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Shavertown Trail

The Shavertown Trail offers families and novice hikers a unique opportunity in the Catskills – a spectacular view after less than one moderately strenuous mile.  You’ll break a sweat as you climb 520 feet to Snake Pond, but it is so worth it. Wander past a lovely pond, complete with pink and white water lilies in season, and enjoy the spectacular view of the Pepacton Reservoir.  To the west of the pond you will find the junction with the Tremperskill Overlook Trail, marked in blue. This out and back is 0.7 miles one way.  The overlook is situated on a massive rock formation visible from the trail.

The Shavertown Trail was created by the Catskill Mountain Club on land owned by the NYCDEP, with the assistance of the Town of Andes and support from the NYCDEP and the NY-NJ Trail Conference.

Note: The old trail section above the pond has been abandoned, with all markers down. The area was extensively logged and is not suitable for use at this time. The new Tremperskill Overlook Trail has been created to take advantage of views opened up by the logging operation.

The trailhead is on County Rt 1, directly across the road from the upper parking lot at the intersection of Route 30 and County Rt 1 / BWS 4 in Andes.  Park at the parking lot by the bridge.

Driving directions to the Shavertown Trail as well as the Andes Rail Trail and Palmer Hill Trail can be found here.

Click the map below for a larger, printable version, or get the free GPS Enabled map available for your iPhone or Android devices — click here to learn more

NOTE:  Print the map by clicking on it.

10 Comments

  1. Bovina, NY - ESCAPE BROOKLYN
    Bovina, NY - ESCAPE BROOKLYN 2015-01-12 at 7:29 pm .

    Since you’re in the mountains, exploring the Catskills is a must. Check out the nearby Shavertown Trail which overlooks Pepacton Reservoir.

  2. Mike
    Mike 2015-11-15 at 10:33 pm . Reply

    Is camping permitted along the Shavertown Trail with overnight parking at the boat launch parking area…? Sounds like it might make for a cool overnight backpacking trip 🙂

    1. wgcmc
      wgcmc 2015-12-03 at 10:12 am . Reply

      Sorry, but camping is not permitted on DEP property.

  3. Robert Pfeister
    Robert Pfeister 2016-01-10 at 12:00 pm . Reply

    Ares dogs allowed on the trail?

    1. Ann Roberti
      Ann Roberti 2016-01-18 at 7:56 pm . Reply

      Yes, dogs are allowed. They must be “under your control” but do not need to be leashed.

  4. Jake
    Jake 2016-10-04 at 1:15 pm . Reply

    Nice hike- good workout. Near the very top we came across a otherworldly spot of mossy rocks covered with clumps of deep orange mushrooms- with the magical Red Efts crawling nearby. Truly a special experience.

  5. james watkins
    james watkins 2020-07-08 at 7:41 am . Reply

    Is fishing allowed

    1. wgcmc
      wgcmc 2020-07-08 at 9:07 am . Reply

      Fishing in Snake Pond is allowed. It is a small pond and is currently turbid due to the recent work on the dam.

  6. Howard Fink
    Howard Fink 2023-03-02 at 2:49 pm . Reply

    Any restrictions on stargazing and astrophotography?

    1. wgcmc
      wgcmc 2023-03-02 at 4:52 pm . Reply

      Both stargazing and photography are permitted on the Shavertown Trail and on other trails. Many DEP lands are now open to everyone for low impact recreation, including the Shavertown parcel. Some parcels, including those that surround reservoirs, have restricted access that requires a free DEP permit.

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