Riders on the Snow: Hudson Valley
Skiing
by Ross Rice
(J) Mohonk Preserve, Rte. 44 west
of New Paltz NY, www.mohonkpreserve.org,
845.255.0919
Two series of 5-8 Km/3-5 mi. of groomed and
tracked trails—Spring Farm Rd./Bonticou and The Trapps—situated
between New Paltz and Minnewaska, and connected to the Mohonk
Mountain Home trails. Snowshoeing also. Spring Farm/Bonticou
requires a little uphill work early, but is rewarding at all
levels. The Trapps is generally gentler, with some challenging
parts. No rental or instruction. Day passes to be purchased
at the Mohonk Preserve Visitor Center on Rte. 44 (which incidentally
is not connected to the trailheads) and use is free to members
of the Mohonk Preserve. Call for info and conditions.
(K) Wallkill Valley Rail Trail, between
Rosendale and Gardiner NY, www.gorailtrail.com
With the Rosendale stretch included, this
runs straight and flat for almost 20 miles of rail trail.
Access points and parking in Gardiner at Rte. 44, New Paltz
at Rte. 208 (near Water St. Market), just north of New Paltz
off Rte. 32, and Springtown Road, between New Paltz and Rosendale.
Free to use at your own risk, not that there is much.
(L) *Mountain Trails Cross County
Ski Center, Rte. 23A, Tannersville NY, www.mtntrails.com,
518.589.5361
35 Km of a groomed and tracked ski trails,
beginner, intermediate, and expert, many on upgraded old logging
roads. Snowshoeing and sledding also. Lodge with rest room,
ski patrol. Ski rentals, sales, and instruction. Weekends
open 9 AM to 4:30 PM, weekdays depending on conditions. Trail
fees: Adult-$15, ages 13 to 17-$13, ages 5 to 12 yrs-$8, under
5 free. Half day rates after 2 PM. CONTINUE....
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