Weekend Travel

The Five-Point Weekend Escape Plan

Get an Adrenaline Fix at the Gunks

Whether you like your thrills on wheels, trails, or rocks, there’s much fun to be had in the crags of the Shawangunk Mountains just 90 miles north of Manhattan.

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By Amy Ettinger
Published Apr 23, 2007

1. Where to Stay

Mohonk Mountain House

(Photo: Courtesy of Mohonk Mountain House)

Perched on top of the Shawangunk Ridge, the elegant Mohonk Mountain House (from $440 including three meals) places you steps away from 85 miles of trails, classic rock climbs, and the sandy beach of Lake Mohonk. The resort clings to its Victorian traditions (men still wear jackets in the dining room), but a sixteen-room spa opened in 2005. Soak your sore muscles in the outdoor mineral pool.

Don’t be shocked by the girlie-pink exterior: The Lefèvre House Bed & Breakfast in downtown New Paltz (the base camp for the Gunks, located six miles to the west) provides a truly mellow vibe. Themed rooms (from $235) like “Purple Rain” are outfitted with plush, king-size four-poster beds, Versace bedding, and Jacuzzi tubs. The three-course breakfast includes poached pears in pink-Champagne mimosa.

The Minnewaska Lodge (from $135) is a clean, no-frills place to recharge after a day scaling rocks. The décor may be generic, but the location is spot-on, just minutes away from the climbs at Mohonk Preserve. Splurge on the ground-floor suite with views of the 1,200-foot cliff face.