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Photo by Jay Mantri on Unsplash
Easy

Shepard Lake Trail

Sloatsburg, New Jersey · Passaic County · lwn · New York-New Jersey Trail Conference

Shepard Lake Trail is a easy hiking trail near Sloatsburg in Passaic County, New Jersey.. Managed by New York-New Jersey Trail Conference. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

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41.13445, -74.22366
Open in OpenStreetMap
5-Day Forecast

Weather at Shepard Lake Trail

Live forecast for the trailhead. Use it to pack and time your hike.

Avg High77°F
Avg Low63°F
Peak Rain Chance48%
Humidity86%
UV (avg)5
Air Quality59 · Moderate
Today
🌧
Rain Showers
79°/65°
💧 28%🌬 12mph
5:48 AM8:17 PM
Wed
🌧
Rain
75°/64°
💧 48%🌬 11mph
5:49 AM8:16 PM
Thu
Thunderstorm
76°/64°
💧 44%🌬 10mph
5:50 AM8:15 PM
Fri
🌦
Light Drizzle
75°/62°
💧 8%🌬 8mph
5:51 AM8:14 PM
Sat
🌦
Drizzle
79°/60°
💧 4%🌬 6mph
5:52 AM8:13 PM

Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.

About Shepard Lake Trail

Shepard Lake Trail is a easy hiking trail near Sloatsburg in Passaic County, New Jersey.. Managed by New York-New Jersey Trail Conference. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

What “Easy” Means

Gentle terrain, well-marked. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Difficulty is derived from OpenStreetMap’s Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) hiking scale, trail visibility, surface, distance, and elevation gain. Always verify current conditions before heading out.

What to Pack & Wear

Personalised to this trail’s length, elevation, difficulty, and the live forecast.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    Moisture-wicking T-shirt
    Light color, breathable.
  • 🩳
    Lightweight shorts or pants
    Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
  • 🧢
    Brimmed sun hat
    Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
  • 🥾
    Trail runners
    Breathable mesh uppers.
  • Rain jacket / shell
    48% chance of precipitation in the forecast.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection
    Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
  • 🛍
    Dry bags for electronics
    Phone, camera, and snacks should stay dry.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Trail Safety in New Jersey

Trail conditions in New Jersey change with weather, season, and fire activity. Closures, washouts, and rerouting are common. Before heading out:

  • Check with the land manager for current conditions and closures
  • Tell someone your plan and expected return time
  • Know your turn-around limits — conditions can change fast
  • Carry the 10 essentials: water, food, navigation, first aid, light, fire, shelter, knife, sun protection, extra clothes

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is Shepard Lake Trail?

Shepard Lake Trail is rated Easy. Suitable for most hikers including families.

When is the best time to hike Shepard Lake Trail?

New Jersey has trail conditions that vary by season. Spring and fall usually offer the best mix of temperature and trail conditions. Check the 5-day forecast above for current outlook. Always verify trail status (closures, washouts, fire restrictions) with the local land manager before going.

Who manages Shepard Lake Trail?

Shepard Lake Trail is managed by New York-New Jersey Trail Conference as part of the lwn network. Check the operator’s website for current permits, fees, and restrictions.