By davidson02 in September, 2011
I road the section of trail between Grand Gorge and Hobart, and it couldn't have been more beautiful. Late summer wildflowers were blooming all along the trail, the sun was warm, the breeze cool, and the scent of hay and freshly cut grass was everywhere. There were a number of muddy/boggy areas left over from Hurricane Irene, but nothing even my hybrid couldn't handle--and since I judge the quality of the ride by the amount of trail I'm wearing at the end, the mud was no issue.
The trail was marked closed just past Stamford, and though I don't typically ignore such signs, I did today, and I'm glad of it. There was no problem until Hobart, where I was planning to stop for lunch anyhow. They were rehabing the trail for a short stretch there and the trail turned to very loose soil and large, loose stones, so I had to get off and walk. It had obviously washed out in the storm. I cut up a lane into "downtown" Hobart for a bite at The Coffee Pot, which was the only open place in town. Great diner fare, though.
To get to Grand Gorge from Windham, I went up to County Road 10 to avoid the section of Route 23 that is closed between Ashland and Prattsville. No problems there.
I HIGHLY recommend riding this trail. I had a grand time and didn't see a soul, if you don't count the cows in one of the bordering pastures.
By youker in June, 2011
6/5/2011 I did a short piece from Stamford to Hobart and it was alright with a hybrid bike. However there are short rough patches, some with soft deep sand and some with bumpy stones. It is a lovely area and I will do more on my next trip north. Youker
By LBcutie in June, 2011
Loved this trail!
We traveled to the Catskills to hike some peaks and bike this trail. We started in Stamford and biked to Great Gorge as was suggested in the book. The trail was in good shape for a mountain or cross terrain bikes. Touring bikes would have had a harder time with the soft ground, grassy areas, mud and water puddles after the snowy winter and rainy spring. It was May and the wild flowers were prolific along the 12 mile round trip. After returning to Stamford we were able to enjoy a wonderful lunch at T.P.'s Cafe on Railroad Street which is open for brunch and lunch every day but Monday's. There was a wonderful ice-cream place just around the corner on Main St. to sate any sweet desires! Can't wait to come back and do the other part of the trail!
A great reason to visit the Catskills!
Laura Enos