The best road cycling routes around Shokan

Shokan offers diverse terrain for road cycling. You'll find compact, paved surfaces along the Ashokan Rail Trail and other reservoir-side paths, providing smooth rides with panoramic views. For those seeking more challenge, routes extend into the Catskill Mountains, featuring significant elevation changes and climbs through dense woodlands.

Yes, Shokan offers several routes suitable for beginners. The Ashokan Reservoir – Boiceville Trailhead loop from Shokan is a moderate 17.6-mile (28.3 km) trail that follows reservoir-side landscapes, often completed in about 1 hour 16 minutes. The Ashokan Rail Trail itself is known for its accessible, paved surface, making it ideal for a relaxed ride.

Many routes in Shokan offer stunning scenic viewpoints, primarily centered around the Ashokan Reservoir and the Catskill Mountains. The Ashokan Rail Trail provides expansive, panoramic views of the reservoir and surrounding mountains. You can also find breathtaking vistas from the View of Ashokan Reservoir and Catskill Mountains highlight, and along the East Dyke and Monument Road sections of the reservoir.

Absolutely. For experienced road cyclists, routes like the Slide Mountain Wilderness loop via Peekamoose Blue Hole offer a significant challenge. This difficult 65.1-mile (104.8 km) path features substantial elevation gain through the wilderness areas of the Catskills. Another difficult option is the Kaaterskill Falls Climb – Gothic Church loop from Traver Hollow Unit, which covers 92 miles (148 km) with over 1100 meters of ascent.

Shokan is beautiful for road cycling throughout the warmer months. Spring and summer offer lush greenery, while autumn is particularly spectacular for viewing the vibrant fall foliage of the Catskill Mountains. The Ashokan Rail Trail is accessible year-round, allowing for scenic rides even in milder winter conditions.

Yes, many of the popular road cycling routes in Shokan are loops. For example, the Ashokan Rail Trail – Ashokan Reservoir loop from Boiceville is a moderate 30.7-mile (49.4 km) route. Another option is the Steel bridge – Boiceville Trailhead loop from Traver Hollow Unit, a moderate 63.1-mile (101.5 km) loop.

Beyond the stunning Ashokan Reservoir itself, you can explore several natural attractions. Onteora Lake offers a tranquil environment, and various mountain peaks like Wittenberg Mountain and Ashokan High Point provide impressive backdrops and hiking opportunities if you wish to extend your adventure off the bike.

While specific public transport options directly to all trailheads might be limited, Shokan is nestled within the Catskill Park and Forest Preserve, which is generally more accessible by car. It's advisable to check local bus schedules or ride-sharing services for connections to major towns near the Ashokan Reservoir, such as Kingston, and then plan for a short taxi or bike ride to the trailheads.

The region around Shokan, particularly near the Ashokan Rail Trail trailheads and surrounding towns like Boiceville, offers various local establishments where you can find cafes and eateries to refuel after your ride. While specific names aren't listed here, exploring the communities adjacent to the reservoir will provide options for refreshments.

The road cycling experience in Shokan is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 8 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the stunning views of the Ashokan Reservoir and the Catskill Mountains, the diverse terrain catering to various skill levels, and the well-maintained paths like the Ashokan Rail Trail.

Yes, there are designated parking areas, especially for accessing the Ashokan Rail Trail. The Ashokan Rail Trail — Woodstock Dike Trailhead is one such access point with parking. Other trailheads along the Ashokan Rail Trail, such as in Boiceville, also provide parking facilities, making it convenient to start your ride.

Yes, the Ashokan Rail Trail is particularly well-suited for families. Its compact, paved surface and relatively flat profile make it an excellent choice for cyclists of all ages and abilities, including children. The scenic views and absence of vehicle traffic create a safe and enjoyable environment for a family outing.