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Located only 90 miles north of New York City, the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail, part of the Hudson River Valley Greenway System, follows the old railbed of the Wallkill Valley Railroad. The 12.2 mile (round trip) flat, packed-cinder and gravel rail trail is ideal for those seeking to combine a bit of history with a quiet, scenic bike ride through beautiful Hudson Valley countryside and the towns of Gardiner and New Paltz. Horse farms, wineries and orchards dot the area and the trail is very equestrian friendly. In New Paltz, the rail trail runs adjacent to Huguenot Street, a National Historic Landmark District with stone house museums dating back 300 years. Other Wallkill Valley Rail Trail highlights include a reconstructed railroad bridge which spans the Wallkill River and an impressive, 975 foot Railroad Viaduct that has been converted for recreational use at northern end of the trail in Rosendale. Most visitors begin their ride in New Paltz, which is located at around the halfway mark. If you have children, this is a good place to start. My 10 year old nephew enjoyed the 12.2 mile round trip from New Paltz to the northern trailhead at Rosendale and back. However, on the way back, as the novelty wore off, he complained that he was bored because the trail was too flat. Mountain biking north from New Paltz, the multi-use recreation path travels along the Wallkill River for a short stretch before angling away through a mix of farm fields, forest, wetlands and hamlets with the Shawangunk Mountain Ridge as a backdrop. The varied terrain along the trail provides ideal habitat for a variety of local flora and wildlife including whitetail deer, raccoons, rabbits, skunks, coyotes, black bear, wild turkeys and the redback salamander. Many species of birds migrate through the Wallkill Valley. The Wallkill River bottomlands and brushy field edges provide ideal nesting habitat for a variety of waterfowl and songbirds. A little past the midpoint of the trail, the route curves in towards the river and crosses it over the reconstructed Wallkill Valley Rail Trail Bridge. Benches along the railings provide a lovely spot to stop, rest, enjoy lunch and admire the spectacular river views from the center of the bridge. From here, the route gets narrower, travelling through deeply shaded woods. Approaching Rosendale, the trail is edged by boulders and rock outcroppings dripping with ferns and other interesting looking plants. The route eventually passes through a rock gap to Mountain Road. Cross the road (watch for traffic) and pedal onto the historic 975 foot Railroad Trestle, spanning Rondout Creek, the route of the Delaware and Hudson Canal in the early nineteenth century. A wooden walkway was built over 60 percent of the trestle, converting it for use as a public recreational path. The Rosendale Trestle, towering over 100 feet above the creek, offers sweeping views of the surrounding area and hills. This stretch of Wallkill Valley Rail Trail ends abruptly at the wooden rail fence about halfway across the trestle. Last time we were here we noticed wood slats were missing in a few places along the railings. Keep an eye on the younger children. Retrace your route back to the New Paltz Trailhead. After your bicycle ride on the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail, wind down in the ecelectic and charming college town of New Paltz. Main street and side streets are lined with shops, restaurants and boutiques.
Historical Note: The Wallkill Valley Railroad opened in 1872, transporting dairy products and fresh produce from the farms of Ulster County to New York City. Borden’s Dairy company built its first creamery along the line in the town of Gardiner. After a long and sometimes controversial history, the last regular freight train was run on the branch in 1977.
The Rosendale Railroad Viaduct The 975 foot Steel Railroad Trestle was used by the Wallkill Valley Railway. The property was acquired by adjacent landowners, and the viaduct purchased by John Ethan Rahl of Rosendale who converted it into a recreational path in 1991.
Huguenot Street Journey back in time by walking along this 17th century colonial village and exploring the historic stone houses, dating back some 300 years. They were originally the homes of a group of French Protestants who fled northern France because of political and religious persecution. The town was founded in 1677 after the purchase of nearly 40,000 acres along the Wallkill River from the native Esopus Indians. The historic buildings owned by the Huguenot Historical Society are open, by guided tour only. One-and-a-half-hour tours are given on the hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday-Sunday, from May 1 through October 31. For more information vist www.huguenotstreet.org or call (845) 255-1660.
For more information: For more mountain biking in the Hudson Valley
The Wallkill Valley Rail Trail Association Website: www.gorailtrail.org
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