A breathtaking view atop from a Mohonk hiking trail. Photo Credit: Emma Denes '25.

Just 19 miles away from the Marist College campus and across the Hudson River in New Paltz, New York, lies a 1,200 acre natural paradise waiting to be explored.

Founded by Albert Smiley in 1869, the Mohonk Mountain House is a National Historic Landmark where $1,000 a night can grant you access to all the award-winning resort has to offer, from spa treatments to daily tea and cookies. However, Mohonk’s greatest attraction is also its best kept secret and most affordable feature–its natural environment. A $30 day pass will admit you to the House's grounds that comprises over 80 miles of hiking trails.

Mohonk's trail network is a part of the "Gunks," more formally known as the Shawangunk Mountains, which have been identified as a high priority area for biodiversity conservation by the New York State Open Space Conservation Plan.

Mohonk's forested landscape encompasses both wetlands and uplands that enable a variety of wildlife to thrive in its diverse ecosystem. Michael Ridolfo, Mohonk's naturalist, says that just some of the animals you may spot include black bears, pygmy shrews, raptors and aquatic birds.

Geologically, Mohonk can be recognized by its two sections: the Shawangunk Conglomerate and the Martinsburg Shale. The Conglomerate area–made up of sedimentary rocks–is a "high quartz sandstone layer, 3,500 feet thick, which was deposited in ancient braided stream beds between 410-430 million years ago," Ridolfo said.

The durability of the quartz material provides the landscape resistance to erosion. While underneath this hard mineral is the Martinsburg Shale–a muddy bedrock layer 12,000-13,000 feet thick– that accumulated about 450-470 million years ago.

Lake Mohonk, which could be described as the crown jewel of the mountain, has an even more fascinating natural history. Formed over a long span of time, this Sky Lake is filled by precipitation with a depth of 61 feet and 25 feet of sediment.

"These [Sky Lakes] lie along extinct earthquake faults which have fractured the ancient sandstones allowing subsequent glacial events to transport the loosened material, carrying it southward, leaving the lakes behind," said Ridolfo.

Whether you're an avid hiker or simply looking for a nice stroll, the trails at Mohonk offer something for everyone. You can make your way around the lake itself, wander up to the Eagle Cliff lookout or trek to the Sky Top Tower where clear skies will afford you a view of six surrounding states. If you're feeling more adventurous, try your hand at the Labyrinth and dare to squeeze yourself through the rock scramble.

No matter which trail you choose, be sure to make a stop at least one of the 125 famous Mohonk summerhouses, which are miniature gazebos situated on the paths. "The Smiley Brothers incorporated the summerhouses into the trails around the Mountain House, situating them where guests could enjoy the views of the Hudson Valley," said Annmarie Pilek, Mohonk's Director of Recreation and Entertainment.

"Mohonk’s hiking experience is very unique, as it’s much less crowded than other public hiking trails due to the fact that the trails are only available to overnight guests and those visiting with a day pass," Pilek said.

Even with Mohonk’s enchanting scenery and small population, does not make the landscape immune to the impacts of the ever-present climate crisis. “Many non-native insect species arriving via world trade are especially hazardous to trees, plants and crops. Variation and chaos in historic weather patterns…affect seasonal food sources for many species,” Ridolfo explained.

"The profile of the ridge, the nature of the rock, the sparseness of the soil, the species that thrive here, the lofty views, the history of human presence…all conspire to define Mohonk as ‘One of the World’s Great Places,’ " Ridolfo said.

The Hudson Valley’s Hidden Paradise

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