"The Parksville Rail Trail’s primary trailhead is located on Main Street, one block west of NY State Route 17 at Exit 98 in Parksville, NY. NY State Route 17, also referred to as the Quickway, will soon become Interstate Route 86. The current roadway interchange at Parksville does not meet requirements for Interstate highways and it is possible that most of the peaceful business district will be obliterated if and when a compliant interchange is constructed. The Parksville Rail Trail might also be paved over. For now this rather off the beaten path trail offers its users an opportunity to glimpse a bit of the past (the former rail bed) and also what the future might hold in store (the super highway).

Ample designated trail user parking is available right on Main Street. When I visited the trail on an early Spring Sunday morning, there were no businesses open from the time I arrived until the time I departed. This is a very rustic town; Main Street consists of about six businesses and the same number of residences. Should all of the services in town be closed during your trip, fuel and snacks are available 24 hours a day one block east at the Route 17 interchange.

The trail proceeds northwest from its Main Street trailhead. Expect to encounter a rather unimproved trail surface. The former railroad right-of-way has been cleared, except for some small twigs and branches, but relatively few enhancements have been made. I ran across loads of standing water and mud, large gravel, and even a complete trail wash out in one spot, which required a simple off-trail detour. The trail route parallels a very scenic stream on one side and a series of rock cuts on the other. You can see and hear Route 17 in the distance. However, very little of Parksville itself is visible from the trail.

The trail is broken by one street crossing; Fox Mountain Road. The segment between Main Street and Fox Mountain Road is the roughest. Surface conditions from Fox Mountain Road northwest until the Trail’s end point (when you come to the “No Trespassing” signs and a gate) are smoother and free of all standing water and mud. However, I observed an area obviously being used for target practice as I neared the northern most trailhead. Therefore, I suggest that you use caution after you cross Fox Mountain Road.

Parking is also available on Benton Hollow Road near Fox Mountain Road should you decide that you want to do just the more “user friendly” trail segment. There is no parking available at the northern most trailhead.

This trail loses points only because of its poor surface condition between Main Street to Fox Mountain Road. At only 3.2 miles in length I wouldn’t drive a long way to experience this trail. But if you’re on Route 17 in the immediate area it’s worth the stop in, especially since this trail’s days might be numbered."