New Paltz, NY

For outdoor activists, rugged and challenging trails is part of the great mountain experience. However, not everyone is physically fit enough to tackle the challenge. How is one to enjoy great mountain views and get some exercise without packing an oxygen tank? The answer is the many old carriage trails that meander through the Mohonk Preserve and Mohonk Mountain House property.

These historic trails are fairly level and easy to navigate. A trail map can be obtained at the Mohonk Preserve Visitors Center on Route 44/55 just west (right) from the intersection with Route 299. In fact, the visitors center has a large scale model of the preserve property in the lobby and one of their friendly staff can visually point out the particulars of where you will be going.

A favorite walk of mine that I often do with my dog Scruffy is the circular Undercliff and Overcliff trail. This walk makes a full 5 mile circle around an area that almost always has rock climbers testing their skills. It also features amazing views that includes a sweeping view of the Village of New Paltz. Most of the times I've been on it, there were few other hikers. I love this trail (shown in picture)!

There are also several other carriage trails to choose from based on your time, energy and interests. You can check out the Mohonk Preserve website at http://www.mohonkpreserve.org/ ,

Enjoy your walk and let me know what you think!

Realtor Ken Wishnick
Coldwell Banker Currier & Lazier Realtors
157 Main St. New Paltz, NY 12561
http://www.realtorkenw.com/

The Mohonk Mountain House, on the ridge of the Shawangunk Mountains adjacent to New Paltz, NY is, in my opinion, one of the most inspiring places in the United States. Now, I know some people might have other opinions, but I'd like to hear theirs while they are walking along the trails taking in some spectacular views and really fresh mountain air.

I have had, as I call it, many pilgrimages to the 5,000 acre resort with my family. For me, it is a place of spirituality. In ways I can't fully explain, I find meaning and excitement about life in the awesome vistas and sounds of nature here.

Insider tips on going to the preserve---
If a $500 a night room price doesn't set you back too much, this the premier way to go and get meals included. If you are on a budget see below:

1) Check the local paper for events at the MMH. Sometimes you can pay less to see an event than the regular day user fee. Check out free entry during Holiday shopping season.

2) If you belong to the New Paltz Chamber of Commerce, there is at least one meal meeting here a year and you can take the rest of the day to explore!

3) If you reserve a spa treatment or a meal, the day user fee is waived.

4) If all else fails, pay the day user fee (I think it is up to $14) bring a picnic lunch. By the end of the day, you will get over the steep fee and feel thankful that you decided to go.

The experience of Mohonk has been so stimulating to my wife and I, that we chose to relocate to New Paltz just to be nearby. Be careful, or you just might do the same thing!

See you on the trails.

Realtor Ken Wishnick
Coldwell Banker Currier & Lazier Realtors
157 Main St.
New Paltz, NY 12561
http://www.realtorkenw.com/

Well, I went away for the weekend only to come home and find "I couldn't get there from here"...After travelling through New Paltz in an attempt to go over Mohonk...this is what we found...INCREDIBLE

I have lived here most of my life and have never seen this road so flooded...it looked like a huge lake...all roads were closed so...we proceeded to take Rte 32 N only to find

it to was closed....off to take back roads to Esopus to cut across on 213...CLOSED...

now what??

Police station might be next but...I am an appraiser and do have enough roadways in my feeble brain...lets try Gardiner...that bridge is higher....sssoooo, my grumbling husband turns the car around once again and we head back through New Paltz to Route 208 S to Rte 44-55...

You would never know these were 2 roads...you might be able to see the telephone poles...

So, after about an hour of frustration, we found our way by heading south...what a long day after a 7 hr drive from PA!!

Home at last :-)

New Paltz New York Real Estate

New Paltz New York Real Estate

New Paltz is located in Ulster County in the state of New York. Whether you are here for the weekend or relocating for a lifetime, the New Paltz New York area is the premier destination for those looking for a leisurely change of pace. If you are the energetic type, New Paltz can accommodate that too with climbing, hiking and scenic tours of Mohonk Preserve or Minnewaska State Park. Accommodations are abundant with many cozy Bed and Breakfasts, Inns and Hotels. The village is alive with restaurants and shops. New Paltz (Town and Village) is located in the beautiful Wallkill River Valley. The now famous Wallkill River flows north to the Rondout Creek which flows directly into the Hudson River linking up at Kingston New York.

Culture and Urban Flavor

The New Paltz community is alive with urban flavor and culture. The character has been kept intact and is still quite expressive in the many apple orchards, vineyards, gardens and corn fields of New Paltz. The biggest contribution to the New Paltz character is the presence of the College at New Paltz, a college of the State University of New York with approximately 7700 students who find New Paltz by way of local cities and over fifty countries all over the world. Located ninety miles north of Manhattan and sixty miles south of Albany at Exit 18 of the New York Thruway.

Hiking and Climbing in New Paltz

Five miles to the west, you can find the Shawangunk Mountain escarpment. The high cliffs of the "Gunks" attract thousands of mountain climbers and hikers each year. Hiking and climbing through the trails and rock formations of the Shawangunk Mountains west of New Paltz is an attraction to many. Running through New Paltz is the very popular Wallkill Valley Rail Trail. The trail provides an excellent path for biking, jogging walking and cross-country skiing in winter. The Ulster County Fair grounds are also located in New Paltz and host not only the annual county fair but several smaller craft fairs as well.

Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz NY

At the very end of the Shawangunk range is the historic Mohonk Mountain House, Now a historical landmark, the Mohonk Mountain House is a hotel that features breathtaking views, a system of challenging walking trails including the Labyrinth (nick named the Lemon Squeeze) that makes its' way through majestic rock formations. The main part of the hotel is set on a glacier made natural lake ideal for swimming, boating and fishing. The property around the mountain house is adorned with gorgeous flower gardens, gazebos and historical buildings.

Minnewaska State Park

Also found on the Shawangunk Mountain range is the Minnewaska State Park Preserve. It also has a mountain lake created by the same glacier for swimming boating and fishing. Inside the park, there are tables for picnics, and walking trails that meander through the high cliffs that overlook the lake. Like Mohonk, Minnewaska has a state operate preserve that has several great environmental programs.

New Paltz New York History

New Paltz was founded in 1678 by French Huguenots who had taken refuge in Mannheim, Germany, for a few years before coming to America. The origin of the name, New Paltz, was derived through a process starting with the river that flows through it now referred to as the Wallkill, according to the record of the first meeting of the New Paltz Reformed Church in 1683. The river once name Pals or Palse River was used to describe the land around it in a deed found in 1689. In 1703, the Palse river bed underwent its' first formal subdivision creating giving it the name ye New Paltz later referred to simply as New Paltz.

New Paltz Homes

New Paltz NY Real Estate Market Report 3/10/08

New Paltz NY Real Estate Market Report for the period of January 1 thru March 10, 2008:

• Total New Paltz NY Single Family Homes, Condo & Townhouses available on the market 65
• Price Range $150,000-$3,800,000
• Total New Paltz NY New Listings during the period 29
• Price Range $150,000-$999,500
• Total New Paltz NY Pending Contracts 9
• Total New Paltz NY Sold Listings during the period 10
• Price Range $155,000-$1,187,500

If you are considering buying or selling real estate in New Paltz New York, or if you need additional information about the current New Paltz NY real estate market, visit http://fitzgeraldrealestate.com/new_paltz_new_york_real_estate.htm.

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Glenn Fitzgerald Associate Broker Keller Williams Realty (845) 323-6618 Email Me