From the eastern end of the parking area, follow the West Trapps Connector Trail, which leads east, parallel to Route 44/55. In about a quarter of a mile, you’ll reach the Trapps Bridge, where a stairway leads up to the Undercliff and Overcliff Roads.
At the top of the stairs, turn left (do not cross the bridge), then immediately turn right at the junction ahead, passing between two huge boulders. You’re now following the Undercliff Road, completed in 1903 by the Smiley family, who owned and operated the nearby Mohonk and Minnewaska Mountain Houses. This road is part of an extensive network of gravel roads built by the Smileys for horse-drawn carriages, but used today for walking and bicycling (and, during the winter, for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing).
The road descends gently, soon passing a panoramic viewpoint over the farmlands of the Wallkill River valley. To the left are spectacular cliffs of Shawangunk Conglomerate – a world-famous site for rock climbers. Rock climbing is allowed in the Mohonk Preserve by permit, and you’ll probably see climbers on the cliffs to the left. Soon, you’ll pass a kiosk and a restroom, and the road begins to move slightly away from the cliffs. Just beyond, the East Trapps Connector Trail begins on the right.
Continue ahead along the now level, relatively straight Undercliff Road. You’ll notice yellow-blazed trails on the left, which lead to various rock climbing routes. Openings in the vegetation on the right afford many views over the Wallkill Valley. Occasionally, huge blocks of conglomerate overhang the road or provide sheltered rest areas alongside the road.
In about 1.5 miles, the road enters denser woods and makes two sharp turns. Then, 2.3 miles from the start, you’ll reach a complex junction of five carriage roads at the stone Rhododendron Bridge. Laurel Ledge Road is straight ahead, but you should turn left onto Overcliff Road (marked by a sign) (do not cross the bridge).
Overcliff Road climbs gently through a series of curves to reach the west side of the Trapps Ridge. Along the
way, it passes lichen-covered cliffs of Shawangunk Conglomerate. The name "overcliff" is somewhat of a misnomer, as the trail does not run atop the cliffs, but once it levels off, it passes several viewpoints to the north over the Rondout Valley, with the peaks of the Catskills visible in the distance. Ronde Barre and Dickie Barre may be seen to the northwest. The vegetation along Overcliff Road is largely a mix of pitch pines and scrub oak.
About 1.5 miles from Rhododendron Bridge, the road enters denser woods and begins a gentle descent. After a series of curves, the road passes a viewpoint over the Lost City cliffs on Dickie Barre. The sounds of traffic on Route 44/55 below can now be heard, and Overcliff Road soon reaches the Trapps Bridge junction. Turn right here, then turn right again, descend the steps, and follow the connector trail back to the parking area.
Publication: Submitted by Daniel Chazin on 01/16/2003 updated/verified on 09/29/2013
This loop hike, suitable for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing when the ground is covered with snow, passes spectacular cliffs of Shawangunk Conglomerate and offers expansive views of the surrounding countryside.
From the eastern end of the parking area, follow the West Trapps Connector Trail, which leads east, parallel to Route 44/55. In about a quarter of a mile, you’ll reach the Trapps Bridge, where a stairway leads up to the Undercliff and Overcliff Roads.
...
Whether you are going for a day hike or backpacking overnight, it is good practice to carry what we call The Hiking Essentials. These essentials will help you enjoy your outing more and will provide basic safety gear if needed. There may also be more essentials, depending on the season and your needs.
Hiking Shoes or Boots
Water - Two quarts per person is recommended in every season. Keep in mind that fluid loss is heightened in winter as well as summer. Don't put yourself in the position of having to end your hike early because you have run out of water.
Map - Know where you are and where you are going. Many of our hiking areas feature interconnecting network of trails. Use a waterproof/tear-resistant Tyvek Trail Conference map if available or enclose your map in a Ziplock plastic bag. If you have a mobile device, download Avenza’s free PDF Maps app and grab some GPS-enhanced Trail Conference maps (a backup Tyvek or paper version of the map is good to have just in case your batteries die or you don't have service). Check out some map-reading basics here.
Food - Snacks/lunch will keep you going as you burn energy walking or climbing. Nuts, seeds, and chocolate are favorites on the trail.
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Rain Gear and Extra Clothing - Rain happens. So does cold. Be prepared for changing weather. Avoid cotton--it traps water against your skin and is slow to dry. If you are wearing wet cotton and must return to your starting point, you risk getting chills that may lead to a dangerous hypothermia. Choose synthetic shirts, sweaters and/or vests and dress in layers for easy on and off.
Compass - A simple compass is all you need to orient you and your map to magnetic north.
Light - A flashlight or small, lightweight headlamp will be welcome gear if you find yourself still on the trail when darkness falls. Check the batteries before you start out and have extras in your pack.
First Aid Kit - Keep it simple, compact, and weatherproof. Know how to use the basic components.
Firestarter and Matches - In an emergency, you may need to keep yourself or someone else warm until help arrives. A firestarter (this could be as simple as leftover birthday candles that are kept inside a waterproof container) and matches (again, make sure to keep them in a waterproof container) could save a life.
Knife or Multi-tool - You may need to cut a piece of moleskin to put over a blister, repair a piece of broken equipment, or solve some other unexpected problem.
Emergency Numbers - Know the emergency numbers for the area you're going to and realize that in many locations--especially mountainous ones, your phone will not get reception.
Common Sense - Pay attention to your environment, your energy, and the condition of your companions. Has the weather turned rainy? Is daylight fading? Did you drink all your water? Did your companion fail to bring rain gear? Are you getting tired? Keep in mind that until you turn around you are (typically) only half-way to completing your hike--you must still get back to where you started from! (Exceptions are loop hikes.)
Check the weather forecast before you head out. Know the rules and regulations of the area.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
The Trail Conference is a 2015 Leave No Trace partner.
(c) Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org.
Take the New York State Thruway to Exit 18 (New Paltz). After paying the toll, turn left onto Route 299 and continue west through the Village of New Paltz. When you cross the bridge over the Wallkill River at the west end of the village, continue ahead on Route 299 (do not turn right towards the Mohonk Mountain House). In another 5.5 miles (from the Wallkill River bridge), Route 299 ends at a T intersection with Route 44/55. Turn right here and follow Route 44/55 for half a mile to the Mohonk Preserve Visitor Center, on the right side of the road. Stop at the visitor center to purchase a pass, obtain a free map and view the interesting exhibits. Then continue ahead on Route 44/55. The road makes a very sharp hairpin turn and climbs to Trapps Bridge (a steel overpass). Continue for 0.3 mile past the Trapps Bridge and turn right into the West Trapps Trailhead Parking Area.
Bus service to New Paltz from New York City, Nanuet, Newburgh and Kingston is available via Adirondack Trailways, www.trailwaysny.com (800) 776-7548. Limited weekday bus service to New Paltz from Kingston and Highland is available via Routes R and H of Ulster County Area Transit, http://www.co.ulster.ny.us/ucat/ (888) 827-8228. Ulster County Area Transit also offers bus service from the Metro-North station in Poughkeepsie to New Paltz via their Ulster-Poughkeepsie Link. Taxi service from New Paltz to Mohonk is available from New Paltz Taxi, www.npztaxi.com (845) 255-1550.
Get Directions
Directions to Trailhead
Public Transportation
Give $10 to support trails.
December 31, 1969
19:00 pm