Nature, solitude and summit views define life in Shandaken
The Catskill High Peaks region in upstate New York includes 35 summits, with four located in Shandaken, a small town known for its natural beauty and access to the outdoors. While Slide Mountain is the highest at 4,180 feet, Panther Mountain stands out as Shandaken’s most notable landmark. Its central location and the roadway encircling its base make it a defining feature of the area. “Shandaken is drawing people who are looking to turn off from the city and completely be removed,” says Karina Galeano, a real estate salesperson with Keller Williams Hudson Valley North. “I don’t think they mind so much that there’s no cell service out there.”
Climbing and hiking are popular year-round activities, and many seek to join the Catskill Mountain 3500 Club by summiting all 35 peaks. “Depending on where you are in Shandaken, you’re super close to a lot of the best Catskill hiking,” says Megan Brenn-White, founder and CEO of the Upstate Curious Team. The true summit of Panther Mountain rewards hikers with stunning views after navigating past two false summits on either approach.
Second homes and seasonal retreats line Route 28 in Shandaken
Residences in Shandaken cluster around the northern side of Panther Mountain, primarily featuring cabins and cottages that fit the wilderness setting. Many serve as second homes or retreats, spread along Route 28 and its side roads. “There’s a lot of second-home-type things there,” Brenn-White says. “There are log cabins, A-frames, little cottages and old farmhouses. A lot of things were three seasons, because it’s not very populated there.” Home prices range from approximately $200,000 for capes and ranches to $1 million or more for larger retreats, with most larger properties listed between $300,000 and over the million-dollar mark.
Panther Mountain and Slide Wilderness offer year-round recreation
Shandaken offers abundant outdoor activities, with Panther Mountain providing easy access to hiking, mountain biking and scenic vistas. The Slide Mountain Wilderness supports fishing, camping, hiking and regulated hunting. “Panther Mountain is a big outlet for recreation, absolutely,” says Galeano. “There’s mountain biking, trails, waterfalls, watering holes and just scenic views as well. They have different levels—whether you're an advanced hiker or beginner hiker, and they have levels for kids.” Additional attractions include the Giant Ledge trailhead and Esopus Creek, which are popular for fishing and tubing. Glenbrook Park features sports facilities, a dog park and a playground. In northwestern Shandaken, Belleayre Mountain offers skiing, snowboarding, hiking, gondola rides, disc golf and live events. The Emerson Kaleidoscope, located in a repurposed grain silo near the eastern edge of town, provides a unique visual experience as the world’s largest kaleidoscope.
Students attend four schools in the Onteora school district
Shandaken is served by four schools, all part of the Onteora Central School District, which boasts an A-minus rating from Niche. Students typically start at Phoenicia Elementary School, which serves kindergarten through third grade and holds a B-minus. For fourth through sixth grades, students can continue their education just southeast of Shandaken at Reginald Bennett Elementary School, also rated B-minus. Onteora Middle School, covering grades 7 and 8, earns a B-plus rating. Onteora High School maintains an A-minus and features a low student-to-teacher ratio of 10 to 1. The high school is lauded for its robust catalog of academic programs, including AP courses and college-level credit opportunities in partnership with SUNY Ulster.
Farmhouse-style restaurants and creekside grills near Route 28
Peekamoose Restaurant & Tap Room is a favorite local spot set in a former farmhouse and featuring rustic, wilderness-inspired decor. “Peekamoose is one of those restaurants that’s been around for a long time,” Brenn-White says, noting its popularity on weekends. “It’s a lot of hearty farm-to-table and seasonal things.” Nearby, J. Rocco’s Creekside Grill offers steaks and burgers in a barn-like building by Esopus Creek on Route 28. For groceries, residents typically travel to Hannaford in West Hurley, located 15 to 30 miles away depending on where they live in Shandaken.
Route 28 offers scenic drives and access to Kingston and NYC
Route 28 runs through eastern Shandaken and along the northern base of Panther Mountain, turning north as it passes Pine Hill and exits the area. “Route 28 is actually a very scenic route,” Galeano says. “It goes from Kingston all the way up, so you can just hop on that route and go north or south. It’s convenient in that way.” The road also serves as a bus route to New York City. Depending on location within Shandaken, Kingston is about 25–35 miles east, as is access to the New York State Thruway.
![Christina von Claparede-Crola]()
Written By
Christina von Claparede-Crola
![Stephen Mihalchik]()
Photography Contributed By
Stephen Mihalchik
