Mohonk Preserve is a non-profit nature preserve. The main entrance to the preserve is at the Visitors Center, which is located approximately one half of a mile west of the intersection of Route 299 and Route 44/55. The purpose of the Mohonk Preserve is to protect New York's Shawangunk Mountain area by inspiring and educating people to enjoy and care for nature. The Mohonk Preserve consists of approximately 7,000 acres of fields, ponds, streams, forests, and mountain ridges.
The Visitors Center is a good place to start when visiting the preserve. The Visitors Center is open from 9:00am to 5:00 daily. The Visitors Center is open year round, except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and after 12:00pm on Christmas Eve. There is no charge for admission to the Visitors Center. The Visitors Center provides directions, suggestions for recreation, and information on the geology and wildlife of the area. The Visitors Center features the Kid's Discovery Corner. This part of the Visitors Center enables children to play with puzzles and games, unearth feathers and bones, and learn about the weather in the Shawangunk Ridge area by using interactive computers. Children can see models of wildlife and actual live animals.
There are three short, self-guided trails that are located by the Visitors Center. The LaVerne Thompson Nature Trail is approximately one-third of a mile. This trail has 16 stops that are intended to teach visitors about the geology, plants, and animals in the area. The Shawangunk Sensory Trail is one-quarter of a mile. It is an easy loop trail with interpretive stations along the way. The Weinstein Butterfly Garden Trail runs along the Sensory Trail. Wild butterflies are attracted to this area and can be seen along the way.
In addition to the three short trails near the Visitors Center, there are many other trails. In fact, the preserve is home to almost 70 miles of trails and carriage roads. Biking is permitted on carriage roads throughout the preserve. For those interested in rock climbing, there are over 1,000 routes and over 5 linear miles of cliff face. Bouldering is also available, and the bouldering areas can be accessed easily from the parking areas.
The Mohonk Preserve is open year round from sunrise to sunset. Admission to the preserve is $10 for bikers and hikers and $15 for climbers. Children that are 12 years of age and under are free when accompanied by an adult.
Camping is available on the preserve in the form of a 20-site camp. It is a low-impact tenting area that is located on Route 44/55 near Trapps Bridge. Campfires are not permitted on the grounds. Information on camping is posted at the site's entrance on a bulletin board.
While horses are not available for rent at the preserve, visitors are welcome to bring their own horse and ride in designated areas on carriage roads. Helmets are required, and children that are horseback riding must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Deer hunting is permitted onsite during New York's regular, bowhunting, and muzzleloader season. There are some restrictions on days, times, and locations. Calendars regarding the hunting season can be obtained at the Visitors Center.
Additional information about the Mohonk Preserve can be obtained by calling 845-255-0919.
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