A Hudson Valley Victorian Castle Resort - Mohonk Mountain House

The Mohonk Mountain House is a historic and iconic resort located in the Catskill Mountain on the Shawangunk Ridge, on the shores of Lake Mohonk, near New Paltz, New York. Twin brothers, Albert and Alfred Smiley, were the original founders and started a small inn in 1869 and gradually expanded into a grand Victorian-rea resort. The brothers were Quakers, who believed in the healing power of nature and wanted to create a place for people to escape the stress of city life.

My visit here was to hike the trails called the Labyrinth (the rock scramble) and the Lemon Squeeze. The unique feature of the Lemon Squeeze is a narrow crevice in the rocks that you must navigate though in order to get to the top. It was extremely challenging for me, but the views were awesome and totally worth it. It demands a combination of balance, strength and determination.

This is what caught my eye, I hope you enjoy!

The hotel building is known for its striking Victorian architecture, including turreted towers and sprawling verandahs which blend beautifully with the natural surroundings.

Mohonk Mountain House is also known for its breathtaking natural beauty, world-class amenities and rich history.

The view from the top

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Mohonk and the Smileys: A National Historic Landmark and the Family That Created It

By Larry E. Burgess

Mohonk Mountain House and Preserve (Images of America)

By Josephson, Robi

New Paltz (NY) (Images of America)

By Johnson, Carol A., Ryan, Marion W.

The resort is set within thousands of acres of pristine wilderness, including forests, cliffs, and the picturesque Lake Mohonk.

The gazebos provide quite spots to admire nature

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Views seen on the hike

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Sky Top Tower is at the top of the 5.5 mile hiking trail

The view from the Tower landing. Mohonk Mountain House is a paradise for the outdoor enthusiast. It has 85 miles of hiking trails winding through lush forests, over rocky cliffs, and around a serene lake.

The open-air pavillon on the property

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Inside the Lemon Squeeze (photography not the best because of the conditions).

What You Should Know

• There are walking trails of all skill levels.

• Public restrooms are available.

• You could spend a couple of hours to an entire day here exploring the grounds and enjoying the awesome views.

• Grounds day pass admission price includes trails and parking and reservations should be made on-line before your visit.

• If you do decide to hike make sure you wear the proper footwear.

• Remember to bring water and snacks.

• Dress appropriately for the weather.

• Take your time on the trail.

• Carry in - carry out, do not litter.

• Plan your route and carry a map or gps.

• Be considerate of other hikers.

Location: 1000 Mountain Rest Road, New Paltz, NY. 12561

For more information: Mohonk Mountain House