New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-08-02
LAKE MOHONK.
HE SUMMER IN ULSTER COUNTY.

X, i 4, d
various elevated regions that sought by weary 'o"
deerq for rest and GOODNESS IN the summer the noun
tans OF Ulster County among the nearest 20 rev"
York and possess some remark1bie attracuous' ny
have been however but little known as yet WIN o
exception OF the region about Catskil ana arc ony
ginning 10 come into anything like general rePu.o'
these the shawangunk Mountains form the prinepA
range OF Nights and almost their very summit hcs
romantic little sheet OF water known as Lake mononA'
with an excellent hotel its bank Few more attro'
i've spots can be found within days ridc ITO" NV"
York A.. y
First Let me speak OF ts general situation In 'he
counties that lie along the west bank OF inc huasoh
there are three nearly parallel OF nights winch
together form northern end OF the great Aiee'
nian system OF mountains. These are, as VIC eo run
New-York toward the north and west hrs the hudson
Highlands, crossing the river between PeeksKli anu
Newburgn; second, the shawangunk range 10 or 10
miles westward, aud having nearly parallel course
from TO northwest and third the Catskils
20 miles farther inland. or course there are many
subordinate and less familiar lines OF hills ana rldkes
but this threefold division is the important feature
which gives character TO the whole region, ana winch
prevails indeed. through most of the course OF the
Appalachian Mountains. Between these three ranges
there are as may readily be imagined two main Valleys
occupied by considerable streams. The first OF these
between the Highlands and the shawangunks Is the
valley Of the Waikiki, which flows In north-westefy
direction into the Hudson; tho second between the
shawangunks and the Catskils. is the valley OF the
Rondou which pursues similar course, both streams
emptying near Kingston. The Delaware and Hudson
Canal also follows the line Of this second valley The
peculiar beauty and grandeur OF the shawangunk
Mountains lies in fact that from their SUBMITS, the
view extends over both these charming valleys one on
either side and takes in the Highlands the southeast
and the Catsks on the northwest
Second, As to the particular location. In the region
of Ulster County the shawangunk Mountains present
aon
with wooded crests and looking down eastward over
the fertile and smiling valley OF the Waikiki like line
of gigantic fortresses. Fourteen miles west OF Poc
keepse at an elevation OF iO feet in depression on
the top Of this range, lies Lake Mohonk charming
sheet of clear water covering several and sur
rounded almost completely by perpendicular walls Oh
rock which on side rise 800 feet above the surface to
the crest of Sky Top Mountain, OF the grandest
points Of outlook on the shawangunk range The COM
bnation OF lake and mountain scenery, with the iar
extended prospect the two great Valleys ana tne
panorama OF blue Catsklls lying TO the northwest To-
eether with the wild woods and cliffs OF the Immediate
vicinity form. altogether picture of unusual beauty
and variety and contain the elements OF truly de-
lightful Summer resort.
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS AND AMUsEMENTs.
The lake is OF peculiar hue, clear. and OF an in
tense emerald green such may be seen IN some OF the
lakes OF Western NewYork, Cayuga, for instance
The rocky cliffs which environ IL are composed OF wte
sandstone or conglomerate and singularly over
grown with large chens OF dark olive color, almost
black; and this feature gives peculiarly wild ana odd
aspect these picturesque shores. The whole noun
tain side is covered natural forest and the under
growth rich in ferns and many evergreen plants OF the
order EricaceG yields to the botanist continual har-
vest and TO the unseentifc rambler abundance OF inter
est and pleasure
Third, A to accommodations and improvements The
hotel is situated the edge of the lake. with one
OF its porches the water Its front windows lace
the lake. and directly to the towering cliffs
of Mount sky Top not eighth Of mile away Its back
windows have a charming view, far over the ricn and
beautiful Rondout Valley, to the seemingly endless
stretch Of blue Catskis beyond. In the morning the
valley filed with white msts, which lift and clear
away before the ascending in wonderfully chang
ing series riffs and clouds Ini:the afternoon the
thunder Oft drive through the valley III most
picturesque manner, the manifold echongs among the
CatsklIs suggesting Hendnck Hudson and his crew. ac
cording TO Irvins's legend, playing bau In the noun
tans The company that gather here, and I'LL the house
TO repleton despite the annual extensions and add
tons made 10y the proprietor, Mr. A. r. Smiley belong
to the genee and cultivated class that 20 for the real
object of seeking health aud enjoyment quiet and
restul place. The excitements of fashionable resort
are unknown these peaceful hghs but all that pure
mountain and select society can give may be found
at Lake Mohonk.
For OCCUPATIONS there many resources. hr. Smiley
has plenty pretty boas and the lake is our
and gentlemen, much in vogue on fine afternoons
and make quite pleasurabo STIR The endeavor has
been making to stock the lake with fish, and as soon as
this is ACCOMPLISHED there viii be fishing also Walking
and rambling are unlimited and parties are made up
every day to visit some point of outlook. explore
some wild cave Paths and roads have been cut through
the woods around the hotel rustic summer-houses have
been built on rocky promoutories overhanging the lake.
and winding path has been made the summit OF Sky
Top and a fine lookout erected on its apex, from
which may had the widest view OF the whole sur
rounding panorama OF mountains wood, lake, and valley.
During the past year, too, many additions and inn
provements have been made at large outlay, so as to
furnish the comforts OF tlrstclass hotel There is
telegraph office house wire having been carried
ND the mountain all the way from New-Paltz. No
gambling and intoxicating drinks allowed about
the place, aud transient visitors are not expected TO
come on Sunday IL is needless that all orderly
aud select.
- ... HOW GET THERE.
Fourth As to the mode of access. The house reached
by an excellent and very picturesque mountain road,
which winds up the hills and cliffs for six miles from the
village OF New-Paz, Old Huguenot settlement ON the
banks of the Waikiki To that point there two main
routes by stage to Philadelphia, and the other by
Waikiki Valley Railroad either from its southern termi-
minus at Goshen the Erie Road from its northern
terminus at Kingston Travellers from New-York. there
fore may take their choice OF four routes either by the
night steamers Cornell and Baldwin 10 Kingston, and
thence by early train NewPaltz or by Erie Railway
In Goshen and by Waikiki Railroad down the banks Of
that stream to the point One or two Erie trains
make this connection daily or these routes however the
writer cannot speak from experience for any more than
the Erie ride TO Goshen which through the pictur
esoue mountains the Ramapo district and the wide,
fertile farm lands Of Orange County The other routes
are either by Hudson River Railroad by day boat on
the river 10 PougkeepSie and thence to NewPatz by
stage ride OF nine miles; ana ~ WOMB oe 1a,a 70 o