Bonticou Crag is a rocky outcrop in the Mohonk Preserve north of Lake Mohonk, reached by a moderate hike of about two miles round-trip from the Spring Farm trailhead. The crag itself is a scramble to the top — the final approach involves squeezing through a narrow rock chimney and climbing over exposed boulders, which rules it out for those who dislike heights or uneven terrain, but rewards everyone else with a panoramic view across the Hudson Valley.
The hike to the crag passes through typical Shawangunk terrain: pitch pine and scrub oak giving way to open rock slabs near the summit. The crag is significantly less crowded than the main Trapps climbing area or the Minnewaska shore, making it a good choice on busy summer weekends when you want to be outside without a crowd. Carry water and good shoes — the rock slabs can be slippery when wet. The Mohonk Preserve day-use fee applies.