Mohonk Mountain House Labyrinth and Lemon Squeeze Hike

Mohonk Mountain House is a historic resort located just outside the Catskills in the Hudson Valley just 90 miles north of New York City. With 85 miles of winding trails throughout the Mohonk Preserve, you'll have endless hiking options upon your arrival.

Parking at the Gatehouse is limited, so be sure to arrive early, particularly on weekends and busy holidays, as the lot will fill up fast. Access to the preserve isn't cheap - it'll cost you $21-26 per adult - but this unique experience is worth the expense. Grab a trail map as the initial 2 miles can be a bit confusing without it.

Make your way the first 2 miles on the Huguenot Trail to Whitney Road to North Lookout Road to Hemlock Lane (did I mention confusing?), where you'll pop out into a meadow overlooking the expansive grounds below. Pass by the extensive gardens and head straight for the lake and entrance to the resort. Note - non-paying guests are not technically allowed in the resort itself, but once you walk into the Mountain House, nobody knows whether you’re a Day Guest or an overnight resident, so don’t feel out of place. Walk around the Hotel. Sit in the sitting rooms, read the papers, and begin to take in the historic beauty of the resort.

From here, you have the option to take an easy uphill hike to Sky Top Lookout that looms above, or test your balance on the Labyrinth - a boulder scramble that's conveniently marked with arrows on the rock to direct the way. Note that you'll want to be comfortable in tight spaces and maneuvering across large boulders - the claustrophobic need not apply.

Once you track down the start of the Labyrinth, you'll begin to scramble across and under boulders, slowly gaining elevation, before reaching the 'lemon squeeze', a narrow upward passage with a wood ladder that takes you to your final destination - Sky Top Lookout.

At the top of the lookout, soak in the views of the immediate scenery and the six other states you can see in the distance. And if you go in the fall, relish in some of the most expansive and spectacular fall foliage views you'll likely ever see.

On your way out, stop at Mohonk Lake for a relaxing boat ride before hiking the last few miles back to your car.