This trail's lack of steep hills and sharp turns were a tremendous help when I was learning how to use in-line skates. I like how the scenery and shading changes from one end to the other, from full sun, into cool, shady woods, and then back into full sun. Some of you may have wondered, as I have, why the trail ends abruptly at Airplane Park in Monroe, and the reasons are many. There were contract issues with Norfolk Southern, who raised the price of the abandoned railway in this section to $1.25 million (source, Times Herald Record), forcing the county to lease this section instead, using federal grant money. There were also issues with people in Harriman, particularly the mayor, not wanting the trail to pass through their village, maybe for privacy reasons, maybe for concern about increased traffic, who knows? So, these major points nonwithstanding, here are some benefits and challenges that I observed when I hiked the unfinished portion from Airplane Park to River Road. Benefits: The trail would pass directly through the center of downtown Monroe, in between Lake Street and Spring Street, and over the railroad tressle (the one that has endeared itself to the community with charming graffiti that reads, "The Loacher" and "Spanky Lives"). This would provide easy access to the trail, easy parking from Millpond Parkway, and increased business for nearby stores selling refreshments and snacks. Slightly further along, the trail comes within easy walking distance from Smith-Clove Park. Trial users could simply walk off the trail near the convenience store across the street from the entrance to the park. After this, the trail passes through dark, shady woods that have been all but forgotten for many years. There are still old, rusty cars alongside the trail here, and assorted trash that would need to be cleaned up, but nothing major. Finally, the trail would terminate at River Road, near Mary Harriman Memorial Park, within moderate walking distance of some small restaurants, and further north, the Home Depot shopping center. Should the trail continue further than River Road, I have no idea what path it would follow, as it would seem to go directly through Nepera chemical property. This would put it very close to Harriman State Park, and once it came within shooting range of HSP, the possibilities are immense. I have read some articles proposing connection to another, future trail paralleling 17 to Suffern called Ramapo River Greenway Trail, which would probably be quite pleasant except for all of the smelly, noisy industrial activity on the southern end. OK, so now for the challenges, starting from Airplane Park. Firstly, the trail seems to disappear in the section of land in between Millpond Parkway and Anderson Place. The lumber yard used the abandoned railway as their own storage space for lumber as well as for assorted debris. This section is also quite swampy, and seems to run into more complications with an apartment complex - is this private land? Smooth sailing through downtown and over the Loacher and Spanky bridge, then possibly some privacy issues with residential properties near Smith-Clove Park, and some drainage and mosquito problems as you approach River Road. Nothing that federal stimulus money couldn't fix. Hint hint!

I was just reviewing my blog and, with all of my talk about Goshen, I realized that I, as well as everyone else, omitted one important piece of information concerning the trail. If you are new to this trail and parking on the Goshen side, simply go to the center of town where the Presbeterian church is and look for the Berkshire bank. The parking lot for the trail is along the side of it and the trail is right there. A sign is now posted indicating that this is where the trail terminates. As others have noted, just a some blocks away, the trail extends a couple of miles further.

I previously gave a very negative review of the Goshan section of this trail. I continue to stand by that review. Nothing has changed and the 5 corner intersection in the middle of town combined with the zig zaggy nature of the roads leads to some confusion. Especially when a local tells you to go th the center of town, near the church (there are several) and take a left. With 5 intersecting roads, there are 2 possible lefts. At least I now know the area from experience--but as others, I AVOID THE HERITAGE SECTION NORTH OF GOSHEN LIKE THE PLAGUE AND ASSERT THAT THE TOWN SHOULD PROVIDE AMPLE ACCESS AND EGRESS AS WELL AS GOOD DIRECTIONS THROUGH THE TOWN TO THE CONTINUATION OF THE TRAIL.

The good part is that from Goshen to Monroe is a beautifull and easy ride which passes the Erie RR museum, open from 11:00 am until 1:00pm every saturday during the warm months. Although I am used to more agressive cycle trips which include actual hills, this is a pleasant ride over rr bridges, through the shade of overhanging trees, a cooling rest at an old cemetary right at trailside, and a stop at the Burger King in Monroe (also soft ice cream) before heading back to Goshen.

On the way back, there is a great ice cream shop in Chester, near the Erie RR museum, and you can end the trip with a great lunch or dinner in any one of a number of nice restaurants in Goshen.

If you are a cyclist with a date who is not, this may be a great choice for their first trip--or for a family outing--or, like me, just for something pleasent to do on a saturday morning which is better than vegging in front of TV.

Have a nice one.