Old Erie Path:
New York
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Description:
These three contiguous trails—the Raymond G. Esposito Memorial Trail, Old Erie Path and Joseph B. Clark Trail—occupy the former right-of-way of the Erie Railroad's Nyack and Piermont Branch. Each trail is fairly short but taken together they make for a wonderful experience along the banks of the Hudson River.

The 3-mile Old Erie Path has a rougher surface than its neighboring Esposito Trail, but is suitable for walking and for hybrid or mountain biking. In contrast to the prior mile along roads and homes, this path is more remote. The railroad bed was cut into the side of steep hills that drop into the Hudson River, so trail users have a spectacular view across the wide river. Homeowners, many of them high above or downhill from the corridor, access the trail by way of creative engineering: hillside stairways with handrails fashioned from the limbs of native trees, as well as decorative archways and gates on intricate pulley systems.

In Piermont the trail curves west away from the river. Just before the trail crosses Hudson Terrace, you'll find the restored Piermont train station, which houses information on the area's railroad history. Then the Old Erie Path begins a 1-mile long, densely wooded, gentle descent into the town of Sparkill, where it meets the 2.8-mile Joseph B. Clark Trail.

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Parking & Trail Access:
Street parking is available in Nyack, Piermont, and Sparkill. The most convenient parking is at the intersection of Cedar Hill Avenue and Franklin Street in Nyack. From here, the trail travels south. You can also access the trail from the Raymond G. Esposito Trail or the Joseph B. Clarke Rail Trail.

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Seasonal Restrictions:
None.
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Reviews: [0 trail ratings]
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A Palisades gem!
By Fred in March, 2002
"This is one of the best rail trails in the metropolitan NYC area. The best time to travel this trail is from late fall to early spring to take advantage of the open views of the Hudson River, Piermont, the Tappan Zee Bridge and Westchester. Earlier in the fall, the views are more restricted, but the foliage is gorgeous. The southern end of the trail connects with the Joseph B Clarke Rail Trail, and the northern end connects with the Raymond G Esposito Bikeway. The Long Path crosses the trail at Ash St in Piermont and a loop hike can be made by connecting with the Long Path in Nyack at Highland Ave (less than 1/2 mile west -uphill - from the Cedar Hill Ave end of the RG Esposito Bikeway.

Take time to appreciate the architecture of many of the houses above and below the trail on the steep embankments in Grandview and Piermont. Also avail yourself of the many restaurants and shops in the picturesque village of Piermont.

Rates a 9 out of 10!

-Fred"
Don't Miss It!
By Tony in February, 2002
"This is one of the best biking trails near NYC. I bike here at least 2 times per month and I never tire of the scenery. The best seasons to bike on this trail are late fall, winter and early spring. The foliage is light then, which permits you to easily view the Hudson River and Westchester County, NY.

The trail is very easy to find, there's plenty of free and safe parking, and restaurants are nearby for your after ride dining pleasure. There are even two top-notch bike shops close at hand if you need a quick repair. One shop is in Piermont, the other in Nyack.

Quick connections to Nyack Beach State Park trails and the Joseph B. Clarke Rail Trail are possible. The Clarke trail is directly connected; travel on local streets will be necessary for Nyack Beach State Park riders.

Don’t miss this trail under any circumstances.

Write to me for more details if you’d like to."
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