We had been to this CG last June and one of the special highlights was seeing Mohunk Mountain House. So, Ken's main interest this year was returning to that resort and hiking more of the trails.
We woke up to a beautiful morning and after making and eating breakfast outdoors, we packed our lunches, some snacks, and drove to the Mohunk Preserve Visitor Center to get some info on the trails and other sights to see in the area. Ken was thrilled when the Ranger told us that we could pay $12.00 per person for a day pass and get on the trail at the center and hike to the grounds of the Mohunk Mountain House. If you go to the House to get access to the property they charge $26.00/per person for a day pass, but it is a long hike from the Visitor's Center to the resort - about 8 miles round trip and then extra miles while on the resort property.
After eating our lunch in the parking lot, we started our hike by going up 265 rock steps (called the step master) just to get on the carriage trail. Impressive beginning, but tiring. The trail was exceptional and offered gorgeous views of the Hudson Valley and the Catskill Mountains. Lots of rocks along the way that are used by many rock climbers. After going 2 1/2 miles on the carriage trail, you hike on the trail to Mohunk Mountain House. That trail has a lot of elevation for the 1st mile and then is more manageable. After going 4 miles we had gorgeous views of the Mohunk Mountain House. It really is amazing and is privately owned. It was voted by a national magazine as the #1 spa resort in the US.
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| This is where we started our hike! |
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| The beginning climb up the 265 stone steps! |
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| Beautiful carriage trail when we got to the top of the stone steps! |
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Our 1st view of Mohunk Mountain House when we were on
the trail! |
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This is a pavilion on the property. Not the fireplace and all
the heavy beams and stone pillars! |
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| Found this ring of flowers along the trail! Couldn't resist the photo! |
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| The tower is being repointed and repaired! |
The property was built in 1870's as a small resort for the Smiley family and their friends. It became so popular that it was enlarged several times. It has 259 guest rooms that start at about $400./per night for a double occupancy. One can visit the resort and have breakfast for $37.00, lunch for $57.00, or dinner for $74.00 per person. Guests get 3 meals per day and afternoon tea. There are many trails on the property as well as activities including boating, golf, horseback riding, etc. We loved the large, beautiful llily pond and the breathtaking flower gardens. We were fortunate to even see a deer. We did hike up to the tower to overlook the valley, but it was closed for repairs. The hike was still worth it!! Famous people who have stayed here include Rockefeller, Bill Clinton, Carnegies, Teddy Roosevelt, Taft, etc.
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| The huge Lily pond! |
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| Sitting by the Lily pond enjoying the view! |
Even the ducks enjoyed the Lily pond!
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| An artist was "doing his thing" while we were at the Lily pond! |
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| A side view of the Mountain House! |
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| We got to see this deer "up close and personal". |
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| The colors in the flower garden were magnificent! |
We got back to our car around 5:00 after walking 23,000 steps or 10 miles. That is the most we have walked at 1 time for years. Surprisingly, my back did well! I was thrilled!
Ken grilled steak and salmon while I made salads and quinoa. This was a gorgeous, sunny day with low humidity and temperatures in the low 80's - a perfect hiking day.
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