The one mile hike to Snake Pond has one of the few scenic overlooks with a mild overall elevation gain of 521 feet. The rest of the trail doesn’t feature any views, just a nice walk in the forest. There is very limited parking along the side of the road across from the trail head sign. The start of the trail is located on BWS Road 4 just off NY 30 .
This moderate trail ascends from near the shoreline of the Pepacton reservoir to Snake Pond and then continues to climb upwards, along a shoulder of Perch Lake Mountain. The trail offers families and novice hikers something of a unique opportunity in the Catskills – a spectacular view after only one mile of moderately strenuous mile of hiking, followed by a fairly level mile and a half through beautiful rock ledges and wonderful forests to explore.
The view from the pond is one few breath taking views that one can get with a moderate hike. After walking westward along BWS Rd 4 and reaching the Trail head signage, you turn right onto the trail marked with red NYCDEP plastic trail markers. The trail climb the earthen bank next to the roadway, cross a small drainage and then begin ascending steadily through an open forest and soon reaches an old woods road.
The trail follows the old woods road, crossing a generally dry drainage on stepping stones. The trail then takes a hard right turn, leaving the old woods road and climbing quickly. Several stone steps have been installed on this section. The trail then intersects another old woods run, taking a hard left turn and following the woods road. That woods road then ends at the intersection with a well maintained and wide woods road. The trail turns right onto the wide woods road and again ascends steadily at a moderate pace.