HIKING TRAILS

We have three hikes restored so far on our property in addition to offering guided hiking on any number of off-site hikes. Menla’s hikes are the easy Waterfall-Medicine and Naga Trails as well as the intermediate-difficult Metta Trail. A number of lost trails remain to be restored, the ongoing project of our spring and fall Volunteer Trail Restoration retreats (see Retreats).

Waterfall-Medicine Trail
A mild enjoyable hike that takes one behind our water-filtration building along the Pantherkill Stream towards its source (not all the way to the source), crossing the stream in three places and looping around the inside of the southwest corner of the back of Menla’s property. This hike is the shortest and easiest one at Menla and is appropriate for older guests or people who essentially want to go for a walk in the woods, rather than get a serious workout. This trail is marked with white flairs.

Naga Trail
A slightly more challenging but still easy trail leading from the mouth of Eva’s pond partway up the northern ridge and then descending back to Menla’s property, follows the Pantherkill stream, until it intersects the Waterfall-Medicine Trail. This trail is marked with blue flairs.

Metta Trail
The most challenging hike on the Menla property, but yielding the best view, is the Metta Trail leading to Lookout Point, where one can sit and enjoy a partial view of the Catskill Mountains. This trail is quite steep at times, takes about 45 minutes each way, and is not recommended for people with physical limitations. This trail is marked with blue flairs.

Giant Ledge Hike
An even more rewarding nearby off-site hike and a local #1 favorite, this experience takes about 4 hours for the Giant Ledge hike, and about 6 hours for the Pather Mountain Summit hike, looking down upon Menla at the peak. At both Giant Ledge and Panther Summit, breathtaking vistas reveal the awesome beauty of the Catskills east of Menla. This trail is not accessible from Menla and requires one to drive off campus to get to the trailhead.

“The food was divine! I’m not a vegetarian and will say the meat was not missed while here. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay…. The staff was warm and courteous. Space very conducive for retreat. Great common spaces for community and plenty of space for solitude. Will return again.”

George Charlton

“Menla is one of my favorite retreat centers in the world. The natural beauty, the wonderful staff and great accommodations always make the experience of leading a retreat effortless and graceful. The blessings of HH Dalai Lama and many other Great Beings who have been there usher us into our own True Nature with joy and ease.”

Krishna Das

“An amazing magical place with freshly made vegan food, spa with Tibetan medicine therapies, swimming pool, vast greenery, and mountain water. They invite the best teachers from around the world too!”

Tsu Ching Yu

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