Mohonk Mountain House offers a unique and enchanting day trip from New York City and the surrounding areas. Nestled in the picturesque Shawangunk Mountains of the Hudson Valley, a day at Mohonk Mountain House combines relaxation, adventure, and luxury, making it a perfect getaway for families looking to escape the daily grind.
Read on for our favorite things to do during a daycation to this legendary Hudson Valley resort and find more day trips and getaways in our local travel guide, which includes a roundup of our favorite Hudson Valley resorts for families.
What Is Mohonk Mountain House?
Mohonk Mountain House is a historic Hudson Valley resort renowned for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and many activities.
It paints a fairytale-like setting with a grand Victorian Castle perched on the edge of a beautiful glacial lake, surrounded by 40,000 acres of protected land. The resort features 85 miles of hiking trails, countless activities in all seasons, and award-winning farm-to-table cuisine.
Family-Friendly Activities at Mohonk Mountain House
The array of activities at Mohonk Mountain House is truly endless. Whether you’re seeking an action-packed escape or a tranquil retreat, this historic resort caters to every type of guest with its diverse range of activities.
Outdoor enthusiasts find a paradise at Mohonk Mountain House. The aforementioned 85 miles of hiking trails wind through lush forests and over rocky terrain. From leisurely strolls to challenging climbs, there’s a trail for every skill level. For those who prefer a different kind of adventure, mountain biking and mountain climbing offer exhilarating ways to explore. Lake activities include boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing, providing plenty of opportunities to enjoy the water.
The gardens are the perfect picturesque setting for picnic lunches and stumbling upon secret pathways, hidden treehouses, and mazes of beautiful flowers. Though particularly stunning during spring and summer when flowers are in full bloom, the gardens offer seasonal beauty in the fall with changing leaf colors and in the winter with a tranquil, snow-covered landscape.
The resort is also equipped with tennis, basketball, pickleball, bocce, croquet, disc golf, shuffleboard, a putting green, golf course, a playground, archery, horseback riding, and even tomahawk throwing.
The roster of winter activities is equally as impressive as the summer slate, with ice skating, snow-tubing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, winter hiking with microspikes, horse and carriage rides, and more.
Mohonk Mountain House Day Pass Options
While the Mountain House does offer overnight stays, a daycation offers a budget-friendly alternative. Mohonk Mountain House offers several day pass options, each meant to provide a unique experience tailored to different interests. Here’s an overview of the available day passes:
Hiking Trails Pass
Cost: $35 per person ages 13+; $30 per child ages 4-12; ages 3 and younger enter for FREE)
The most affordable of the day passes to Mohonk Mountain House is the Hiking Trails Pass. This pass allows access to the 85 miles of winding Hudson Valley hiking trails in the Mohonk Preserve, ranging from beginner to advanced. Pack a picnic lunch and gear up to enjoy an amazing day outdoors exploring the trails and the extensive outside grounds at Mohonk Mountain House. Hiking passes can be booked online beginning 72 hours before your visit.
Summer Sports Pass
Cost: $99 per person; available June through October
Book the summer sports pass at Mohonk to enjoy playing tennis, taking a boat out on the lake, and exploring the scenic trails and gorgeous grounds! Sports pass holders have access to the Mountain House and can enjoy afternoon tea and cookies. Like the hiking pass, summer sports passes can be booked 72 hours in advance of your visit.
Winter Sports Pass
Cost: $125 per person; weather permitting available beginning in January annually
Book the winter sports pass to enjoy access to Mohonk’s ice skating rink and groomed trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. When winter’s chill gets to be too much, cozy up next to the countless fireplaces inside the Mountain House while you take in the scenic winter wonderland views. Winter sports passes can be booked 72 hours in advance of your visit.
Family-Friendly Dining at Mohonk Moutain House
Make a reservation for a memorable meal at Mohonk Mountain House, which offers a wide variety of memorable dining options, from a traditional brunch, lunch, and dinner menu to outdoor barbecue lunches, evening cookouts, and chef’s table experiences.
Once you’ve enjoyed your mountaintop meal, spend the rest of the day exploring, relaxing, and taking in all the Mountain House offers. Day pass add-ons are available for an added fee and include golf, horseback riding, and mountain climbing. Going this route allows guests to personalize their visit to meet all their wants and needs.
Is a Day Pass to Mohonk Mountain House Worth It?
Absolutely! With price points available for every budget and offerings that can be tailored to individual families’ wants and needs, taking a daycation to Mohonk Mountain House is definitely worth it! Whether you’re hiking through the scenic trails, enjoying a delicious meal, or simply taking in the tranquil surroundings, the experience is one of both luxury and simplicity. The resort’s historic charm, coupled with its commitment to providing a top-notch guest experience, makes it a memorable destination for families looking to escape the everyday and immerse themselves in the splendor of the Hudson Valley. From the moment you arrive until you reluctantly say goodbye, your day at Mohonk Mountain House will leave you with lasting memories of a truly special place.
All photos by author
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