Comments (28)

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  1. Danish

    Hi Mike,

    I did this hike today with wife and 3 kids (9, 6 and 2). Took us 6 hours and yes we went all the way to Mohonk Mountain House. Now we can hardly walk straight. Thanks to ur directions and tips, we had planned ahead and kept a rich stock of food, water and songs to sing. lol.

    Just wanted to thank u and brag a little on our family’s achievement 🙂 Cheers, mate!

    1. Mike

      Wow — you all deserve to brag about that one, Danish! Please give your entire family a high-five from me. Hope you’re recovered by now 🙂 Thanks for sharing the kind words and great photo here.

  2. Pingback: Day-tripping: Upstate Hikes – Epicenter NYC

    1. Mike

      Hi, Allie! Yes, the online booking is for the Mohonk Mountain House only, and doesn’t apply to the hike documented above. You can purchase your day pass for the Mohonk Preserve at the visitor center or trailhead. The parking lots have been filling up very early on weekends – you’d have the best shot at some solitude if you can visit on a weekday, and good luck whenever you go!

      1. Kristin B

        Thanks for this enthusiastic step by step walking tour. I’m a local and have been sticking to the Gatehouse Trailhead because I’m a brat about the parking at West Trapps but you’ve inspired me to go back.

    1. Mike

      That’s so nice to hear, Whitney! My rescue dog has always loved it there, too. Sounds like they’re kindred spirits 🙂

  3. Gloria

    Thank you for this. I go up every year to hike trapps trail but im dying to see the escarpment at skytop. 9 miles is a bit much for my taped up right knee but i can do 5 or 6. Gloria

    1. Mike

      Hi, Gloria! Sounds like starting right at Mohonk Mountain House might be a better option for you — enjoy if you get a chance to check it out, and good luck with your knee!

  4. Lauren C

    I just parked at the Undercliff/Overcliff lot mentioned in this post and headed over to the Mohonk Labyrinth from there and the price for the Undercliff/Overcliff lot has increased to $15 for a day hiking pass! It is no longer $12 as mentioned above so I recommend updating it above! Thank you always for the awesome guide!

    1. Mike

      Lauren, thank you so much for the heads-up! My apologies for not getting a response here sooner. The Cheapskate Alert above is now updated to $15. Much appreciated!

  5. nyprof

    I recommend that anyone visiting the Mohonk Preserve for the first time to stop at the Visitor Center and get oriented. Maps, a video, interactive exhibits, and helpful folks will make your hikes more enjoyable

  6. Mack

    My daughter and I did this hike a few weekends ago and had a great time. I would suggest doing the loop in the opposite direction (Overcliff then Undercliff) if you arrive early as we did; we saw lots of rock climbers putting on their gear and staking out their spots, but none were yet actually climbing at about 9:30 on a cool April Sunday morning. If we had walked the loop in the reverse direction we likely would have found more action on the rocks! In fact, we started from the parking lot at the same time as a Mohonk Preserve guided group and passed them at the intersection of Undercliff and Overcliff going the opposite way. Thanks, as always, for your great guides!

  7. Megh

    Forgot to mention, it was $12 at the gate, that came with a wristband that identifies you as a hiker/cyclist/etc. and a free map, and it was totally worth the money.

  8. Megh

    Great information. Went out today on a warmish day in February. When the leaves are gone you have spectacular mountain views nearly the entire Undercliff/Overcliff loop. Was not disappointed by either the views or the by the gravity defying rock climbers along the Undercliff trail. I parked at a secondary lot a short distance from the beginning of the loop and logged 5.26 miles.
    Perfect trail for beginners, runners, bikers, cross country skiiers and snowshoeing. Trail is either flat or at a very, very gentle rise- you could easily take a stroller or wheelchair.
    I would recommend for someone who wants to get out and see great views, but perhaps isn’t ready for ‘moderate’ trails yet. A winner.

  9. Mario O

    Mike,
    Great post/pictures/hike summary! Excellent information. I just have a quick question. If I take the cheap way up to Mohonk Mountain House and to the Labyrinth rock scramble and up through the Lemon Squeeze from parking lot you mentioned in step 1……..is that a 8-9 mile round trip or just one way? I have 2 weeks off in July and will like to hike this trail.

    Thanks in advance for any additional information.

    Mario.

    1. Mike

      Hi Mario — 8-9 miles is the total roundtrip distance. Enjoy your time off, and good luck if you give it a whirl!

  10. Sean

    Hey great description! I am going to give the “cheap” way a go because im going to be with 4-5 people all of which are experienced hikers in great shape but also poor college kids haha. I was wondering if you had any advice for us? Thinking of hitting the trail next weekend weather permitting. Also is there somewhere to pick up a map or better to print one out or search my archive of maps of the area?

    1. Mike

      Sean — In-shape, poor college kids are the target audience for the cheaper, longer loop to the Labyrinth and Lemon Squeeze. Good luck to you all! You can usually get a map at the Trapps parking area, if there’s an attendant to give you one. I also found this map, which looks like a modified version of the map they give you at the Mountain House — you can see the Undercliff Road coming in from the left, which is the way you’ll be coming in: http://nyskiblog.com/directory/#nabble-td4649805. (If you have time to wait for the printed maps to arrive, the definitive map set for this area, including a ton of other great hikes, are the Shawangunk maps from the NY-NJ Trail Conference: http://www.nynjtc.org/product/shawangunk-trails)

      Just snake your way over toward the lake and you’ll find the entrance to the Labyrinth near the Mountain House itself. I hope this is all helpful, and have a great adventure out there! (Bring plenty of snacks and water – you’ll need ’em!)

  11. Laurie

    If it was $25 for both my boyfriend and I, I would have considered it. But it’s crazy spending $50 on a hike. Need to get in better shape, and then Im deffenitily taking the long way. Not worth the money no matter how beautiful the views are, or how short the trail is.

  12. Samit

    This post was really helpful. I went along with some friends to check out this place and had no difficulty in navigating my way after reading this post. The GPS address provided was quite helpful too!

    1. Mike

      Samit,

      Thanks so much. I’m glad to hear that this site was useful, and that you had a good day out there with your friends!

      Mike

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