Most kids have not seen a “backyard” like the one they’ll experience as a guest of the Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, New York. The 259-room lakeside Victorian castle sits among 40,000 acres of scenic beauty. Some 85 miles of hiking trails surround the historic property, offering guests of all ages the chance to be awe-struck by the unequaled views of the Catskill Mountains and in some points, vistas that stretch beyond into the surrounding six states.
Only 90 miles north of New York City in the Hudson Valley, the all-inclusive Mohonk Mountain House, which is still run by the original family that opened it in 1869, welcomes guests with year-round recreation.
My family and I visited the resort at the end of this summer and took full advantage of the great outdoors. Many of the hiking trails are kid-friendly, and my city kids truly loved the chance to walk along cliffs overlooking green valleys, mountains, and hills with, in some cases, the clouds and the mist directly at eye level.
Our favorite trail was Eagle Cliff, where, during our hike, we periodically sat in one of the numerous small, covered gazebos — almost tree house-like in feel — that dot the trail along the way, and watched the birds soar above the breathtaking vistas that stretched endlessly toward the horizon.
We also accepted the challenge to climb to Sky Top Tower, a more strenuous hike and one with views that could leave those with a fear of heights with their hearts pounding. The tower, which stands more than 1,500 feet above sea level, offers a panoramic view in four directions stretching into Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, New Jersey, and of course, New York State. Those same mountains are filled right now with the spectacle of fall colors, adding to the excitement of your family’s hikes.
When it’s time to get off the trails, Mohonk Mountain House is just as welcoming. Recreation choices vary by the season with some part of the all-inclusive rate. Family fun can be enjoyed horseback riding, mountain biking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snow tubing, ice skating, playing golf and tennis, and taking horse-drawn carriage rides.
Lake Mohonk provides water-based fun with boating, fishing, and swimming. An indoor pool is also available for swimming any time of year. Guests 16 and older can enjoy time at the 30,000-square-foot spa, indulging in a treatment, using the fitness center, or taking an exercise class.
The complimentary Mohonk Kids’ Club launched a new Junior Naturalist Experience this summer that will change seasonally for kids ages 4 to 12 to get them experiencing nature through eco-friendly, hands-on activities. Expeditions include learning about the birds, ancient trees, fish, and Shawangunk Mountain Quartz conglomerate rock that fill the natural environment outside Mohonk Mountain House. Available weekends and holidays year-round and daily in the summer, the Kids’ Club also offers the chance to do age-specific activities such as frog hunting, rock scrambling, sports, crafts, and more. In July and August, teens ages 13 to 17, get their own dedicated activities, such as day-long hikes, golf, and tennis.
The resort caters to families in almost all aspects, including the three meals that are elaborate buffets with plenty of options for kids, and even dedicated areas just for them at each meal. An a la carte dining room is available for dinner, but families with younger children will do best with the buffet, or opt to feed kids in the buffet and then put them in the evening Kids’ Club program before enjoying a romantic dinner. Afternoon tea and cookies are also served.
Families who stay during the upcoming holiday season will love the decked-out grounds and house, featuring numerous gingerbread creations and decorated Christmas trees, including a 60-foot Austrian pine with 1,500 lights. Seasonal fun comes in the form of a family Yule log hunt, trim-a-tree party, holiday craft making, and caroling.
Special discount overnight packages for children ages 12 and under are available during select theme programs, including November Special Kids Stay and Eat Free from Nov. 6 to 10; Holiday Family Fun from Dec. 13 to 22; and President’s Day Special from Feb. 18 to 24, 2014. Rooms are fairly basic, but request one with a fireplace and porch and kids won’t even notice that there are no TVs.
Mohonk Mountain House [1000 Mountain Rest Rd. in New Paltz, (855) 274–4020, www.mohonk.com].
Stacey Zable is an award-winning veteran travel writer and family travel expert who has written about destinations, resorts, and cruise lines around the world. Her favorite trips are those that she shares with her husband and two daughters. Send travel questions and comments to Stacey at info@familytraveltrails.com.
