Department of Environmental Conservation

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Mohonk Preserve

New Paltz, Ulster Co.

Photo montage of an osprey, wooded rocky mountain and a porcupine in a tree

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The Mohonk Preserve inspires people to care for, enjoy and explore the natural world of the Shawangunk Mountains. As New York State's largest non-profit nature preserve, it protects over 7,000 acres of forests, fields, streams and lakes, mountain ridges and other unique environments. Tall exposed cliffs provide nesting areas for peregrine falcons.

Wildlife to Watch

Where to Watch

  • Forests and fields
  • Mountain ridgetop, cliff and rock slab areas
  • Trails and carriage roads
  • Lookouts

Recreational Opportunities

  • Visitor Center with Children's Corner, Discovery Forest and butterfly garden
  • Technical rock climbing on world-class routes
  • Horseback riding
  • Snowshoeing and groomed and ungroomed trails for cross-country skiing
  • 70 miles of carriage roads and trails including wheelchair-accessible carriage roads
  • Environmental summer day camp
  • Interpretive signs and brochures
  • Year-round nature programming including NatureAccess for people with disabilities

Accessible Features

International Symbol of AccessibilityAccessible features include carriage roads and the NatureAccess program for people with disabilities. A full list of DEC's accessible recreation destinations is available on the DEC website.

Size

7,500 acres

Closest Town

New Paltz

Directions

See Google Maps and enter your address for step by step directions to Mohonk Preserve (This link will open a page outside of the DEC website. Hold "Shift" down while clicking on the link to open it in a new window)

Contact Information

Address: PO Box 715, New Paltz, NY 12561-0715. Visitor Center located at 3197 Rte 44/55 Gardiner, NY 12525

Phone: 845-255-0919

Website: Mohonk Preserve (This link leaves the DEC website)

Admission: Free to members, daily charge for hikers, bikers and climbers.