By David Laguerre
SHANDAKEN, N.Y. Hikers, mountain bikers and cross-country skiers have a newly completed 11.5-mile trail network to explore in the Catskills.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced the completion on October 23. The network is in the Giggle Hollow section of Shandaken Wild Forest in Ulster County.
What the project adds
DEC describes the mountain-bike routes as suitable for beginner-to-intermediate riders. The network includes a three-mile downhill route with banked turns. The agency says the design aims to limit harm to natural resources while expanding recreation.
The project received support from New York’s Environmental Protection Fund. DEC’s announcement does not give a project-specific price tag.
Where visitors can enter
The main entrance is the Lost Clove trailhead on Lost Clove Road in the Town of Shandaken. Visitors can also enter from the Pine Hill Day Use Area at Belleayre Beach.
Why it matters, and what to check
For Mohawk Valley residents who travel beyond the region for outdoor recreation, the completed network offers another Catskills option. It is in Ulster County, not the immediate Utica area. A trip should be planned around the route, weather and the ability of everyone in the group.
DEC’s Shandaken Wild Forest visitor page asks cyclists to stay on designated routes, carry out what they bring in and avoid riding when trails are wet. Bikes are not allowed in the nearby Big Indian Wilderness.
Before leaving home, check the current map and notices. DEC’s Catskills planning page links to trail-condition updates and preparation guidance. A completed trail project does not mean every route is suitable in every season or for every visitor.
Sources: NYSDEC’s October 23, 2026 announcement and its visitor guidance, checked October 24. I LOVE NY also carried the announcement on October 23. That item reproduces the state release rather than providing independent reporting.
