D & H Canal Heritage Corridor (O&W Rail-Trail)

Sandwiched between the Hudson River and the Catskill Mountains near the busy US Route 209 corridor, this trail has a little something for everyone. The Delaware & Hudson Canal Heritage Corridor (D & H Canal), which contains the Ontario and Western Rail-Trail (O & W Rail-Trail), has a southern end with a natural surface that welcomes equestrians, walkers, mountain bikers and winter sports enthusiasts. The northern 2 miles adjacent to US 209 are asphalt and add inline skaters, road bikers and wheelchair users to the mix.

The D & H Canal was built in the 1820s to bring coal from the mountains of Pennsylvania to New York City markets. Laborers used picks and shovels to dig the 108-mile system. The canal operated until 1898 when it made the transition to faster and year-round rail transportation.

Entering the trail from the south, off Rest Plaus Road in Marbletown, you are surrounded by a dense forest of primarily deciduous trees native to the area. Farmland is occasionally visible through the wood line.

The hamlet of High Falls, at approximately mile 2, provides intriguing off-trail diversions. The D & H Canal Museum is just a block east from where the trail crosses State Route 213. There are also interesting shops and restaurants. Art galleries, antique shops, cafes and B&Bs can be found along the village's tree-lined streets.

The trail stretches through more wooded terrain, with occasional glimpses of the Catskill Mountains to the west. Reaching US Route 209, the trail turns to run parallel to the roadway and is paved for 2.1 miles. Landscaping (trees and shrubs separating the trail from the busy highway) is maintained by area businesses and civic organizations. Eagle Scouts have constructed kiosks and benches along this section of the trail.

The D & H Canal Corridor Heritage Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the Delaware & Hudson Canal towpaths and the Ontario & Western Railway for recreation, is working to open additional miles of this historic pathway.

To reach Marbletown, from US Route 209, turn onto Old Kings Highway. At a fork in the road proceed straight onto Rest Plaus Road. This location doesn't have parking.

To reach the trailhead in Kingston, proceed south on US Route 209. Just after crossing the bridge over Esopus Creek, you will see trailhead parking on the left.