At Mohonk Mountain House, the great outdoors isn’t a scheduled activity so much as a constant presence. From the moment guests arrive, nature frames nearly every experience: cliffs rising above Lake Mohonk, long views toward the Catskill Mountains, open-air porches, and hotel rooms that open directly onto fresh air and sky. Inside or out, the landscape is never far from view.
That setting underpins Mohonk’s reputation as an outdoor playground—but one defined by choice. The experience can be as active or as relaxed as guests want it to be. Some arrive with hiking boots laced, ready to tackle the more strenuous routes among the property’s 85 miles of trails, including classics like the Lemon Squeeze and the Labyrinth. Others gravitate toward gentler options: a loop around the lake, a walk through the gardens, or an unhurried afternoon spent watching the light shift across the cliffs.
Beyond hiking, Mohonk’s recreational menu sprawls in all directions. Mountain biking and e-biking share space with guided adventures like the Via Ferrata and Pinnacle Ledge tours. On land, guests can also take advantage of a nine-hole golf course, tennis courts, and a disc golf course tucked into the landscape. Pickleball—already popular at Mohonk—gets a dedicated upgrade this spring, with new courts slated to open during the season.
Lake Mohonk becomes another axis of outdoor life as spring unfolds. Rowboats and pedal boats return in April, followed by canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding as the water warms. The lake isn’t just a scenic backdrop; it’s an active participant in daily life at the Mountain House.
To help guests navigate the abundance, Mohonk relies on a detailed daily activity schedule—available online, throughout the property, and at check-in—that outlines guided hikes, recreation programming, and special events. It’s a framework that supports structure without limiting spontaneity, allowing guests to balance planned activities with unstructured time outdoors.
Spring also brings a run of Signature Events that deepen Mohonk’s relationship with the season. Chief among them is the Tulip Festival, running April 27 through May 11, when 30,000 tulips bloom across the historic Victorian show gardens. More than a visual spectacle, the festival includes garden tours, educational talks led by Mohonk’s garden team, music, floral-inspired crafts, and themed touches like special afternoon teas. Overnight stays are encouraged, though day passes are available as well.
Nature takes center stage again during Birding and Spring Nature Weekend, May 15–17, led by environmental educators and wildlife experts. With guided bird walks, hikes, and nature-based workshops, the weekend attracts both seasoned birders and newcomers drawn by Mohonk’s rich habitats and long-standing naturalist tradition.
Wellness is woven into the outdoor experience, from forest-immersed spa treatments to seasonal programming like outdoor yoga, forest bathing, and lakeside cold plunges. Even the spa’s Lakeview Summerhouse—perched on the cliffs above the water—keeps guests firmly rooted in the surrounding environment.
At Mohonk, spring doesn’t announce itself with a single moment. It unfolds across trails, courts, gardens, and lake water—inviting guests to meet the outdoors on their own terms.
Mohonk Mountain House
1000 Mountain Rest Road, New Paltz
(888) 976-2943; Mohonk.com
This article appears in April 2026.
