D & H Canal Heritage Corridor (O&W Rail-Trail):
New York
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Description:
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.

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Parking & Trail Access:
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.

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Reviews: [0 trail ratings]
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Large Hill North of 213 where bridge used to be
By clflamm in November, 2011
Hi, I saw that this hill is already mentioned. I have a a suggestion (would love to know where to send it) It's very difficult to walk down with a bike and a very bad idea to ride down. I would suggest putting a railing of some sort to hold on to as you walk down to control the pace and weight. The other hand can then hold the bike. It would make the ride possible. As it is now I'd want to turn back at that point. Thanks
Beware!
By junem in March, 2008
This trail is fabulous but beware if you have dogs or young children...there is barbed wire fencing on either side of trail...some of it is old railroad fencing that is still there..some of it is just people who have private property and are trying to keep people out...one barbed wire is actually crossing a stream...my dog went over that wire last fall and it cost me $1300.00 in veterinary bills...so unless your dog is extremely obedient, I wouldn't risk him/her off leash...
Dangerous hill
By B COLE in October, 2007
"The part the past Cottakill road to Leggett road has very dangerous hill where once a rail road bridge was.
Do not ride down hill. It is very easy to fall. It is very poorily designed. "
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