Looking for the best trails around Salem?

Explore the best rated trails in Salem, NY, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Cheshire Rail Trail (Cheshire Branch Rail Trail) and Fonda, Johnstown & Gloversville Rail Trail (FJ & G Rail Trail) . With more than 34 trails covering 585 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.

Recent Trail Reviews

Valley Trail

Tough to do on a mountain bike, unless you're an expert. not maintained at all. I would say an ok hiking trail. But not all that scenic. Not what it's billed to be by a long shot.

May, 2026 by jim.thurber13

Tough to do on a mountain bike, unless you're an expert. not maintained at all. I would say an ok hiking trail. But not all that scenic. Not what it's billed to be by a long shot.

Cheshire Rail Trail (Cheshire Branch Rail Trail)

Varied Terrain, MultiUse, Lovely. Birds!

April, 2026 by susanadeleedwards

Went north out of Keene on the trail, and was quickly in a lovely wooded area, then soon at a side trail to Stonewall Farm, where visitors are welcome to wander. The birds were singing happily! We did 6.5 miles out before turning around but there was plenty more trail to explore. If you are expecting a super flat trail and a packed surface this may not be your kind of fun. If you don’t mind dismounting for a rickety bridge, or adventuring on side trails, then check this trail Out ,

Ashuwillticook Rail Trail

Great short trail

April, 2026 by biggsfhlax

The surface is paved, and in excellent condition.
The trail is ever so slightly down hill from north to south.
Mostly shaded, and while not amazing scenery, it is a lovely trail. In spring, when sunny, watch to LOTS of turtles on the far bank of a swampy section near the cheshire reservoir (on the west side of the trail)!

Accordion

West River Trail (Windham County)

gorgeous fall ride

October, 2025 by darylmarlisa

We started at the marina restaurant at the south end of the trail and rode 3.5 miles on the rail trail section, with another 2 miles on Rice Farm & Quarries roads. Beautiful vistas of the river, rock formations, changing leaves. Esp impressive was the overhead highway bridge built with long tapering multicolored stone supports, representing tree branches. Under the arched stone supports is a picnic table & patio area. A few protruding stones/tree roots need to be managed but biking is very possible on this trail and should be included in the list of options for use.

Valley Trail

Rode 2.5 miles from Wilmington north on mountain tire bikes and it is doable but rough with roots and rocks. Nice bridges but missing signage in some areas, others well marked. No washout areas close to Wilmington.

September, 2025 by dlonzo

Rode 2.5 miles from Wilmington north on mountain tire bikes and it is doable but rough with roots and rocks. Nice bridges but missing signage in some areas, others well marked. No washout areas close to Wilmington.

Zim Smith Mid-County Trail

Morning ride, foggy with lots of little critters, trail is paved with a few hills, views of railyard, picturesque village of Round Lake, mostly forested with wild flowers, very well maintained rail well worth the ride. trail.

September, 2025 by steve80

Morning ride, foggy with lots of little critters, trail is paved with a few hills, views of railyard, picturesque village of Round Lake, mostly forested with wild flowers, very well maintained rail well worth the ride. trail.

West River Trail (Windham County)

Lovely birthday ride

September, 2025 by diatom1

We rode to the end of the trail, then continued on Rice Farm Rd. to the dangerous intersection. we missed the entrance to the trail on the way back, so got a good workout on some hilly spots on the road.
On the packed sand patches, keep an eye out for roots that can be a bit dicey. In some spots along the gravel sections, the gravel can be a bit loose, so pay attention to the trail.

Fort Hill Recreational Rail Trail

We found this trail to be well maintained. Not as smooth as some rail trails, but smooth enough on our full suspension fat tire bikes. Hard tails may not enjoy as much. Nice scenery along the Connecticut river.

August, 2025 by jimthurber13

We found this trail to be well maintained. Not as smooth as some rail trails, but smooth enough on our full suspension fat tire bikes. Hard tails may not enjoy as much. Nice scenery along the Connecticut river.

Delaware and Hudson Rail-Trail

Southern Portion

August, 2025 by n22dknvqnt

We biked from Granville to Rupert, 11 miles one way. It was an excellent ride! The trail is in great shape and parking on Water St. by the Slate Valley Museum was very convenient. I believe the trail continues another 2 miles into West Rupert. If you like gravel rides, I highly recommend this one!

Cheshire Rail Trail (Cheshire Branch Rail Trail)

Not what we expected

August, 2025 by rmitera36

We started at Walpole after searching for the trailhead parking lot finally parked our car thanks to the locals at the Irving station. We almost didn’t recognize the trail because it was grass. There were no markings and we found ourselves initially at the river at the boat launch because we didn’t realize that was the trail we were following. After backtracking, we followed the other grass trail toward Keene. Although there were portions that were dirt and gravel, the 9 mile ride that we managed to cover at 6 miles an hour with primarily grass. After an hour and a half, we realize we are only halfway to our destination of Keene and we turned back.. I recommendation would be not to start in Wall Paul, but to start and keen where the trail is paved

Ashuwillticook Rail Trail

Settle grade difference between start to finish. All paved smooth.No bugs.Crowded with walkers, skaters, and bikers.Windy in the afternoon.

August, 2025 by joy.olson15

Settle grade difference between start to finish. All paved smooth.No bugs.Crowded with walkers, skaters, and bikers.Windy in the afternoon.

Ashuwillticook Rail Trail

Update to my 2024 review

August, 2025 by andrix

Update to my 8/2024 review: Remains a TOP trail; At northern end easy parking at the Adams Visitor Center; Saw many signs of beaver activity - dams and huts - but no beavers. The Appalachian Trail crosses at Church Road in Cheshire; At southern end I turn back at the Crane Ave. parking area as, in my opinion, there's not much of interest in the remaining mile or so.

Find Nearby City trails

Accordion

Register for free!

Register for free with TrailLink today!

We're a non-profit all about helping you enjoy the outdoors
  • View over 40,000 miles of trail maps
  • Share your trail photos
  • Save your own favorite trails
  • Learn about new trails near you
  • Leave reviews for trails
  • Add new and edit existing trails

Get the Free TrailLink App

The trail is always better with TrailLink

Scan the QR code to get TrailLink on your phone

Explore by City

Explore by City

Explore by Activity

Explore by Activity

Log in to your account to:

  • View trail paths on the map
  • Save trails to your account
  • Add trails, edit descriptions
  • Share photos
  • Add reviews

Log in with Google

Log in with Apple

OR

Register for free!

Join TrailLink (a non-profit) to view more than 40,000 miles of trail maps and more!

Register with Google

Register with Apple

OR

Your account has been deleted.