary.

Please check the weather forecast the morning of the hike and dress appropriately. Sturdy hiking boots or trail runners are recommended. Please bring at least 2 liters of water and a packed lunch.

Logistics:

We will meet in the parking lot at the Testimonial Gateway trailhead at 11:30am.

Because this hike is approximately a ~1.5 hour drive from NYC and not able to be accessed using public transport, we will need a good number of drivers to be able to provide transport to fellow Blazers. If you have a car and are willing to drive, THANK YOU, and please indicate this in the prompt you're given when signing up. A carpool sign-up sheet will be sent out on Friday evening, which you will add your info to as well as the # of seats available in your car. You will coordinate with fellow Blazers who sign up for your car on a pickup location that is convenient for you as the driver. Blazers are expected to contribute $5-10 to the driver to cover gas and tolls.

Please note that Mohonk Preserve is the largest member and visitor-supported nature preserve in New York State. As such, the preserve charges a $20 per person day use fee. You will pay the fee at the trailhead using cash or card. We assure you, this is one of the most beautiful state park preserves in the nation – and it’s well worth the cost of admission to support this park.

The Testimonial Gateway trailhead is located at 35 NY-299, New Paltz, NY 12561

After the hike, we’ll go to Twin Star Orchards (https://www.twinstarorchards.com/) for well-deserved craft beer and bites – a cidery situated on a picturesque farm with a small lake and picnic tables, serving wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and other goodies. The perfect way to end a beautiful spring hike in upstate NY. We hope you’ll join us for this epic day!