Rail-Trail
State: NJ Length: 2 miles Surface: Concrete, Sand
The 2-mile Bayshore Trail is known as the Atlantic Highlands segment of the Henry Hudson Trail. It extends from the marina on 1st Avenue in Atlantic Highlands to the end of Bayside Drive in Highlands, following an abandoned rail corridor along a steep, forested hillside. Sandy Hook Bay is on the north, making this trail, although short, a scenic little exploration. The Bayshore Trail doesn't connect directly with the Henry Hudson Trail; to do that, you must pass through residential streets for just under a mile. From the west end of the Bayshore Trail, head west on Bay Avenue and turn left on D Avenue to a right on Kennedy Court. If you go under Rt 36, you've gone too far. The Bayshore Trail is paved on the west end in Atlantic Highlands. On the east end, however, the surface is hard-packed cinder and sand. From the Highlands end, you can follow the streets about 1.5 miles to the Sandy Hook Bike Path (coming soon to TrailLink.com).
State: NJ Length: 2.60 miles Surface: Asphalt
The 2.8-mile eastern phase of the Bedminster Hike and Bikeway allows pedestrians and cyclists to safely traverse part of Bedminster Township by crossing over I-287 and US 206/202 via a series of three bridges. The trail runs between The Hills development and River Road Park and links residential areas with schools, business districts and parks. Begin on the corner of Main and Elm streets in Bedford village (near the "Old School") and follow the trail past the elementary school to Miller Lane Park. From here, the trail follows the Albert Winkler/Herbert Snyder Nature Trail, goes around the pond and heads for River Road Park, ending at Robertson Drive. Along the trail you will find more than 40 species of trees and perennial plants, which are marked with signs for identification.
State: NJ Length: 2.10 miles Surface: Ballast, Cinder
The Berkshire Valley Management Area Trail passes through hardwood forests and affords views of the valley below to the right. Equestrians must have a NJ Wildlife Permit, which is available from NJ DEP for a fee. What is now the trail was once a connector to the Ogden Mine Railroad, which originally terminated at Nolan's Point on Lake Hopatcong from its journey from Edison (formerly Ogden) and the mines. From Nolan's Point, the ore was shipped via boat across Lake Hopatcong to the Morris Canal then shipped to points east. Following the advent of the railroad, the canal connection became obsolete, and an extension, called the Hopatcong Railroad, was constructed southbound from Nolan's Point to near Lake Junction, connecting with the Wharton and Northern Railroad.
State: NY Length: 12.50 miles Surface: Asphalt
The Bethpage Bikeway is one of Long Island's most popular trails. It connects Merrick Road in Massapequa with Bethpage State Park, and includes additional trail north to Trail View State Park in Woodbury. There are a few parkway exit crossings and a few moderately busy street crossings but safe for families with kids. All crossings are clearly marked, and drivers are generally courteous and alert. A major road crossing at Sunrise Highway, near the trail's southern end, has a stop light and crossing lane for safety.
State: NJ Length: 2.30 miles Surface: Dirt
In the mid 1800s Chester, New Jersey, was the home of the iron ore industry; railroads shipped the ore all over the county. With the end of the industry, however, the rail lines were abandoned, turned into trails, and the area is now managed by the Morris County Park Commission. The Black River County Park Trail is a poignant reminder of the once industrial nature of what has became a beautiful, unspoiled river valley. This trail follows the Black River and passes by the northern section of Hacklebarney Pond. It was donated in 1962 by Elizabeth Kay and many other private landowners. From Cooper Mill, follow the Black River Trail's blue blazes downstream, arriving at where an old trestle of the Hacklebarney Mine Railroad spanned the river. Keep following the blue blazes, which soon join the railroad right-of-way. Eventually you arrive at Kay's Pond below old mine areas on the slope to the left. Beyond the pond is the refurbished dam and the Hacklebarney mine site, which are chained off. From here, the trail follows the obscure right-of-way of the former Langdon Mine Railroad. The Patriot's Path turns away from here just before a former bridge site over the Black River. The crossing is obscure, and the abutments heavily deteriorated. For more information on Chester area rail trails, visit www.njskylands.com/odhikerail.htm. Patriot's Path continues south and has several spur trails leading to and around Elizabeth D. Kay Environmental Education Center, Bamboo Brook Outdoor Education Center and Willowood Arboretum. In Willowood Arboretum, the trail once again follows a railway, the former Rockaway Valley Railroad (1888-1916).
State: NJ Length: 4 miles Surface: Ballast
This trail goes through the Black River Wildlife Management area along streambeds and forest. Equestrians must have a NJ Wildlife Permit, which is available from NJ DEP for a fee. The trail follows the right-of-way of the former Chester Branch of the Delaware, Lackawanna, and Western Railroad, from Chester Station to Ironia. The main spine of the Patriot's Path (white blazes), as well as the Liberty-Water Gap Trail, also follows much of this route. The trail leads from west to east through Black River WMA on the south side of an extensive wetland sorrounding the Black River. The white blazes of the Patriot's Path depart to the right and ascend to the community of Ironia. Patriot's Path continues east to terminate in West Essex Park in Livingston, and east to Stephens State Park in Hackettstown area. Plans are under way to open the rail bed to Horseshoe Lake Park in Succasunna across water authority property.
State: NJ Length: 2.50 miles Surface: Asphalt, Concrete
This 2.1-mile long paved path runs directly adjacent to (about 30-40 feet off of) the Boulevard in Mountain Lakes, NJ, and follows the exact route of a former trolley line operated by the Morris County Traction Company. While more similar to a sidewalk than a traditional off-road rail-trail, this path still provides an ideal surface and a safe alternative away from motor vehicles for walkers, runners, bicyclists, in-line skaters and the disabled. In addition to being a great place to exercise, the path serves as a history tour. It has breathtaking views of the many Colonial, Georgian and Spanish-style homes which are on the Boulevard, many with lawns that reach back to the lakes that give the borough of Mountain Lakes its name. The pathway is known as a cool place in the hot summer months, with its large old shade trees, along with towering rhododendrons and mountain laurel, offering plenty of shade.
State: NY Length: 12 miles Surface: Asphalt, Dirt, Grass
The Briarcliff-Peekskill Trailway is a 12-mile linear park that runs from the town of Ossining north to Westchester County's Blue Mountain Reservation in Peekskill. The trail is built on land orginally acquired in 1929 by the Westchester Parkway Commission for the construction of the Briarcliff Peekskill Parkway. Construction of the parkway, however, was confined to an area between Route 117 in Pleasantville and the New York State National Guard Armory in Ossining. In 1977, the remaining right-of-way was re-designated a trailway. The trailway affords walkers many beautiful vistas along the way, including views of water cascading over the magnificent stone spillway at Westchester County's Croton Gorge Park and a view of the Hudson River from the 560-foot high Spitzenberg Mountain at Blue Mountain Reservation. For more information and brochures of Westchester County operated trails, call the Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation at 914-864-PARK, or write the Department at 25 Moore Avenue, Mount Kisco, NY 10549.
State: NY Length: 16.30 miles Surface: Asphalt, Concrete, Dirt
The Bronx River Greenway will one day stretch 23 miles along the river through New York's Westchester and Bronx counties. Currently, about 16 miles of the trail are complete in disconnected segments largely paralleling the Bronx River Parkway. The pathway is part of the Bronx River Reservation, an 807-acre linear park that was established when the Bronx River Parkway was being built. The road opened in 1925.
State: NJ Length: 11.30 miles Surface: Asphalt, Ballast, Concrete, Crushed Stone
The Columbia Trail strings together forests, farms and parklands as it stretches 11 miles among the small towns of High Bridge, Califon and Long Valley. Most of the corridor parallels the South Branch of the Raritan River. After passenger trains and rail cars laden with iron ore ceased running this line, the Columbia Gas company constructed a pipeline under the former rail bed. It then transferred the surface rights to the parks departments of Hunterdon and Morris counties for a recreational trail. The trail starts in High Bridge near the center of town. Several lightly traveled side streets intersect the corridor before you encounter woodlands and the banks of the Raritan River, considered one of the state's premier fly-fishing trout streams. In approximately 0.25 mile from the starting point, the Taylor Steelworkers' Historical Greenway, a 6.25-mile hiking trail through historic sites, intersects the Columbia Trail on the right. After about 2 miles, the trail enters the magnificent Ken Lockwood Gorge, where steep slopes reveal rapid water and dramatic rock formations. A naturalist's dream, the gorge is named for the late outdoor writer and conservationist. The surrounding hardwood forest makes for a particularly colorful autumn, and in spring wildflowers brighten the landscape. Black bears have been spotted in the area, though far less frequently than whitetailed deer, raccoons, coyotes, foxes, squirrels and chipmunks. The tiny borough of Califon boasts 170 structures on the National Register of Historic Places, including the restored railroad station. The station, built entirely of stone, houses the Califon Historical Society. The area mills gained prominence for furnishing central New Jersey's thriving agricultural industry with wooden slat baskets, commonly known as peach baskets. Homes in the Victorian village are marked with the date of construction and t
State: NY Length: 3.10 miles Surface: Asphalt
The Cross Island Parkway Trail closely follows its namesake thoroughfare through northeastern Queens. From its northern end, you will soon enter Little Bay Park, which offers lovely views of the Throgs Neck Bridge and the bay. If you get thirsty or hungry mid-trail, a snack bar is available at the Bayside Marina, a pleasant place to rest with scenic views of the water, sailboats and open sky. Further south, two adjacent parks, John Golden Park and Crocheron Park, offer picturesque scenery, places to picnic and athletic fields. The trail ends at the doorstep to Alley Pond Park, which encompasses a diverse mix of marsh, forest and meadow habitats. Visit the park's Alley Pond Environmental Center (228-06 Northern Boulevard) to extend your journey on its nature trails or to learn more about the area and its wildlife through the center's educational programming.
State: NY Length: 1 miles Surface: Cinder, Gravel
The City of Port Jervis is the latest community to save a portion of the former D&H Canal and turn it into a greenway for use by residents and visitors. A section of the canal, which is approximately one mile long, has been cleared and opened for hiking and biking. Additional work is planned including more clearing of trees and debris in the canal. Aside from the section behind a strip mall near the Metro-North train station, the canal walkway is entirely on publicly owned land or byways. The canal bed near the train station was destroyed years ago and what is left of the bank is privately owned and not accessible. The walkway was rerouted onto West Main Street until it turns northward onto Canal Street. The trail is marked with 4" x 4" metal signs with the letters "D&H" embossed in burgundy on a white background. The restoration and creation of this greenway was made possible through the efforts of The Office of the Mayor in cooperation with the Department of Public Works, the Minisink Valley Historical Society, the National Park Service and the Delaware and Hudson Transportation Heritage Council. Dogs are not permitted on any portion of the publicly owned canal towpath.
State: NY Length: 1 miles Surface: Crushed Stone, Dirt, Grass
Owned by the County of Orange and maintained by the Orange County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation, the D&H Canal Park is a 300-acre park with a one mile section of the Delaware and Hudson Canal (1825-1898) and a number of historic canal-era buildings. A National Historic Landmark, the D&H Canal Park is open every day from dawn to dusk. Park visitors can: Walk, bike, and cross country ski along the D&H Canal Towpath Trail; fish in the Neversink River; picnic or barbeque at the D&H Canal Park Visitor Center; or visit the Neversink Valley Area Museum. Rest rooms are available at the Visitor Center.
State: NY Length: 6 miles Surface: Ballast, Cinder, Dirt, Grass
The Bashakill Wildlife Management Area is located on the Orange County-Sullivan County border just south of Wurtsboro, New York. It consists of over 3,000 acres of wetlands and uplands which were acquired by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) with funds from the 1972 Bond Act. The landscape offers scenic views and an unmatched natural setting for hiking, canoeing, birdwatching and fishing. Above all, it is a place to breathe deeply, to feel the beauty and peace of a unique, unspoiled place in nature. Within the boundaries of Bashakill you'll come across remnants of the old Delaware and Hudson Canal and New York, Ontario and Western Railway's Port Jervis to Kingston branch. The former towpath is suitable for walking, cross country skiing, and bicycling. However, the old railroad bed has not been graded nor have railroad ties been removed. Therefore, some walkers and bicyclists might have difficulty negotiating much of it. Operating any motorized vehicle within the Wildlife Management Area except on access roads and designated parking areas is prohibited. The NY State Department of Environmental Conservation may eject any person from the Wildlife Management Area for behavior that endangers the general safety of persons on the Area or interferes with the management and use of the Area's natural resources. Printed information about the Area may be obtained from the NY State DEC Bureau of Wildlife, Region 3 Office, 21 South Putt Corners, New Paltz, NY 12561.
State: NJ Length: 68 miles Surface: Crushed Stone, Gravel
Note: Periodically parts of the trail become impassable from floods and other damage. For updates on trail conditions, visit the Canal State Park website. The Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail follows the towpath of the canal, which was built in the early 1830s as a transportation corridor between Philadelphia and New York. Along the route you'll find 19th-century bridges and bridge-tender houses, remnants of locks, cobblestone spillways and hand built stone-arch culverts. You can even rent canoes at Griggstown and Princeton if you prefer the water route. The upper portion of the feeder canal follows the Delaware River through many old towns with historical significance. In Trenton, the U-shaped trail has a gap between Mulberry Street and Southard Street. South of Trenton, a disconnected segment runs between John A. Roebling Memorial Park and Hamilton Marshes.
State: CT Length: 1.85 miles Surface: Asphalt
The Derby Greenway runs between Division Street and Main Street, paralleling the Naugatuck and Housatonic rivers. The trail runs on top of a flood control dyke for the rivers; a portion of it goes across O'Sullivan's Island. One of the centerpieces of the trail is the footbridge on the Housatonic side from which you get great views of the river. The Derby Greenway will eventually be part of the larger Naugatuck Valley Greenway. The trail will eventually cross the Naugatuck River to Shelton. In addition, the town of Ansonia is currently designing sections that will be linked to the Derby Greenway. The trail is open from dawn to dusk.
State: NY Length: 10.60 miles Surface: Asphalt, Gravel
As of 2012, the Dutchess Rail Trail is nearly complete, extending between Morgan Lake in Poughkeepsie and the restored Hopewell Depot in Hopewell Junction. Currently, the trail is in two segments: A 2.4-mile segment runs between Overocker Road in Poughkeepsie and Morgan Lake, while another 8 miles runs between Railroad Avenue (at the Hopewell Depot) and County Road 49 (Old Manchester Road) just behind Page Hardware & Lumber in LaGrange. Yet to be built is a bridge over SR 55 (Manchester Road) and the rest of the trail to link at Overocker Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2012. At the southern end of the trail, the Hopewell Depot is worth a visit., with a small photo gallery and plenty of information about the trail as well as area attractions.
State: NY Length: 3.70 miles Surface: Asphalt
The East River Bikeway is part of the larger Manhattan Waterfront Greenway, which incorporates the Hudson River Greenway the Harlem River Greenway and the East River Esplanade (the latter two coming soon to TrailLink.com). Together the four trails comprise a 32-mile path that circles the island of Manhattan (with some on-road segments). The East River Bikeway section runs along its namesake river between the Governor's Island Ferry terminal and E. 37th Street. To continue to the East River Esplanade segment, you'll have to follow an on-road detour around the United Nations between E. 37th and E. 63rd streets. View the greenway map for more details.
State: NY Length: 2 miles Surface: Asphalt, Concrete
The Eastern Parkway Trail is a 2-mile route along a tree-lined boulevard in Brooklyn's Crown Heights neighborhood. The path begins at Prospect Park, which houses some of Brooklyn's most popular attractions, including the Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Prospect Park Zoo. Lincoln Terrace Park, at the trail's eastern end, offers tennis and basketball courts, a baseball diamond, and playgrounds.
State: NY Length: 2.70 miles Surface: Woodchips
The Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk follows Staten Island's eastern shore from Miller Field -- a recreational area for sports, picnicking and bird watching -- to Fort Wadsworth. Highlights of the trail include spectacular views of the Verrazano Bridge, the Atlantic Ocean and South Beach.
State: NJ Length: 3 miles Surface: Ballast, Cinder, Dirt
This trail is in an area rich in geological history. Zinc and Iron Ores were transported along this branch from mines in the area that operated for over 200 years. The trail is scenic with a slight uphill climb. In Ogdensburg you can experience a mine first-hand. At Sterling Hill tours of the mine are at 1pm and 3pm daily with an additional tour at 11am on weekends. The mine is closed weekdays in December and March and is completely closed during January and February. Call (973) 209 7212. Another interesting attraction in the area is the Franklin Mineral Museum. Call (973) 827-3481 for more information.
State: NJ Length: 24 miles Surface: Asphalt, Gravel, Sand
The 22-mile trail traverses a relatively flat grade, traveling through a varied urban and natural environment. The tree-lined trail passes among wetlands, streams and fields and is divided into two sections: the northern and southern sections. The two sections are not yet linked but you can follow an on-road route to connect. Northern Section: This 12-mile section travels east to west, from the Aberdeen-Keyport border to the Middletown-Atlantic Highlands border. It roughly parallels Route 36 (to the north). Plans are underway to develop an on-street bicycle route that connects Popamora Point to the Highlands Bridge at Sandy Hook. The section from Earle Pier east to Popamora Point is also known locally as the Bayshore Trail but is now part of the Henry Hudson Trail system. It's about 2 miles (of the total 12) and only part is paved; the rest is quarry dust. Southern Section: This section, referred to locally as the Monmouth Heritage Trail, runs approximately 5 miles from Freehold to Marlboro (at Stevenson Road near Big Brook Park) then picks up again at Station Road, about 1 mile north. From Station Road the trail continues another 5 miles (appx.) to Aberdeen at Church Street. This final section will eventually be linked to the northern portion of trail. As of now, an on-street bicycle route connects Church Street to the Matawan Train Station. The section between Texas Road (in Matawan) and Greenwood Road (in Marlboro) has been temporarily closed while the county undertakes an environmental clean-up. The section is expected to open again in April 2011. The trail is open from dawn to dusk. Dog must be on a leash. There is one restroom in Atlantic Highlands at the Henry Hudson Trail Activity Center on Route 36, open every day from 8 a.m. to 1/2-hour before dusk. There are no other restooms or water fountains on the trail itself.
State: NY Length: 11.50 miles Surface: Asphalt, Crushed Stone
Much of the Heritage Trail, a.k.a. the Orange Heritage Trail, sails past wide fields of corn and wheat. The right-of-way is 11.5 miles, but a gap in the west end creates two distinct trails, a 9.1-mile paved section and a 2.4-mile unpaved segment. With the exception of the 0.5-mile, on-road detour in between, there are only a few street crossings, making this an ideal destination for families with young children. The longer portion of the Heritage Trail starts in Monroe at Crane Park, also called Airplane Park for the old Saber fighter jet in a corner of the park along Mill Pond Parkway. The smooth pavement here draws bicyclists, inline skaters, wheelchair users and parents with strollers. Just beyond the park, Orange-Rockland Lake dominates the view to the right. The park-and-ride lot along Orange and Rockland Road makes the trail an excellent active transportation corridor for commuters taking public transit. In the village of Chester is a restored stone-façade train station that serves as the Chester Depot Museum. Shops in the village offer mid-trip refreshments. Before you reach the village, you pass an old cemetery with weathered headstones dating to the 1800s. Between Chester and Goshen, the trail is lined with trees as it passes through farmland and wood lots and by residential developments. The road detour begins with the end of the trail's paved section at St. James Place in Goshen. The traffic control signals and crosswalks make the detour easy to see. Follow the long narrow parking lot for two blocks, crossing Bruen Place and Greenwich Avenue. After crossing Greenwich Avenue, proceed as straight as possible to cross West Maine Street at the well-marked pedestrian crosswalk. Cross Grand Street at the pedestrian crosswalk and proceed on the sidewalk to cross Grant Street. Proceed around the right side of the restored railroad depot, which now serves as the Goshen police station. Follow Railroad Avenue around a townhouse development to connect to
State: NY Length: 1.50 miles Surface: Ballast, Concrete, Grass
Start spreading the news about New York City's innovative new public park. The High Line rail-trail is an urban marvel, stretching 1.5 miles and towering almost 30 feet above street level through several neighborhoods in the lower west side of Manhattan. The first section of the High Line was opened in 2009 and runs approximately 10 blocks from Gansevoort Street to the north entrance at 20th Street. The second section of the High Line, from 20th Street to 30th Street, opened in June 2011 and doubled the length of the current trail. For updates on future sections, visit the High Line Trail online. The corridor was built in the 1930s to remove rail traffic from streets bustling with industry. The elevated design improved street-level safety and allowed freight cars to roll directly into the buildings so that workers could load livestock and meats at the slaughterhouses and agricultural goods at factories and warehouses. The corridor fell into disuse in 1980. While owners of property under the High Line lobbied—unsuccessfully—to level the structure and make way for development, the neglected corridor quietly turned into an overgrown natural landscape. In 1999 Chelsea residents Joshua David and Robert Hammond founded an organization to preserve the demolition-bound corridor as a public park. Friends of the High Line waged a hard-won battle that resulted in the support of city officials, and in 2005 the transfer of High Line ownership from the CSX Rail company to New York City. To experience the High Line is to have a rare view of the city skyline and the Hudson River, with the amenities (and restrictions) of a popular public park. The finished portion of the greenway artfully incorporates characteristics of the old corridor. Sections of original railroad track are visible in the concrete slab designs that make up the surface of the path. Other sections of the trail reveal original art-deco steel railings pa
State: NY Length: 4.90 miles Surface: Asphalt, Ballast, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Gravel
While not a "rail-trail," the Hook Mountain/Nyack Beach Bikeway is a very scenic trail along the Hudson River in Rockland County. The southern half of this trail is flat and runs right along the river at sea level. It is wheelchair accessible from the parking lot at Nyack Beach State Park and even beginner bicyclists can easily travel on it. There is a paved connection to the Rockland Lake State Park area from this trail. The northern half of the trail is hilly, narrow and quite rocky. It runs along the cliffs and should only be ridden by experienced bicyclists riding bikes in good condition. Great views of the Hudson River and Palisades Cliffs rock formations are available from either trail segment. If you live in the Rockland County area this trail shouldn't be missed.
State: CT Length: 5 miles Surface: Asphalt, Cinder, Crushed Stone
The Housatonic Rail-Trail in Trumble, a.k.a., the Pequonnock Valley Greenway, offers a shady respite from suburban Trumbull, this fairly flat trail overlooks the winding Pequonnock River for much of its 3.4 miles. Rapids and distinctive rock outcrops add interest. The trail begins on the railroad corridor, strays from it, then returns to emerge at Old Mine Park. The trail starts at Tait Road with an asphalt entryway up a short hill. From the signboard near Whitney Avenue to the Monroe town line, the trail is paved with asphalt. The segment through the Pequonnock River Valley has a smooth stone dust surface. Because Route 25 crosses the original railroad right-of-way, there is a short hill to climb in Parlor Rock Park (an early 20th-century amusement area) to access the wooden bridge under Route 25. Through Old Mine Park, the trail parallels the park entry road. (Note: Trummbull restricts parking to residents and issues tickets to vehicles without a Trumball parking sticker.) Use caution when crossing busy Route 111/Monroe Turnpike. Shortly after Route 111, the trail splits: the original trail, which is a rough dirt and gravel surface, continues straight. A newer paved trail involves a climb, bears right and ends just before the Victorinox property in Monroe. From Victorinox, turn left and cross through the parking lot. Just after crossing a bridge, turn left on the dirt surface to resume the trail to Maple Drive. To continue on the Monroe segment of the rail-trail, follow Maple Drive to Purdy Hill Road; turn right and go a short distance. The trail continues on the left across from the animal shelter.
State: CT Length: 4.20 miles Surface: Asphalt, Crushed Stone
The Housatonic Rail-Trail in Monroe is a northern continuation of the Trumbull segment of the rail-trail. Locals refer to it as the Monroe Housatonic Railbed Trail. The 4.3-mile trail is largely forested and is a convenient bike route to William E. Wolfe Park. Visiting rail-trail users also gravitate around the park, which centers on Great Hollow Lake's attractive sand beach and swimming area, restrooms and picnic tables. Non-motorized boating is permitted on the 16-acre lake, and a paved pedestrian-only walking path circles its shoreline. The Housatonic trailhead is accessible via the entrance road to the lake, just off the left shoulder at a bend in the road. You'll need to purchase a day-use sticker to park here. The rail-trail's crushed stone surface is generally compact enough even for wheelchair use. Watch for traces of the Housatonic Railroad, one of New England's first rail lines, which carried passengers and freight between Monroe and Bridgeport. The most notable remnant is a stone-arch bridge, on the Connecticut List of Historic Places. Also note the drill holes amid cuts blasted through solid rock for the rail corridor. The rail-trail crosses area roads several times and includes a short on-road detour at the stone-arch bridge near the trail midpoint. You'll veer through a residential cul-de-sac then turn left and follow Pepper Street for 0.25 mile before rejoining the trail. At the 4-mile mark, you'll cross Pepper Street for the last time. After another 0.25 mile, you'll reach trail's end at a large dirt pile on the Newtown town line.
State: NY Length: 11 miles Surface: Asphalt, Concrete
By far the biggest car-free bicycle and pedestrian path New York City has ever seen, the Hudson River Greenway is a continuous 11-mile route between Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan and the Little Red Lighthouse underneath the George Washington Bridge. The trail passes through Hudson River Park, Riverside Park South, Riverside Park and Fort Washington Park.
State: NJ Length: 1.50 miles Surface: Concrete
The Hudson River Waterfront Walkway is a 1.5 mile walkway along the bank of the Hudson River in Jersey City. The walkway offers stunning views of Manhattan as well as access to a number of ferries and hotels.
State: NY Length: 2.20 miles Surface: Asphalt, Concrete
The Hutchinson River Greenway offers a convenient alternative to the Hutchinson River Parkway, which it closely follows. Although adjacent to the busy thoroughfare, trees have been planted along the route to help beautify the path and trail-goers can also catch glimpses of the river on their journey. If you wish to continue south to Ferry Point Park to enjoy spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline and the waterfront, a bike lane along Brush Avenue will take you there. Future plans include extending the trail north to Co-op City, a sprawling residential area, and Pelham Bay Park, an expansive natural area of marsh and forest habitat.
State: NY Length: 10 miles Surface: Dirt
The Hyde Park Trail is a 10-mile system connecting national historic sites, town parks and nature preserves in Hyde Park, New York. The trail connects the national historic sites of Vanderbilt Mansion, Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Eleanor Roosevelt ("Val-Kill"). The Hyde Park Trail is the first designated section of the Hudson River Valley Greenway Trail. In addition to this primary trail, other nearby loop trails include the Winnakee Nature Preserve, Hackett Hill Park and Pinewoods Park. For maps and other information, visit http://www.hydeparkny.us/Recreation/Trails/. Future connections include a proposed trail south along the Poughkeepsie waterfront and north to Norrie State Park. Bicycles are permitted on Roosevelt Farm Lane only (connecting the Home of FDR with Val-Kill) from March through November. For a brochure or trail map, contact: Hyde Park Recreation Department 845-229-8086.
State: NY Length: 1 miles Surface: Dirt, Gravel, Woodchips
The John Kieran Nature Trail is a short loop that borders Van Cortlandt Lake and its associated wetlands. It is a wonderful site for bird-watching. The trail also passes several sites of significance including an old cemetery and the 67-acre Parade Ground, a large field that was once the site of a large Native American settlement. A portion of the trail is on the former Putnam Line of the New York Central Railroad that once connected New York City to Brewster and points north.
State: NY Length: 4.50 miles Surface: Asphalt
NOTE: This trail and Jones Beach Park have been extensively damaged by Hurricane Sandy. Both remain closed indefinitely. Refer to the NY State Parks website for more information. The Jones Beach Bikeway (also known as the Ellen Farrant Memorial Bikeway) is a paved bicycle and pedestrian path paralleling Wantagh Parkway, which connects Seaford to Jones Beach State Park. There is a fee to park at Cedar Creek Park for non-Nassau County residents on weekends and holidays in summer.
State: NY Length: 2 miles Surface: Ballast, Dirt
The Jones Point Path occupies an abandoned motor vehicle route (old US Route 9W). The path provides bicyclists with a relatively safe bypass to a dangerous section of busy US Route 9W near Bear Mountain, NY. It also serves as a connecting trail between two poplular parking lots/trail heads used by day hikers.
State: NY Length: 2.80 miles Surface: Asphalt, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Gravel
These three contiguous trails—the Raymond G. Esposito Memorial Trail, Old Erie Path and Joseph B. Clarke 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 Joseph B. Clark Trail travels between Greenbush Road and Oak Tree Road, traversing neighborhoods, the village of Sparkill and forested areas. There are bridges over, and viaducts under, busy highways and roads, with some street-level crossings to be cautious of. Northeast of Sparkhill village the trail links up with the Old Erie Path along Piermont Avenue.
State: NY Length: 1.50 miles Surface: Asphalt
The Kings Park Hike & Bike Trail runs for 1.5 miles between Old Dock Road at Church Street in Kings Park and Nissequogue River State Park. The trail is a town of Smithtown park and follows an abandoned railroad corridor that was once an old spur to Kings Park State Hospital. There are plans to extend the trail from its current end at Old Dock Rock south along the park to Main Street.
State: NY Length: 1 miles Surface: Crushed Stone
The Klara Sauer Trail (formerly known as the Beacon Riverside Trail) runs for 1 mile along the Hudson River on the west side of New York's village of Beacon. The trail occupies the same corridor as the live commuter rail, between the Beacon train station and Dennings Point. The trail is natural surface and wheelchair accessible. Cyclists, walkers and anglers use the trail, which also offers nice bird-watching along the river. You can link to another mile or so of trail at Dennings Point on the southern end of the Klara Sauer Trail. There are plans to link the trail to others in the area.
State: NJ Length: 7 miles Surface: Asphalt, Dirt, Grass
The system of trails in Loantaka Brook Reservation are open to hikers, cyclists and equestrians, although the trails are marked as to which uses are permitted on each segment. Loantaka Brook Reservation has four distinct areas: Seaton Hackney Stables, South Street Recreation Area, Loantaka Brook Park at Kitchell Road and the Loantaka Way trail access area. The reservation has more than 570 acres and nearly 5 miles of trails. In addition, there are athletic fields, picnic shelters, playgrounds, fully accessible exercise stations and a lake.
State: NJ Length: 3.50 miles Surface: Asphalt
The 3.5-mile Middlesex Greenway connects the towns of Edison, Metuchen, and Woodbridge in northeastern New Jersey. The paved pathway, which follows the route of the former Lehigh Valley Railroad freight line, is part of the East Coast Greenway, a developing trail system that stretches from Maine to Florida.
State: NJ Length: 2 miles Surface: Dirt, Grass
In the early 1830s the Morris Canal opened across northern New Jersey, from Phillipsburg on the Delaware River to Newark, and later to Jersey City on the Hudson River. It provided a thoroughfare for the county's farm products to reach metropolitan markets. The county continues to retain some of its early agricultural prominence, leading the Garden State in the production of dairy cattle, milk, eggs, feed corn and alfalfa. In addition, farm markets, nurseries, wineries, and "boutique" growers are expanding within the county. The Morris Canal also brought together the anthracite coal from Pennsylvania with the limestone and iron ore from New Jersey in the formation of heavy industry. Railroads quickly replaced the canal and sped the development of industry within the county. The canal towpath between Waterloo Village and Allamuchy is a 2-mile long recreational trail open to the public for non-motorized activities. This trail is part of a greenway that will eventually extend between the proposed New Jersey Transportation Heritage Museum in Phillipsburg and the historic Waterloo Village - a restored canal town.
State: NY Length: 22.10 miles Surface: Asphalt
The North County Trailway is the longest of the four connected rail-trails breathing new life into the former New York Central Railroad's Putnam Division line. The "Old Put" provided passenger and freight service between New York City and Brewster, in Putnam County, from the 1880s. Passenger service ended in 1958 and freight services ended in 1980. The trail spans 22.1 miles in Westchester County. From Mount Pleasant (where it becomes the South County Trailway on its southward trek to the New York City line) the trailway extends north to the Putnam County border, where it seamlessly transitions into the Putnam Trailway, rolling 9.7 miles north. From Old Saw Mill River Road at the North County Trailway's southern end, the trail runs parallel to the busy Saw Mill River Parkway on the right and woodlands and a power transmission corridor on the left. After crossing over Old Saw Mill River Road, there is a side trail on the left that leads down to a parking lot along the road. The trail then crosses State Route 117, Bedford Road, on a bridge. Highway traffic is never far away from this southern section of the trail, but a narrow strip of trees provides welcome shade and screening from the traffic. Just beyond Pleasantville Road is a side trail to the Tudor-style Briarcliff Library, formerly the Briarcliff Manor train station. Then you hit the first of two on-road detours: Saw Mill River Road, which parallels the trail corridor here, provides a wide shoulder for the short distance to Chappaqua Road, when the rail-trail returns and runs you through the woods between Saw Mill River Road and the Taconic State Parkway. Your second journey on the shoulder of Saw Mill River Road begins at the intersection of North State Road. This 0.75-mile detour takes you past Echo Lake State Park and over the Taconic State Parkway befor
State: CT Length: 4.30 miles Surface: Asphalt
When completed, the Norwalk River Vally Trail will run from Long Island Sound to Danbury, about 27 miles. To date, disjointed sections are complete in Norwalk and Wilton.
State: NY Length: 4.80 miles Surface: Asphalt, Concrete
The Ocean Parkway Trail closely follows its eponymous thoroughfare nearly 5 miles through several Brooklyn neighborhoods, ending only a block from the popular Coney Island boardwalk. Those traveling with children will enjoy the many playgrounds just off the route: Brighton, Century, Grady and McDonald. However, parents should note that the trail crosses several busy intersections. A few blocks north of the Church Avenue trailhead, the Parade Grounds of Prospect Park offer additional recreational amenities with its baseball diamonds, soccer fields, basketball courts and football fields.
State: NJ Length: 2.70 miles Surface: Ballast, Cinder, Crushed Stone, Dirt
This trail is located in the Mahlon Dickerson Reservation which is a unit of the Morris County Park Commission. The trail follows an abandoned railroad bed through hardwood forests, past ponds, swamps and wetlands. At the southern end, the trail can be reached from a parking lot off of Weldon Road at Saffin Rock Rill. Follow the yellow trail blazes on the left which lead to a slight uphill grade to the rail bed. The trail surface is a mixture of dirt and gravel. The trail is intersected on the left by the Highlands hiking trail. Here the trail flattens and follows the contours of a ridge to Saffin Pond where there are picnic tables and a large parking lot along Weldon Road. The trail crosses Weldon Road and passes ponds and wetlands. Look for fallen trees near the ponds from activity by resident beaver. Some of the ponds contain beaver lodges. The section of trail north of the Saffin Pond parking area has had a large amount of gravel laid down to stabilize the surface; it makes for rough bike riding. The trail leaves the Mahlon Dickerson Reservation and enters the Weldon Brook Wildlife Management Area. The surface changes back to dirt and signs along the trail indicate that you have entered the Wildlife Management Area. The trail passes through the lower end of Pine Swamp and over the Wallkill River. The trail ends at Hayward Road in a residential development where there is only on street parking. Maps of all of the trails in the Mahlon Dickerson Reservation are available at the parking lots.
State: NY Length: 26.10 miles Surface: Asphalt, Concrete, Dirt
The Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park follows the route of the Old Croton Aqueduct, which carried water to New York City from 1842 to 1955. Most of the structure lies beneath the trail and has been designated a National Historic Landmark. The aqueduct itself remains intact; the northern sections continue to supply water to Ossining. The trail offers an enjoyable, level, 26 miles from the New Croton Dam in northern Westchester to Van Cortlandt Park at the New York City line. While primarily a walking path, parts of the trail are suitable for horseback riding, biking and, in winter, cross-country skiing. Panoramas of the Hudson River are visible, particularly in Yonkers and Hastings. Many historic homes, two nature preserves and a museum in Ossining highlighting the construction of the Aqueduct are immediate neighbors. The trail passes through 11 communities, offering and is accessible uphill from Metro-North Hudson Line trains and bus services along Route 9. Cyclists should avoid the trail after heavy rains and during the mud season to reduce erosion.
State: NY Length: 3 miles Surface: Ballast, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Grass, Gravel
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.
State: NY Length: 2.20 miles Surface: Dirt
Fahnestock State Park is a relatively undiscovered gems in the New York State Park System. Located a few miles east of Cold Spring Village on Rt. 301 (Main Street), the park jurisdiction was recently expanded to include almost 10,000 acres of undeveloped land with an extensive network of trails maintained by the state and the New York-New Jersey trail conference. Ridges running from southwest to northeast dominate the terrain. Between them are several lakes and ponds and numerous wetlands and streams. Although there are occasional steep sections, there are no long or difficult climbs, and for the most part grades are moderate. The network of trails in the park makes it possible to plan a great variety of outings, ranging from easy rambles for families with children to strenuous all day hikes. Pick up a box lunch and enjoy the back country experience less than 60 miles from one of the largest cities in the world. Just remember to pack out what you pack in so others may enjoy the unblemished scenery. Trails are blazed with round plastic discs of various colors or rectangular painted marks. A double blaze, one above the other, indicates a turn with the upper blaze offset in the direction of the turn. A triple blaze in a triangle pattern indicates the start or end of a trail. The trails are restricted to day use only. Camping or making fires is not permitted. No vehicles are permitted on any hiking trails. This includes mountain bikes as well as all terrain vehicles (ATVs), motorcycles and snowmobiles. NOTE: The part of the Old Mine Railroad Trail from the Appalachian Trail to the dam at Hidden Lake is now closed. The trail has been rerouted from the 3 Lakes Trail over the dam to connect with the remaining part of the trail. The dam at Hidden Lake will be repaired and raise the water level, possibly covering the now closed section.
State: NY Length: 1.25 miles Surface: Cinder, Dirt, Grass
Splayed over 1,146 acres in northwest Bronx, Van Cortlandt Park has a lot going on. The park is New York City's fourth largest and is home to the oldest municipal golf course in America. There are playgrounds, walking trails, running tracks, scores of ball fields, a nature center, a museum and scenic lake. Van Cortlandt Park also is home to the Old Putnam Trail, one of four rail-trails on the former New York Central Railroad's Putnam Division line. The wide dirt and grass corridor allows easy passage on foot or by mountain bike. Access the trail from the northwest corner of the large parking lot near the Van Cortlandt Golf House. Though a portion of rail corridor extends south from here, it is heavily overgrown. Head south from the entrance a short distance to see the remnants of an old passenger platform. All that remains is the rusted metal framework. The trail's best scenery and its most unusual sight are immediate. The trail skirts Van Cortlandt Lake and then passes 13 large stones along the west side of the corridor. Railroad baron Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt had these stone slabs shipped from quarries to determine which would be best (most impervious to weathering) for building Grand Central Station in New York City. Despite the results of his experiment, Indiana limestone was chosen because it was cheaper to transport. The Indiana limestone sample is the second southernmost stone in this lineup. As you continue north you pass several trails that connect to the John Kiernan Nature Trail. This 1.25-mile trail named for a Bronx naturalist meanders by Van Cortlandt Lake, a wetland and the forest. Staying on the Old Putnam Trail brings you over a small bridge spanning an arm of Van Cortlandt Lake. Across the lake are views of the Bronx skyline and the golf course clubhouse. At the Westchester County line, the Old Putnam Trail gives way to the South County Trailway. This as
State: NY Length: 3.20 miles Surface: Cinder
This rustic unpaved trail, just over three miles in length, runs along a route formerly used by the New York, Ontario, & Western Railway's Main Line through Parksville in Sullivan County, NY. The trail is identified on some web-based interactive map programs (e.g., yahoo and mapquest) as "Old Railroad Grade." Plans call for extending the Parksville Rail Trail south to the Village of Liberty, NY, at some point in the near future. However, construction is not yet under way nor has funding been allocated. Please stop by charming downtown Parksville during your visit to our area. We especially welcome equestrian trail users visiting from areas near or far from Sullivan County.
State: NJ Length: 35 miles Surface: Asphalt, Ballast, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Grass, Gravel
The Patriots' Path covers roughly 35 miles of terrain and is open to mountain biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and hiking. The multi-use trails links parks, open space, recreational facilities, historic sites and other points of interest along the way. The trail is a mix of surfaces, a small section is paved (near Speedwell Lake) but most is dirt, gravel, or crushed stone. Much of the trail follows the corridors of the Whippany and Black rivers and the South Branch of the Raritan, the latter two creating some of the most pristine trout production streams in New Jersey. The trail has many side spurs, so it's best to navigate with the official map, available from the Morris County Park Commission map section 1 and map section 2. Not all sections are open to all uses so follow the trail map and the signs, which indicated each section's designated use. Patriots' Path connects with the Lenape Trail in Essex County to Allamuchy Mountain State Park in Sussex County and the Village of High Bridge in Hunterdon County. It also connects to the Randolph Trails.
State: NJ Length: 27 miles Surface: Ballast, Cinder, Dirt, Grass
For a dose of rural scenery, head to the northwest corner of New Jersey, where this 27-mile rail-trail cuts a nearly uninterrupted path along the banks of the Paulins Kill, a Delaware River tributary that gives the trail its name. (Kill is from the Dutch and refers to a creek; it is used in areas of New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Delaware). Farms line the corridor; you are likely to be in the company of equestrians, bicyclists and hikers. When the snow flies, skiers, snowshoers and even dog sled teams hit the route. There are occasional hints of the railroad that carried coal, produce and dairy products to points east on the corridor. Look for the original railroad mileage posts. From the trailhead in Knowlton Township, several miles east of the Delaware River, the trail travels east along the north side of the Paulins Kill. In about 1 mile you pass under the massive Paulinskill Viaduct, also know as the Hainsburg Viaduct, an impressive structure built by the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad in 1910. With seven arches reaching 115 feet up and stretching 1,100 feet from end to end, the viaduct was the world's largest reinforced concrete structure in its time. At about Mile 5, the trail passes through the Blairstown Airport, known for its glider rides over the Kittatinny Mountain Ridge. A runway restaurant with picnic tables provides front-row viewing of the planes and gliders. Lake Susquehanna is just to the south of the trail. In Blairstown Township, Footbridge Park is a good spot for taking a break or exploring the town. A large parking area makes this an informal trailhead for the rail-trail. The trail crosses the Paulinskill several times over the next 4.5 miles. Upon reaching Stillwater Road, the stream and the trail diverge, and the trail enters a wooded wetland. Just before Paulinskill Lake the route is interrupted by a missing bridge. A side path descends from the corridor to the road below. After crossing Sussex County
State: NY Length: 11 miles Surface: Asphalt
The final passenger cars of the Putnam Division of the New York Central Railroad ran in 1958, but the rail line that so influenced development of this area still sparks nostalgia. The "Old Put" carried commuters from New York City north to Brewster, where connections took travelers to Boston and Montreal. Freight service for farm products from rural areas of Putnam and Westchester counties continued until the 1980s. Nearly 45 miles of the Old Put corridor, from Van Cortlandt Park in New York City north to Putnam County, have been converted into four connecting rail-trails. The Putnam Trailway is the northernmost of the trails atop the train line. Currently 11 miles are open for public use from the Putnam County line at Baldwin Place, where Westchester County's North County Trailway terminates, to Putnam Avenue in Brewster. North from Baldwin Place is a gentle uphill slope. Busy Route 6 is just to the west, and a residential development flanks the east side of the trail. As you briefly enter a wooded area, Bloomer Pond appears on your right. Bucks Hollow Road runs adjacent to the trail here, providing several access points. The hamlet of Mahopac provides additional opportunities to access the trail. Past Croton Falls Road the trail enters a mixed hardwood forest for the 1.7 miles to Lake Casse. The woods are busy with squirrels and chipmunks foraging for food and shelter. Many bird species live in these woods; their calls can be heard throughout the day. To take in the view at Lake Casse, hop off the trail at Lake Road. After Lake Casse, the rail-trail descends and plunges into a dense forest. On the outskirts of the hamlet of Carmel, the trail runs along Route 6 again with the south bank of Lake Gleneida on the far side of the road. Swimming is prohibited because the lake is a municipal water supply. But in winter warmly dressed anglers cluster around their ice-fishing holes.
State: NY Length: 0.10 miles Surface: Dirt, Grass
The Quarry Trail is currently a 600-foot long unimproved strip of land along what is known as Quarry Road in the Village of Hastings-on-Hudson, NY. The trail links Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park and Hastings-on-Hudson trails. Access it from Aqueduct Lane between Hogan Place and Division Street.
State: NY Length: 1.88 miles Surface: Asphalt
This project will convert an abandoned railroad spur from the New York State/New Jersey line to an existing bike/pedestrian trail along the Ramapo River as part of a larger trailway system. The trail corridor is located in the western end of Rockland County at the base of the Ramapo Mountains. The trail will extend approximately two miles, beginning in the Village of Hillburn at the NY-NJ border, passing through the Village of Suffern and ending at Route 59 two miles north back in the Village of Hillburn. The proposed trail will be ten-feet wide and have an asphalt surface with 2-foot shoulders on each side. It will be ADA accessible for wheelchair users and will accommodate bicycles, pedestrians, joggers, in-line skaters, nature study and hikers. Key spots along the river would be cleared in order to improve accessibility to the river for anglers and canoeists and provide sitting areas for trail users to view attractive sections of the river, dams and historical sites. The trail would provide access to the Villages of Suffern and Hillburn. In Suffern, trail users could patronize the various shops and restaurants in the village, which could help increase economic activity and create new trail-related businesses. Improvement of the trail will open attractive vistas of the Ramapo River with its abundance of aquatic wildlife, birds and fauna. A treasured view that can be seen from various parts of the future trail's corridor is the Torne Valley, including the majestic Torne Mountain, which is surrounded by 1,500+ acres of rolling hills (the Ramapo Mountains) and is surrounded by Harriman State Park on three sides. The entire corridor runs along the Ramapo Mountains and many scenic areas exist along the way. CURRENT PROJECT STATUS: Funding has been approved and received; however, negotiations with propery owners for trail easements are still in progress. Construction is expected to begin in the Fall of 2002. Please do not use the corridor until it
State: NJ Length: 1 miles Surface: Asphalt
The Ramsey Bike Path is a recreational path built on the former Paterson to Suffern trolley line right-of-way. The path extends along a north-south route from one end of Ramsey to the other. Restaurants and shopping within walking distance from several points.
State: NJ Length: 16 miles Surface: Asphalt, Concrete
The Randolph Trail system covers 16 miles of pathways through five parks, the Clyde Potts Reservoir watershed and 2,000 acres of pristine open space. The trails link schools and neighborhoods and also connect to Patriots' Path at Combs Hollow and Old Brookside. The trails are open from dawn to dusk only, and horses are not permitted.
State: NY Length: 1 miles Surface: Crushed Stone, Dirt, Gravel
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 Raymond G. Esposito Memorial Trail in South Nyack, named for a late mayor of this village, is a 1-mile-long, gravel trail through several neighborhoods on the Hudson River. From its start in a community park, the rail-trail heads south, occasionally high above some of the neighborhoods it passes. Extensive stairways on the steep slopes have been constructed to connect residents with the rail-trail. The trail runs parallel to South Franklin Street crossing Brookside and Clinton avenues. These are low-traffic-volume residential roads, but trail users should stop at each intersection before proceeding. The trail crosses over the New York State Thruway on the original railroad bridge, redecked for trail use. By the time you touch down on the far side of the highway, at South Broadway Avenue, the Esposito Trail ends and the Old Erie Path begins.
State: CT Length: 2.30 miles Surface: Asphalt, Cinder
The Ridgefield Rail-Trail meanders for nearly 2.5 miles through the forested exburbs of Ridgefield, Connecticut. The trail passes among suburban acreages, along a creek at one point, and past a couple of the town's parks and open spaces, including Florida Refuge. The trail was built by Connecticut Light & Power.
State: NJ Length: 7.50 miles Surface: Asphalt
The Saddle River Area Bike Path in Bergen County stretches for nearly 6 miles along a 577-acre linear park system that hugs the banks of the Saddle River and its tributaries. There are actually five park areas linked by the multi-use path, which travels from East Ridgewood, near the duck pond, south the Rochelle Park. The path runs through Ridgewood, Glen Rock, Fair Lawn, Paramus, Saddle Brook and Rochelle Park along the Saddle River and Ho-Ho-Kus Brook. It also passes the historic Easton Tower on Route 4. At Dunkerhook Park you'll find a nice waterfall. The trail also includes ponds, shaded picnic areas, pavilions, playgrounds, tennis courts and athletic fields.
State: NY Length: 2 miles Surface: Ballast, Cinder, Dirt, Grass, Woodchips
A former right-of-way of the NY & NJ Railroad. Near historical Mount Ivy which was the center of a Quaker settlement in the 18th century. Hiking along railroad bed and wildlife observation and wetland ecology.
State: NY Length: 4.50 miles Surface: Ballast, Cinder, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Grass, Gravel
Shawangunk, Walden, and Wallkill Rail Trail is built on a railroad right-of-way that was abandoned by Conrail in the late 1970s. Conrail and its predecessors, Penn Central, New York Central, and The Wallkill Valley Railway, provided service to farmers along the route from Montgomery to Kingston by transporting their goods to wholesale markets in New York City.
State: NY Length: 12.40 miles Surface: Asphalt, Concrete
The Shore Parkway Greenway Trail is comprised of two disconnected segments along the New York Harbor that together offer more than 12 miles of paved pathway on Brooklyn's southern border. Between the two segments sits Coney Island, well-known for its amusement parks and sandy beaches. Originally built in the 1940s, the trail has received many improvements in recent years to repair its aging, pockmarked surface, reinforce the seawall and beautify the walkway with trees. The western segment of the trail begins in Owl's Head Park, a pretty hillside area offering a playground, skate ramps and restrooms. The park is a nice place to watch the sunset and enjoy views of the skyline and the majestic Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. From there, the trail closely traces Shore Parkway along the waterfront and ends at Bensonhurst Park, which sports a picturesque promenade on Gravesend Bay. The eastern portion begins near the intersection of Emmons Avenue and Brigham Street. From there, the trail goes east along Shore Parkway and soon enters Brooklyn Marine Park, a wildlife preserve with grassland and salt marsh habitats. After crossing the Mill Basin Bridge, the trail continues past the McGuire Fields ballparks, Canarsie Park and the Canarsie Pier, a popular fishing and picnicking spot. The trail ends in Queens, shortly after passing through the Gateway National Recreation Area, a wetlands preserve and natural treasure for bird watching, hiking, biking and water sports.
State: NY Length: 14.10 miles Surface: Asphalt, Concrete
The South County Trailway is a zippy paved trail heading north from Yonkers through the Hudson River Valley communities of Hastings-on-Hudson, Dobbs Ferry, Ardsley, Irvington, Greenburgh and Elmsford. Popular with bike commuters seeking relief from the area's busy streets and parkways, the trail follows the former Putnam Division line ("Old Put") of the New York Central Railroad and links two other rail-trails on the same line: the Old Putnam Trail in the south and the North County Trailway in Mount Pleasant. The trail begins at the border of Westchester County and New York City, just outside Van Cortlandt Park. However, there is no trail access at this location. You must approach either from the Old Putnam Trail out of Van Cortlandt Park or by proceeding south from Redmond Park. North from HF Redmond Jr. Memorial Park, a new section of trail was completed in October 2011. Carry on slightly uphill from the park entrance to the intersection at Mile Square Road then cross the Palmer Road bridge. Just north of that is an observation point that offers views of north Yonkers. The next 7.5 miles are smooth sailing; the trail passes through mixed residential and commercial areas and parallels the Saw Mill River Parkway. Through V. Everit Macy Park the trail runs between the parkway and the New York Thruway. Though the majority is bordered by a fencerow of deciduous trees and brush, you are seldom far from traffic noise. The numerous side road crossings are well signed, but be alert at all crossings both for motorists and cyclists. In Elmsford, another short gap in the rail-trail requires on-road navigation. The Route 9A Bypass Project will someday eliminate this 0.5-mile detour. When the trail ends at Main Street in Elmsford, turn right to cross Main Street at the traffic light. Turn left and then turn right through t
State: NY Length: 2.60 miles Surface: Crushed Stone
Several trails are found throughout Staten Island's Greenbelt system of trails but only one allows both cyclists and walkers, the Staten Island Greenbelt Multi-Purpose Trail. At 2.6 miles, the crushed gravel trail offers a nice jaunt for joggers, walkers and cyclists alike. The path is 6 feet wide and runs from Rockland Avenue to Richmond Avenue, following along the perimeter of LaTourette golf course and paralleling Forest Hill Road. Bicycles are prohibited on the other trails in the system, so if you're cycling, be sure not to venture out on the yellow or blue trails, both of which intersect the Multi-Purpose Trail. The trail branches in two directions, one toward Richmond Avenue and the other toward Historic Richmond Town and the St. Andrews Church at Old Mill Road.
State: NJ Length: 18 miles Surface: Ballast, Cinder, Dirt, Grass, Gravel
The Sussex Branch Trail got its start in the late 1840s as the narrow-gauge, mule-drawn Sussex Mine Railroad, whose primary purpose was hauling iron ore from the mines in Andover to Waterloo Village on the Morris Canal. The railroad was eventually upgraded and expanded before being merged into the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad in the mid-1940s. Though the railroad was out of service several decades later, the state of New Jersey—which owns much of the area parkland—preserved the right-of-way for trail use. The trail begins on the outskirts of Branchville at a parking area along Augusta Hill Road. (The trail extends about 1 mile north from this location, but limited access and parking make this the best jumping-off point.) The Sussex Branch Trail is generally oriented north-south, while the Paulinskill Valley Trail, which it intersects at Warbasse Junction, is generally oriented east-west. The trail hugs the banks of the Paulinskill River, and a series of bridges cross the stream. After crossing County Route 565 the trail runs parallel with NJ Route 15 into the historic village of Lafayette. Antique shops and the Olde Lafayette Village outlet shops line Route 15. From here the Sussex Branch Trail travels through fairly dense forest until Warbasse Junction, where it meets the Paulinskill Valley Trail. Only 300 feet west along the Paulinskill Valley Trail from the intersection is a trailhead with parking and restrooms. A break in the trail corridor requires on-road travel for 1.1 miles. A large sign just north of Newton directs trail users to Route 663/ Hicks Avenue. This tree-lined, two-lane road has limited narrow shoulders that require extra caution. The trail resumes on the south side of Hicks Avenue near the intersection with Sparta Avenue. Kittatinny Valley State Park is a highlight of this trail. The park's maples, hickories and tulip poplars con
State: NY Length: 2.10 miles Surface: Asphalt, Cinder, Dirt
Tallman Mountain State Park Bike Path is partially paved and bisects the Tallman Mountain State Park. The route provides a motor-vehicle-free way for bicyclists using US Route 9W to connect with downtown Piermont, New York. The park itself is heavily wooded on the easterly slope of the Palisades uplands and overlooks Hudson and Piermont Marsh (between the river and the slope).
State: NJ Length: 7 miles Surface: Crushed Stone, Dirt, Gravel
DESCRIPTION: The Created by Union Forge Heritage Association in 2007,Taylor SteelWorkers Historical Greenway is a 7 mile trail that winds its way through High Bridge criss-crossing a number of historical sites and beautiful scenery. This is the perfect trail for wildlife watchers and history buffs alike. Follow the Columbia Trail for approximately 1/4 mile looking on the Right for the trailhead gate that includes a sign and entrance for the famous Lake Solitude Dam. Heading in a southeasterly direction from the Columbia Trail, this trail proceeds to the historic structures of the TISCO Complex and then onto a 100 year old truss bridge. After crossing the bridge, the trail proceeds north along the South Branch of the Raritan towards the Lake Solitude and Lake Solitude Dam (circa 1858), Solitude House Museum and the Union Iron Works ruins (circa 1742). From there the trail continues on to the entrance of the Nassau Trail, works its way to Springside Farm (Springside Lane, High Bridge) and its adjoining woods and proceeds from there to its end at Lord Amesbury's Furnace, circa 1752 , located in Clinton Township. For more information about this trail contact Union Forge Heritage Association at 908-638-3200 WILDLIFE: Bald Eagles are a familiar sight in the region. They often are easier to spot in winter when trees are bare of leaves. Check the trees along the trails; seasonal sightings include Brown Creeper, Eastern Phoebe, Ruby- and Golden-crowned Kinglets, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Palm, Pine and Yellow-rumped Warblers and Yellow-throated Vireo. Look a little deeper into the woods for Hermit and Wood Thrushes, Veery, Ovenbird and Red-eyed and Blue-headed Vireos and Pileated Woodpecker. DON'T MISS: Several miles north of High Bridge, the Columbia Trail passes over Ken Lockwood Gorge Bridge, built 80 feet above the gorge floor. This steel span was built in 1930 to replace the original wooden trestle bridge, which was the site of a memorable 1886 train wreck.
State: NY Length: 6.50 miles Surface: Dirt
Just an hour north of New York City, the Timp-Torne Trail offers a scenic hike through Bear Mountain and Harriman State Parks with panoramic vistas of the Hudson River. The rugged blue-blazed trail travels along Dunderberg Mountain, The Timp summit, West Mountain and the steep rockface of Popolopen Torne. The trail is mostly wooded, so look for deer and other wildlife. Along the way, you'll also enjoy a mix of modern views (the Manhattan skyline) and historic sites: two tunnels and several rail beds from the Dunderberg Spiral Railway, which started construction in 1890, but was never completed.
State: NJ Length: 3.20 miles Surface: Asphalt
In June 1986, the Morris County Park Commission dedicated this recreation trail that runs parallel to the New Jersey Transit Line railroad tracks. The path utilizes a little over three miles of right-of-way that might have been an overgrown, littered wasteland. The trail was developed with the cooperation of the Jersey Central Power and Light Company and the New Jersey Department of Transportation. In April of 1990, a nine-station Parcourse Exercise unit was installed to enhance the health aspects of the trail. The addition was made possible through matching grants from Allied-Signal Foundation, Crum & Forster, and the Jersey Central Power and Light. The Traction Line Recreation Trail is popular for biking, jogging, cross country skiing, walking and strollers. Motorized vehicles are not permitted on the Trail. The northern end of the trail is near the intersection of Morris Avenue and Washington Avene across Morrris Avenue form Washington's Headquarters National Historic Park. This is a residential area and there is only on street parking. The southern end of the Traction Line is at Danforth near Fairleigh Dickenson University's College at Florham in Madison, NJ. There is no public parking at this location.
State: NY Length: 11 miles Surface: Asphalt, Dirt, Grass
Wallkill Valley Land Trust and Open Space Conservatory acquired 11.5 miles (65 acres) of the former Wallkill Valley Railroad in Ulster County. This acquisition has almost doubled the length of the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail which occupies the former railroad bed. The highlight of this purchase is the iconic 940-foot-long Rosendale Railroad Trestle, perched 150 feet over the Rondout Creek in Rosendale, originally constructed in 1895. The trestle, which is now closed to the public, is the most spectacular portions of the scenic rail trail. This expansion now means that additional hamlets along the Wallkill River Valley will be connected to one another and trail users can take the scenic route to get to them as they pass by woodlands, open fields, and farmlands lands. Residents and tourist alike can bike, walk, run, bird watch, horseback ride and cross country ski while they discover a wide variety of birds, other wildlife and the panoramically beautiful views of the Shawangunk Ridge and the Wallkill River. The project will involve repairing the 114 year old bridge's steel infrastructure, installing wooden decks and railings, and regrading and widening the rest of the newly acquired Rail Trail. Once completed, the new rail trail will allow upstate New Yorkers and the general public to view the Shawangunk Ridge, the Binnewater Lakes region with its historic cement mines, and the hamlet of Rosendale from a lofty perch -- 150 feet in the air. This linear park will benefit Mid-Hudson Valley residents in many ways. It will fill in the most important "missing link" in one of the best networks of rail trails in the Hudson River Valley, and will encourage new economic development in the town of Rosendale. In short, the restored Rosendale/ Ulster extension of the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail will be a recreational and cultural resource that will provide users with an unparalleled recreational experience.
State: NJ Length: 2.84 miles Surface: Cinder, Gravel
The West Essex Trail follows a short distance (just under 3 miles) of the former rail bed of the Caldwell Branch on the old Erie-Lackawanna Railroad. The trail runs between the Essex–Passiac county line in Little Falls and Arnold Way in Verona. The trail crosses a trestle over the Peckman River and also passes by a shuttered psychiatric hospital, which housed patients in the late 19th to early 20th century. The property is now a conservation easement.
State: NJ Length: 0.50 miles Surface: Asphalt
A short rail trail with two covered bridges occupying a portion of the former Mount Hope Mineral Railroad right-of-way in Wharton, NJ. In the future this trail will be linked with the Rockaway Township segment of the Patriots' Path.
State: NY Length: 1.70 miles Surface: Woodchips
The White Plains Greenway is located on the former New York, Westchester & Boston Railway right-of-way, and extends from a City parking lot at Mamaroneck Avenue opposite Bloomingdale Road to the Scarsdale border. Several major streets intersect the Greenway, including Bryant Avenue, Gedney Way and Ridgeway. The section of the Greenway between the parking lot at Mamaroneck Avenue and Gedney Way is unimproved and currently inaccessible. This section is 0.4 miles long. The improved Greenway trail begins at Gedney Way and heads south, adjacent to the DPW facility and residential neighborhoods. The trail is 0.8 miles long between Gedney Way and Ridgeway. From Ridgeway to the Scarsdale border, the trail is 0.5 miles long. The Greenway is currently accessible only from Gedney Way and Ridgeway. Use of the entire Greenway is restricted to pedestrian traffic.
State: NJ Length: 1.50 miles Surface: Ballast, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Grass
The Wood Duck Nature Trail, appropriately named for the secretive duck, was made possible through the hard work and dedication of refuge volunteers. This beautiful trail now extends about 1.5 miles on a former railroad bed ending at the Wallkill River. The self-guiding interpretive trail includes a nature photography blind, interpretive nature signs, a footbridge across Beaver Run and several benches. Extensive wetlands are located along the trail. The trail is flat and provides easy walking. Future plans include construction of a footbridge across the Wallkill River, continuation of the trail along the former railroad bed and construction of a parking area off of Scenic Lakes Road in Hardyston. Bicycles, horses and motorized vehicles are not permitted on the trail.