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New Paltz (Ulster County)

Why we love it

This natural playground on the grounds of the famed Mohonk Mountain House invites you to crawl under, around and over boulders — the Labyrinth — before reaching a one-of-a-kind grand finale — a stomach-steeling climb via ladder up a slender crevice in a cliff. After pulling yourself through this affectionately named Lemon Squeeze, your reward is an awe-inspiring, panoramic view of the Shawangunk Ridge and Hudson Valley, which only gets better after ascending the nearby Skytop Tower. It’s perhaps the valley’s most memorable day-hiking experience.

More to explore

Mohonk Mountain House is perched above New Paltz, which offers dozens of options for restaurants, entertainment and lodging. Or you can book a meal or a stay at the fabled hostelry itself.

Highlights

• Unique rock-scrambling adventure
• Interesting and historic grounds of the Mohonk Mountain House
• The seemingly infinite view from Skytop Tower

Directions, hours, etc.: https://hikethehudsonvalley.com/hikes/mohonk-mountain-house-labyrinth-and-lemon-squeeze/