Historic Trailside Treasures offer spectacular Hudson Valley views

Discover the story behind Mohonk Mountain House's iconic summerhouses.

Jan 30, 2025

Past Lane Pursuits is a weekly newsletter of Past Lane Travels, a history/travel blog that provides inspiration for discovering historical sites, hidden gems and small towns.

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Greetings history and travel lovers! I know we’re in the middle of winter and traveling may not be at the top of your mind, but NOW is a great time to plan your next getaway. (In fact, the last Tuesday in January was Vacation Planning Day).

This week I’m taking you to the historic Mohonk Mountain House in the Hudson River Valley. I won’t cover the beautiful lodging options there, but instead show what you can enjoy outside.

The hotel offers a day pass, so you don’t have to spend the night to enjoy thousands of acres of nature trails and old carriage roads. Let’s go!

SCOTTeVEST is having a sale! Get 30% off with code: ANNIV24

Background on the Mohonk Mountain House

Nestled in the heart of the Hudson Valley and only 90 miles north of New York City, Mohonk Mountain House looks like a Victorian castle that is surrounded by tranquility and natural beauty.

It is a National Historic Landmark that offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern luxury, all set against the backdrop of 40,000 acres of pristine forest.

A part of the Historic Hotels of America, Mohonk has welcomed five U.S. presidents and numerous guests seeking rejuvenation of body, mind, and spirit.

Mohonk’s Summerhouses

If you ever have the chance to wander the trails surrounding Mohonk Mountain House, you’ll come across a few of its charming summerhouses. These rustic, open-air gazebos are perched on scenic overlooks and offer a place to sit down, relax and take in the view.

But these handcrafted wooden structures aren’t just a picturesque place to rest—they are a key part of Mohonk’s history and its founder’s vision of harmony with nature.

These summerhouses were first built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and were designed to blend seamlessly into the natural landscape.

The Smiley family, who founded Mohonk in 1869, wanted visitors to have peaceful spots to pause, reflect, and take in the stunning views of the Shawangunk Mountains and Hudson Valley.

Today, more than 120 summerhouses are scattered along Mohonk’s 85 miles of hiking trails, offering hikers, photographers, and dreamers the perfect place to rest and recharge.

A Bit of History

The tradition of creating summerhouses at Mohonk began in the late 19th century when the Smiley family sought to enhance the guest experience by blending hospitality with nature.

Each summerhouse was carefully designed to frame the landscape’s most spectacular features—think cliffside perches, shady woodland nooks, and panoramic vistas of Lake Mohonk and the Shawangunk Ridge.

These rustic structures, crafted from local materials like timber and stone, were built not just for rest but for reflection.

Over the years, they’ve become part of Mohonk’s identity, providing hikers, romantics, and adventurers with quiet spaces to enjoy the timeless beauty of the Hudson Valley.

Find Your Favorite Summerhouse

Exploring the summerhouses is like embarking on a treasure hunt through Mohonk’s 40,000-acre natural playground. Here’s what you can expect:

Cliffside Retreats: Some summerhouses cling dramatically to the rocks, offering breathtaking views of the valley below.
Shady Forest Hideaways: Tucked into peaceful wooded trails, these summerhouses are ideal for cooling off after a long hike or simply soaking in the sounds of nature.
Lakefront Lounges: A few summerhouses sit near the sparkling waters of Lake Mohonk, giving you a front-row seat to the lake’s ever-changing reflections.
Romantic Roofed Havens: Whether you’re gazing at a sunset or sharing a quiet moment with a loved one, these cozy spots are pure magic.
Hidden Gems: Some summer houses are merely benches tucked in between (and under) large boulders or situated between two trees.

A Hiker’s Dream

Mohonk’s extensive trail system connects many of these summerhouses, making it easy to stumble upon nature’s treasures as you wander.

Pro tip: Bring a journal or sketchpad—and most definitely don’t forget your phone!

Traveling? Check out my Travel Resources page on Past Lane Travels!

☛ Old Words

Here are this week’s old words!

Elflocks: An old noun that denotes the state of hair in a tangled mess or extremely frizzled.

It took me an hour to detangle her elflocks. (Sounds like ME in the morning).

Caliginous: An adjective that describes something or someone terrifyingly mysterious or spooky.

The haunted house offered the usual caliginous delights for Halloween.

History Trivia

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia Quiz: Congratulations to those who answered Saratoga for the Revolutionary War battle known as the turning point of the American Revolution. It was a decisive victory for the Continental army.