Like many of the things we treasure most—our homes, relationships, health—the recreational areas vital to the region require continual care and attention. That’s why the Mohonk Preserve is working to restore and maintain a network of historic carriage roads essential for hikers, bikers, climbers, equestrians, and skiers.
Originally built by hand starting in the late 1800s, the roads resulted from the Smiley family’s vision of enabling people to get out in nature. But after well over a century of use, many sections of the carriage roads are in need of repair. Thanks to the generosity of Preserve members and supporters, we’ve been able to resurface and do drainage work on several miles of the Preserve’s most popular roads.
The Preserve is also working with the Palisades Interstate Park Commission and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation on a comprehensive plan for the maintenance and restoration of nearly 70 miles of carriage roads linking the Preserve and Minnewaska State Park Preserve.
A complementary effort is also underway to repair bridges and carriage roads. Supported with federal transportation funds (through the New York State Department of Transportation), the grant for this project required a municipal sponsor. So, a big Thank You to the Town of Gardiner for playing that role—and helping to ensure that carriage roads are here for everyone to enjoy for generations to come.