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.
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
🎯 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?
Visiting Mohonk Mountain House without staying
👟 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?
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing plenty of snacks and water, as amenities on the trails are limited. The overall experience at Mohonk Mountain House offers a chance for families to connect with nature and enjoy a memorable day out, with Skytop Tower as a definite highlight.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
Be prepared for varying levels of difficulty and always wear appropriate hiking gear. The panoramic views from the summit are a significant draw, providing unparalleled photo opportunities and a deep appreciation for the Catskill landscape.
📸 Photographers
Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive vistas and consider a tripod for optimal shots in varying light conditions. Weekday visits are recommended to minimize crowds and ensure unobstructed photo opportunities.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails to Skytop Tower
For those seeking a more scenic and less strenuous (though longer) journey, the Duck Pond trail is a popular choice. This path meanders through peaceful woodlands, follows a charming stream, and culminates in a scramble to the top. It provides a more immersive nature experience before the final push to the tower.
Another option, favored by adventurers, is the Stone Maze route. This trail presents a unique challenge with its natural rock formations and requires careful navigation. Regardless of the chosen path, sturdy hiking shoes are a must due to the varied and sometimes uneven terrain.
The Unforgettable Views from Skytop Tower
Many reviewers highlight that the hike itself, while potentially strenuous, is made worthwhile by the spectacular scenery. The changing light throughout the day can dramatically alter the mood of the landscape, making both early morning and late afternoon prime times for photography and soaking in the scenery. The sheer scale and beauty of the natural surroundings are a major draw for tourists.
Understanding the Mohonk Mountain House Experience
The $35 entry fee is a point of discussion, but most agree it's a fair price for the access it provides to such a unique natural and historical site. The resort itself is known for its diverse nature, including the famous Mohonk Lake and its extensive network of carriage roads and hiking trails, of which the path to Skytop Tower is a highlight.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit