Shavertown Trail

The Shavertown Trail was built on NYCDEP land by the Catskill Mountain Club. There are private land parcels  around this area, so stay on the trail to avoid trespassing.

Snake Pond

You can climb directly to the lookout, but Snake Pond is a nice diversion, and a good place to catch your breath on the way up.

Trail Note: If you loop around it from below, following the woods road, you’ll pass a sweet weather station.

The view from the west side of the pond is pretty sweet…

…and there’s a sweet bench with the words “HAPPY TRAILS TO YOU” carved into the seat…

Tremperskill Overlook

Make your way down to the junction, turn right, and head uphill.

After about 400’ of elevation gain, you’ll pass these giant boulders…

…and then the trail turns left and downhill to the view at Tremperskill Overlook.

This was the day I finally met my longtime online friend @NatureAddictLady, who shoots amazing Hudson Valley landscapes.

Return to Trailhead

From here, you can head straight back down to the trailhead. The walk out is lovely. On our way back down, we passed this amazing demonic tree I didn’t notice on the way up…

Pepacton Dark Sky Site

Of great interest to amateur astronomers and astrophotography nerds is the obscure factoid that the bridge that crosses over the Pepacton Reservoir sits smack bang under the darkest skies in the Catskills Park.

Check darksitefinder.com for reference.