Bonticou Crag — Attraction in Town of New Paltz

A favorite destination for my girls since we stumbled upon this when they were 3 and 5. It was daunting to climb the rock avalanche field with a 3 year old if I'm honest but we managed. After we reached the top, we inched on our bellies to the edge and peered down - over 10 stories! Told them how proud I was of them that they were able to climb "that". Can't argue that it wasn't a huge character building moment in their young lives!

We have been back many times over the years, sometimes bringing their friends. One friend admitted that she had never really been hiking before much less climb anything like the "Crag". It was beautiful to see the wonder in her eyes as she experienced this beautiful place.

The hike to the base of the Crag is quite easy. From the bottom, looking up it does seem daunting and you are reminded of how tiny you are next to some of the bus sized boulders. There is a painted "recommended" path up the avalanche field. I encourage that you explore horizontally though and not rush up to the top for the sake of getting to the top which can be done in about 15 minutes if you want. There are small caves created by the rocks and many precipices that can be easily scaled with wonderful views.

Once at the top, you will find many spots for sunning and snacking. Please carry out what you carry in! You may also find dogs at the top as there is a return path around the back that many use to get to the top if they are not up to the challenge of the rock scramble. This back trail is a little steep for brief stretches but not too bad. Dogs are expected to be kept on their leashes.

As the Crag is situated on private land owned and maintained by the Mohonk Mountain House nearby, the entrance fee is $15/person. Expect parking at the "Spring Farm Trailhead" to fill up early so plan to arrive before 10 to...

One of the better hikes in the Hudson Valley. The rock crawl to the crag is difficult but not impossible for even beginner hikers and adventurous kiddos. Total climb time is probably only 20 minutes but it will take twice that because you'll want to take photos every other step. There are probably two technical spots that just require a little thinking and the hand of a friend to get through and then before you know it you're at the top. The climb down is via a regular trail that is not difficult at all. Total trail distance is about 3 miles. Total hike time about 2 hours, longer if you meander on other trails, pause for photos, and stop for lunch. Saw lots of deer, squirrels, woodpeckers and...

As if this crag needed more publicity, but seriously it's one of the coolest scrambles, with the most rewarding views around. You'll see people with street sneakers, you'll see people with dogs, and I recommend neither. Hiking shoes/boots or barefeet, and leave the dog at home for this one. If you're used to scrambling, it'll be 20 mins, if not - much longer. It's rated as difficult, which is debatable, however that should be noted for less serious hikers and those who want to drag small children up there. Wet rocks = no go. One slip and you'll be ping ponging your skull off of extremely hard rock. Please don't litter up there. It's a serious offense to such...