Mohonk Mountain House

Mohonk Mountain House and Alpine Endeavors partnered to open a unique via ferrata at the Eagle Cliff of Mohonk. For the readers familiar with the area: this facility is “Labyrinth” and “Lemon Squeeze” on steroids. No previous experience is required to participate, but good physical condition is a must. The tour starts with a short training about the basics: how to use the rungs, cables, ladders and, most importantly, the two harnesses that are essential for safety. Very soon after getting started we cross an aerial bridge. For the rest of the adventure we are mostly attached to vertical walls of rock, advancing forward, up and down, as the steel cable guides us. There are also short “traverses” where we are supported by a single steel cable, grabbing another steel cable for stability. The course is very well designed, and the step widths and heights are between easy and moderate difficulty - mostly on the easy side. . The views are fantastic and the experience is unique. Apart from looking scary, most of the path is relatively easy, except for a short section where the cliff wall is “more than vertical” I.e. it is leaning slightly in the climber’s direction. Upper body strength is needed there. Alpine Endeavors has a policy of no more than 4 guests per guide. Our guide, Mark, was very helpful and knowledgeable. I highly recommend this adventure, especially for people who matured by going through the Lemon Squeeze ( no guide needed) and the simpler rock scramble called “Pinaccle Ledge Tour”, also guided by Alpine Endeavors.

This place is truly magical. How could I not have been here before? Yes, its expensive but it is worth every penny. The food is wonderful (esp. the BBQ!), the staff are highly attentive, professional, and feel like family. The entire property is impeccably maintained - which is a wonder given its immense size. I know I sound like Im gushing but really I was so impressed. Having said that, you have to love the outdoors to truly appreciate what this hotel has to offer because thats the point - the endless trails and vistas, and adventures available to you. The house is old (yes!) but everything feel like a quiet luxury. We were traveling with teens and elderly grandparents to celebrate an 80th birthday - and all had a wonderful time -- even the little things like playing scrabble together in the Lake view room added so much to the experience. The indoor pool is luxurious, the fitness and wellness amenitites are great. My father said his massage was great - althrough he felt the spa itself could use an upgrade. I feel like I have to thank the Smiley family - fifth generation owners - for what they managed to maintain here. It would be so easy to cut corners and try to commercialize but they somehow figured out a way to honor the gounds and the house like a national treasure. Highly recommend.

On our recent trip to New Paltz, we decided to purchase the Dining Day Pass to Mohonk Mountain House. It was $150 per person and included access to the hiking trails, the resort house and grounds, and dinner. It does not include access to the hotel amenities such as the pool or boats, which we knew ahead of time. We purchased the pass to have access to the trails and a nice dinner experience. Pros - Location, amazing views, great trails Friendly staff Access to shower in Fitness Center Cons - Dining experience The food overall was good but the main dining hall is very, very loud. It felt somewhat chaotic and reminded us of cruise ship dining. There was nothing special about the dinner experience. Atmosphere was lacking. Alcohol drinks were overpriced (my glass of wine was $30) The interior of the resort felt thread-worn To do it again, I would purchase the hiking pass for $35 and skip the meal. The value is just not there.

Went for tulip week. The flowers were lovely. Accommodations-after changing rooms- we nice. The staff are outstanding. Everyone is pleasant and efficient and helpful. The meals are good but sometimes too fancy for me. But-changes are accepted without issue and done correctly. The boating people help at every turn and keep an eye out to ensure ur safely. My favorite area are the porches with rocking chairs.

Main dining room chef went out of his way to remake a sauce for my mother since she is allergic to black pepper! The food is all amazing and delicious. Carl and Patty are very good in the spa, Patty was gentle on my mom and still helped her relax, and Carl really worked out knots. If you want deep tissue, Carl is king. All the staff have been super helpful and kind. Set expectations accordingly it is over 100 year old mountain house so it is not soundproof. However that did not dampen our moods. We loved hiking the trails and paddling the lake, they offer so many activities and sports definitely something for everyone.