Bonticou Crag Trail
One of the all-time favorite parks in the state is Mohonk Preserve, and Bonticou Crag Trail is one of the best hikings near NYC that can be found there. Take a Hudson line train from Grand Central to Poughkeepsie station, then take an Uber from there to get here from NYC. Just be aware that it takes a while to get from Poughkeepsie to the park. Have a friend pick you up and drive you there if you can. In any other case, proceed to the parking lot for the Mohonk Mountain House and pay the guard shack's $15.00 day-use fee. Once you've parked, take the Crag Trail and follow the red blazes past a meadow before crossing Spring Farm Road and entering the woods.
As you approach a slightly complex intersection, turn softly to the left onto Bonticou Road. After that, you'll encounter a rock scramble and descend by following the red Bonticou Ascent Path blazes. Keep going straight and get ready for some more daring jumping up the track to the summit. Enjoy the lovely views, then descend the yellow route (to the right) and enter the pine forest. Following a right turn onto the Northeast Trail with a blue blaze, you'll eventually make a left turn onto Clearwater Road with a red blaze.
Take a little detour and continue on the Table Rocks Trail from here to reach Table Rocks. In order to avoid falling into any chasms, be sure to stop here and enjoy the scenery. Return the way you came and turn onto Farm Road after following the blue blazes. Once past a pavilion, go straight ahead and be sure to stop at the aptly called "Million Dollar View" on your left since it is quite spectacular. Points awarded if you visit during sunset on one of the top hikes nearby New York City - Bonticou Crag Trail. This climb requires some boulder hopping and is at times fairly steep. Therefore, neither dogs nor young toddlers are intended for use with it.
Location: High Falls
Distance: 2.3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Route: Loop
Elevation Gain: 488 feet
Distance from NYC: 87 miles or a 2 hour and 10 minute drive.
Rating: 4.7/5.0, 1665 Alltrails reviews
