ANDES, NY — A new hiking trail has opened on New York City (NYC) property near the Pepacton Reservoir, thanks to a partnership between the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and local volunteers of the Catskill Mountain Club.

A sign marks the beginning of the 5.3-mile round-trip hiking trail, which will be known as the Shavertown Trail. The trailhead is located just off Route 30, across from the Shavertown Bridge Boat Launch on the Pepacton Reservoir in the Town of Andes.

“This trail underscores our desire to open more city-owned property for recreation in the Catskills,” DEP Deputy Commissioner Paul Rush said at the opening ceremony. “By teaming up with local groups such as the Catskill Mountain Club, DEP hopes it can support local outdoor enthusiasts and the tourism economy by providing more access for hikers, fishermen, and others.”

This is the second recently completed trail in Andes, the other one being the four-mile Andes Rail Trail.

It is also the fourth hiking trail opened on city-owned land in the Catskills. The others include a nature trail in Conesville, Schoharie County; a walking and cross-country skiing trail near Windham in Greene County; and trails in the Delaware County towns of Tompkins and Walton that were built by the Finger Lakes Trail Conference with help from Catskill Mountain Club.