Mohonk Mountain House is a sprawling Victorian castle resort perched on Lake Mohonk in the Shawangunk Mountains near New Paltz, New York, about 90 miles from Manhattan. Founded in 1869 by Quaker twin brothers Albert and Alfred Smiley, it’s still run by the Smiley family and is a National Historic Landmark. Guests come for hiking, rock scrambles, the spa, carriage roads and dramatic views; day visitors can often explore the grounds with a day pass, subject to availability and reservation.

At a glance
Location New Paltz area, Ulster County, NY
Founded 1869
Drive from Midtown About 1 hour 45 minutes
Highlights Lake Mohonk, Sky Top Tower, carriage roads, hiking, spa
Nearby Mohonk Preserve, Minnewaska State Park, New Paltz

The Shawangunks

The “Gunks” are a long ridge of white conglomerate cliffs famous among rock climbers. Mohonk Preserve and Minnewaska State Park Preserve protect thousands of acres of trails, lakes and waterfalls.

At the Mountain House

  • Sky Top Tower, a stone observation tower with views across six states on clear days.
  • Carriage roads for walking and cycling.
  • Rock scrambles such as the Labyrinth.
  • A spa and lakeside activities.

Day passes

Mohonk offers day passes for grounds access on many days, often requiring advance reservations; policies change, so check before you go.

New Paltz

The college town of New Paltz has Historic Huguenot Street, with some of the oldest stone houses in America, plus cafés and restaurants.

Planning

Combine a Mohonk visit with New Paltz and a winery or orchard. In fall, book early — it’s peak season. Read Hudson Valley day trip and fall foliage drives near NYC.

Getting there

A chauffeured trip to Mohonk means no mountain-road parking concerns and a relaxed ride home. See our long-distance car service.