Sky Top Tower via "The Trapps"

This route follows several forest roads to the Sky Top area of the Mohonk Preserve. The trail scrambles across a boulder field to an ascent of a ladder system to Sky Top Tower, overlooking the Mohonk Mountain House.

Park at the Mohonk Preserve Visitor Center where you can purchase your access pass ($15 per person) and pick up a free map of the preserve trails and carriage roads. Ascend the East Trapps Connector Trail marked with yellow blazes. The connector ends on Undercliff Road which is a dirt carriage road that extends the length of the "Trapps" section of the Shawangunk Ridge.

Turn right on the Undercliff Road and follow it for about two miles until you reach an intersection with the Overcliff Road on the left, Laurel Ledge Road straight ahead and Rhododendron Bridge on the right. Turn right and cross the bridge then immediately turn left onto Old Minnewaska Road which is another dirt carriage road.

Old Minnewaska Road turns into Lake Shore Road. Wood signs designate the trails. After this point watch for a small wood sign that states "crevice." Turn right around the sign and scramble over the boulder field (marked with red blazes) until you reach an open corner. Ascend the ladder system until you reach the top. Some scrambling is required near the top after exiting the ladders. This can be icy and tricky in the winter. Once on top, you have great views of the Shawangunk Ridge and Smiley Tower.

Descend to the left of the tower down the to the Spring Path and through the Labyrinth Trail exiting onto Lake Shore Road. Return the way you came.