When the frost recedes from Shawangunk’s craggy cliffs and the woodland floor softens, Mohonk Mountain House’s Spring Trail Days call hikers to the forest. The event unlocks the region’s 8,000 acres of rugged beauty—steep blazes cut into ancient shale, moss-coated boulders daring your step, and secret hollows still dripping with thaw. Trails range from gentle loops along the lake’s edge to steep ascents climbing 1,200 feet over rocky ridges, rewarding those who persist with panoramic views over the Hudson Valley’s awakening landscape.

The Spring Trail Days trail system covers about 20 miles of interconnected routes. A popular 5-mile loop begins at the Mohonk Preserve Visitor Center and offers a moderate elevation gain of around 800 feet. The path wends through oak and maple groves—trees shedding winter’s armor as morning light filters through tender leaf buds. Keep your eyes on the forest floor, where early wildflowers push upward, making their first tentative break into the light.

Terrain varies sharply; some trails reward easy footing with gentle inclines, while others challenge balance and stamina on narrow ridgelines littered with loose shale. Some rock scrambles invite climbers to engage fully with the mountain’s ancient bones, where footholds feel less like stepping stones and more like whispers from the earth.

Hydration is non-negotiable in spring, when warming days hide sudden wind gusts that dry you out quicker than expected. Footwear should be sturdy with reliable traction—muddy patches cling stubbornly after dawn’s thaw, reminding you to respect the season’s transitional nature. Aim for morning or late afternoon hikes to avoid midday sun and catch the peak visual drama of shadow and light as the sun arcs lower.

Spring Trail Days bring a welcome surge of life to the Shawangunks, but the trails demand your respect. The air hums with energy, branches gesture with restless breezes, and streams spill with the urgency of melting snow. This is a land fiercely itself, inviting you to move not to conquer, but to listen and learn. Packed with practical route advice, terrain descriptions, and preparation tips, this guide aims to be your compass for a journey through one of New York’s most vibrant wilderness celebrations.