The Hudson Valley’s network of rail trails is a triumph of adaptive reuse. They provide a cornucopia of opportunities for adventure along wide, safe pathways whose moderate grades and gentle curves lead through forests, meadows, and urban centers. When the rails that once ruled fell into disuse, the glories of our local scenery vanished—only to return when smart organizers realized the value of the paths they left behind, and applied surfaces of stone or asphalt. Bikers, walkers, and joggers will find hours of relaxation here; surfaces range from crushed stone to smooth, ADA-compliant pavement.
The fun part of rail trails (well, one of the fun parts) is that, like the engines they once accommodated, they serve destinations. Every few miles, you’ll find yourself within easy walking or riding distance of a town or village; that’s to say, some good food and a cold mug of craft brew, along with people-watching and shop-ortunities galore. (Hint: If you’re traveling by bike, just about any retailer will likely be happy to hold your purchase for later pickup.)
These days, thanks to the Empire State Trail, you can actually saddle up at the Battery down in Manhattan and bike all the way to the Canadian border or west to Buffalo with minimal interference from motorized vehicles. But there’s plenty to be discovered right here in the Hudson Valley.
O&W RAIL TRAIL
The O&W Rail Trail in Western Ulster is 27 miles long and runs from Kingston to Ellenville. You’ll catch views of the Catskills to the west and the Shawangunks to the east. You’ll find the Esopus Creek Crossing parking area just a couple of miles south of the Thruway along Route 209.
Details:
Hurley Parking: 0.3 miles south of 1791 US Route 209, Kingston Leggett Road Parking: 1.2 miles off of US Route 209, Stone Ridge Ellenville Parking: Hoar St, Ellenville, NY, 0.2 miles past Little League fields theoandwrailtrail.org
there’s something out there for just about any rider’s mood on any given day:
WALLKILL VALLEY RAIL TRAIL
The southern stretch of the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail stretches from New Paltz to Gardiner. It offers unique views of the Shawangunk Ridge for miles and lots of goodies at each end of the journey, from the Water Street Market in New Paltz to the farm bar and distillery at Gardiner Liquid Mercantile.
Details:
22+ miles from Gardiner through New Paltz, Rosendale, and Ulster to the Kingston city line wallkillvalleylt.org
ROSENDALE TRESTLE
The Rosendale Trestle, on a trail that leads from Gardiner to Kingston as part of the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail, offers a delectable bird’s-eye view of the Rondout Creek and the town’s enticing Main Street. Stop downtown for a beer and a look around, or head west seven-tenths of a mile on Route 213 for a visit to the Century House Historical Society and the Widow Jane Mine.
Details:
Route 213, Rosendale
Park in the dedicated parking area wallkillvalleylt.org
WILLIAM R. STEINHAUS DUTCHESS RAIL TRAIL
The Hopewell Depot Museum, just over 13 miles east of the Walkway along the William R. Steinhaus Dutchess Rail Trail, offers a look at how these byways functioned in their glory days. Hopewell Junction, as its name suggests, was once a bustling place to make connections; you’ll find fascinating exhibits at the restored 1870s depot, including a caboose, and there are plenty of food options just a five-minute ride away.
Details:
From the Highland entrance of the Walkway Over the Hudson to the Hopewell Depot Museum at 36 Railroad Avenue, Hopewell Junction dutchessny.gov/Departments/Parks/Dutchess-Rail-Trail.htm
WALKWAY OVER THE HUDSON
The Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park is the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge, built on a former trestle connecting Highland and Poughkeepsie. The Walkway is part of the Hudson Valley Rail Trail and draws hundreds of thousands of visitors a year from all over the world, so don’t expect to be able to zoom across at top speed on a sunny afternoon (that would be a waste of that glorious view, anyhow). You’ll find welcome centers, restrooms, interpretive signage, and bike rentals, not to mention food options at both ends.
Details:
Highland Entrance: 87 Haviland Road Poughkeepsie Entrance: 61 Parker Avenue Upper Landing Park Elevator Entrance: 83 North Water St, Poughkeepsie walkway.org
ASHOKAN RAIL TRAIL
The Ashokan Rail Trail is open to the public from sunrise to sunset year-round. The 11.5-mile recreational trail runs along Ashokan Reservoir between West Hurley and Boiceville. The ART trail surface is 12 feet in width and surfaced with highly compacted fine crushed stone. Both the trail and trailhead parking areas (including the portable restrooms) are ADA compliant and accessible for persons with disabilities.
Details:
Woodstock Dike Trailhead is located at 1285 NY-28 in West Hurley. Ashokan Station Trailhead is located at 3045 NY-28 in Shokan. Boiceville Bridge Trailhead is located at 5080 Route 28A in Boiceville. ashokanrailtrail.com
OVERLOOK BICYCLES BIKE RENTALS
Rent right on the Ashokan Rail Trail. Book your bike rentals with their super-easy online rental system.
Located across the street from the Shokan parking area for the Ashokan Rail Trail
1 Mountain Road, Shokan
845-657-4001 overlookbicycles.com
RAIL EXPLORERS
Experience the magic of the historic Ulster & Delaware Railroad as you travel alongside the Esopus Creek through the beautiful woods of the Catskill Mountains on a railbike. Seats are limited, so book early.
70 Lower High Street, Phoenicia
877-833-8588 railexplorers.net
RAIL TRAIL CAFE
Located on the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail at Stone Mountain Farm. A great destination for healthy food while on your ride. Have a quick recharge, snack, breakfast, lunch, or an evening meal. like wood-fired pizza, salads, baked goods, or fresh smoothies. Or catch live music playing in the woods.
Located across the street from the Shokan parking area for the Ashokan Rail Trail
1 Mountain Road, Shokan
845-657-4001 railtrailcaferosendale.com
