I had my heart set on seeing some waterfalls over at Mohonk Preserve this past weekend. However, we had no idea where we were going; all we had was the name of the falls we wanted to see but no clue as to how to actually get there. Michael suggested we give up; I suggested we head over to the Mohonk Preserve Visitor’s Center and ask. Best decision ever: in addition to obtaining directions, the center became a destination all in itself.
The Visitor’s Center is a beautiful rustic lodge overlooking the ridge and gives you the feeling you’re in a treehouse. It has a small theater showing an eight minute movie about Mohonk with breathtaking photography and interesting facts about the animals and plants that reside there. It was just short enough with just the right amount of animals to hold my little girls’ attention for almost the entire time. They also have a topographic map that really helps to put Mohonk into persepective for the directionally challenged like myself. In addition, there are several touch screen monitors at preschooler height that each have their own subject: animals, history, trails, etc. Outside the upper level is a patio overlooking the forest with picnic tables for anyone to use.
The Children’s Activity Center
After exploring the main level, we headed downstairs to the children’s area. It continued the rustic theme with a table and chairs made out of stumps, a small alcove for hiding, nature books, woodland stuffed animals, and tanks with ants and turtles . Madison and Sophie held a tea party for the woodland creatures at the table and then hid in the alcove to read for awhile. We, of course, checked out the restrooms which happened to be very clean, and then headed out to the trails.
We did the main, paved trail that meandered through the forest. Our first stop was the butterfly garden where we took in the beautiful flowers and the butterflies that frequently landed on them. Our next stop was the Children’s Forest where tools were provided to build and create. There were lean-to’s made of sticks and leaves, bridges made of fallen trees, and a little stream running through. The girl’s were busy for quite some time before we continued on our way. We followed the trail and slowly climbed upwards while we observed our surroundings-animals, trees, and the breathtaking views. When we reached the summit, we sat on a handmade bench and had our snack. Then, we headed back to our car armed with a map and directions to find those waterfalls.
Her tiny hand in his …my favorite
The Visitor’s Center is free for all at any time. Head anywhere else in Mohonk and you will have to pay the admission fee which is $12 per person (kids under 12 are free) unless you are a member. Currently, Ulster County is offering a free one month membership to its residents. If I was a resident, I would swoop that up! Even if the Visitor’s Center is not your destination, it’s a great place to check out and get your bearings. If you have little ones and are looking for a stroller friendly place to hike, this is for you.
Butterfly Garden
Normally, I would have been content heading home after having gotten my fill of nature and exploration, but I came for some waterfalls. While the center is packed with things to do, the little stream we crossed did not quench my thirst for an actual waterfall sighting. (shameless pun intended) So, we headed up and out for some waterfall action…stay tuned for Mohonk Preservation Part 2 on Friday.
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