Near Sky Top Tower via "The Trapps"
Trust your feet and make your way out of the slot!
Near Sky Top Tower via "The Trapps"
Emerge from the Lemon Squeeze for this rewarding view of the surrounding Catskill Mountains.
Near Sky Top Tower via "The Trapps"
You'll have to climb this ladder between a narrow slot in the rocks along the Labyrinth and Lemon Squeeze.
Near Sky Top Tower via "The Trapps"
Well, you really can't go back, so finish by climbing up through the crevice to the open air above.
Near Sky Top Tower via "The Trapps"
One of the first sights after managing the crevice climb through the Lemon Squeeze in New Paltz, NY

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Driving Directions
Hike Route

Sky Top Tower via "The Trapps"

4.5 (12 Ratings)
Access the "Lemon Squeeze" via the Trapps section of the Shawangunks in the Mohonk Preserve.
7
mi
Distance
937
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
Fall ColorsViews

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
7.04mi
Distance
937ft
Elevation Gain
937ft
Elevation Loss
65%
Max Grade
1,544ft
High Point
670ft
Low Point
Path Type
There and Back
Description
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.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
John Maurizi