Skytop Tower
Ascend to breathtaking panoramic views atop Skytop Tower, accessible via scenic hikes through Mohonk Mountain House's diverse natural landscapes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Skytop Tower
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend to breathtaking panoramic views atop Skytop Tower, accessible via scenic hikes through Mohonk Mountain House's diverse natural landscapes.
"The views are absolutely amazing from the hike up to the Sky Top and once there! They are breathtaking."
🎯 Worth the Entry Fee
The $35 per person fee is widely considered worth it for the amazing views and diverse nature.
🥾 Choose Your Trail Wisely
Opt for the Stone Maze for a challenge or Duck Pond for a scenic woodland walk.
Quick Facts
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Skytop Tower Summit
Mohonk Mountain House
Panoramic views of the lake, hotel, and surrounding landscape from the highest point.
Stone Maze Trail
Mohonk Mountain House
A challenging and unique hiking path offering an adventurous ascent to the tower.
Duck Pond Trail
Mohonk Mountain House
A peaceful woodland walk alongside a stream, leading to the base of the tower.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Skytop Tower Visit
Hiking to Skytop Tower
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visiting mohonk
I’m new to the area and would like to bring my family to mohonk house to walk around. Are dogs allowed? Is there anyway to get in without paying any fees? Just for a day pass
🎯 Worth the Entry Fee
The $35 per person fee is widely considered worth it for the amazing views and diverse nature.
🥾 Choose Your Trail Wisely
Opt for the Stone Maze for a challenge or Duck Pond for a scenic woodland walk.
First time to Mohonk: would ubering to Testimonial Gateway Trailhead make sense?
Hi! My girlfriend and I were thinking about visiting New Paltz and Mohonk Preserve for the first time this month, but don't have a car. A couple questions: * How bad of an idea is it to uber to-and-from Testimonial Gateway Trailhead? Just checked the app, it seems like it's a…
Visiting Mohonk Mountain House without staying
Unfortunately, I can’t afford to stay overnight at Mohonk Mountain House, but I’d really love to visit and see the beautiful views. If you’ve been there, could you please let me know if it’s possible to go just for dinner or book another service that would allow me to walk…
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trails can be rocky and uneven, especially the scramble to the top.
📸 Breathtaking Views Await
The vistas from the hike and the tower itself are absolutely stunning and unforgettable.
Poughkeepsie to Albany - Is Mohonk Mountain House worth a stop along the way?
As part of a road trip one day will consist of a drive from Poughkeepsie to Albany. This portion of the drive will be on the west side of the river (east side already planned). The days excursion currently includes a stop at Perrine's Covered Bridge, Saugerties Lighthouse and…
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Worth the Entry Fee
The $35 per person fee is widely considered worth it for the amazing views and diverse nature.
🥾 Choose Your Trail Wisely
Opt for the Stone Maze for a challenge or Duck Pond for a scenic woodland walk.
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trails can be rocky and uneven, especially the scramble to the top.
📸 Breathtaking Views Await
The vistas from the hike and the tower itself are absolutely stunning and unforgettable.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Skytop Tower for its absolutely breathtaking views and the invigorating hikes to reach it. The $35 entry fee is generally considered well worth the experience, offering diverse nature and challenging trail options like the Stone Maze. Some find the hikes strenuous, but the panoramic vistas from the summit are universally lauded as unforgettable.
"Love this R2R trail! Entry from the Gatehouse off 299 takes you to the tippy top in about an hour and a half. I usually take the duck pond trail through the woods and along the stream to the scramble. Invigorating and peaceful...."
Stacy Pacella
"I highly recommend going up the tower — the view is absolutely wonderful! You can see the lake and the hotel from above, and it’s truly worth it."
Iryna Shchukina
"The views are absolutely amazing from the hike up to the Sky Top and once there! They are breathtaking (and so if the hike lol)!"
Rachel Petroccitto
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Skytop Tower is located within Mohonk Mountain House. From Poughkeepsie, you'll typically drive towards New Paltz and then follow signs for Mohonk Mountain House. The Gatehouse entrance off Route 299 is a common starting point for hikes.
Parking is available at the Mohonk Mountain House Gatehouse or main entrance. From there, you'll begin your hike to the tower.
No, you cannot drive directly to Skytop Tower. Access is primarily via hiking trails from the Mohonk Mountain House grounds.
Popular routes include the direct Gatehouse trail (approx. 1.5 hours) or the more scenic Duck Pond trail. The Stone Maze offers a challenging option.
Public transport options to the immediate vicinity of Mohonk Mountain House are limited. It's best accessed by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee for accessing the trails and Skytop Tower at Mohonk Mountain House is $35 per person. This is considered a worthwhile investment for the experience.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your entry and preferred time slot. Check the Mohonk Mountain House website for current policies.
Skytop Tower is generally accessible during daylight hours as part of the Mohonk Mountain House grounds. Specific hours for trail access may vary, so it's best to check their official website.
Yes, a day visitor pass or overnight stay at Mohonk Mountain House is required to access the grounds and hike to Skytop Tower.
Discounts may be available for certain groups or during off-peak times. It's advisable to check the Mohonk Mountain House website or contact them directly for current offers.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike offers diverse terrain, from wooded paths and streams to rocky scrambles. Trails vary in difficulty, with options for both leisurely walks and challenging climbs.
From the top, you'll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Catskill Mountains, the iconic Mohonk Lake, and the historic Mohonk Mountain House itself.
Restroom facilities are typically available near the main Mohonk Mountain House entrance and potentially at trailheads. It's wise to use facilities before starting your hike.
Yes, bringing water and snacks is highly recommended for the hike. There are limited or no concessions on the trails themselves.
The hike can be challenging for very young children, especially the scramble sections. The Duck Pond trail might be more manageable. Parental supervision is essential.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit of Skytop Tower offers unparalleled 360-degree views. The trails leading up also provide beautiful forest and lake vistas for photography.
Early mornings or late afternoons during the golden hour provide the most dramatic lighting for photos. Weekdays offer fewer people in your shots.
Drone usage is typically restricted within national parks and private properties like Mohonk Mountain House. Check their specific regulations before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A sturdy tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions or long exposures.
General photography is usually permitted, but commercial photography or filming may require special permits. Always be respectful of other visitors.
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