Hiking in Mohonk Lake: trails, map and practical info

The Trail Experience

The network around Mohonk Lake includes both wide, well-maintained carriage roads and narrower footpaths that climb onto the ridges and ledges above the lake. The carriage roads are easy walking — packed gravel, gentle grades, suitable for most fitness levels. The footpaths are a different story: they involve scrambling over exposed rock and navigating root-covered terrain on standard hiking trails.

Sky Top Tower, a stone observation tower on the ridge above the lake, is one of the most popular destinations for day visitors. The climb to the tower rewards you with panoramic views over the lake, the valley below, and on clear days, a wide sweep of the Hudson Valley and beyond. The route to Sky Top involves some elevation gain and rocky footing, but it's well-marked and heavily traveled.

The lake shore path itself is a gentler option — a relatively flat walk that circles the water and gives you close-up views of the Mountain House, the boathouse, and the cliffs reflected in the lake. It's a good choice if you're visiting with mixed-ability groups or just want a quieter, more contemplative walk.