Rode this trail on 7/6/20, from the West Hurley trailhead to the end and back…about 23 miles. Trail is cinder/gravel, basically brand new since it was opened only last Fall. We were riding road bikes, one with 32c tires, one with 25 c… very doable, but I would say wider tires (trail or mountain bikes) are best here. It’s in pristine shape…about 80% shaded, nice diversity of trees on either side including pine, birch, oak. I counted four absolutely beautiful sections where you can see the reservoir (probably can see more in the Fall/Spring) and there are some nice raised boardwalks plus 2 or 3 bridges. My favorite parts of the trail were a long section along the water near the West Hurley trailhead, and the last section at the other end where you have expansive views of the water. So happy that this is now available to us all – kudos to everyone involved! Please also note that there is a wonderful waterfront walk/bike path, called the Promenade, on the other side of the reservoir…gorgeous views of the surrounding hills. Worth checking out as well!

Started at the western trailhead on Kettletown Road. Nothing but a single track -- including a climb down to Jeremy Swamp Road to cross and then a climb up the other side. Clearly, decades ago there was a rail bridge here, but it's gone. For a while, the trail is fine, but then another problem on this leg is that the trail becomes virtual impassible for bicycles -- you are trying to ride up a creek bed full of grapefruit sized rocks.

East of Strongtown/CT 188, there is a mix of beautiful gravel surface through the woods with some low spots/mud (we've had some rain). The route is wooded and quiet -- really nice ride. You will likely encounter horses (I passed a single rider and a pair on this ride). Etiquette is to be very careful and slow -- give them a shout as to which side they'd prefer you pass on. Also a lot of wetland. If you're moving fast on a bike, it's OK, but walking you're going to be dealing with A LOT of mosquitoes.

Summary -- with some investment this could be one of the prettiest rides in CT, but there are some real rough/muddy spots.

I can see where this could be a beautiful autumn ride. Will give it a few more tries this season.

The foot bridge and immediate surrounding view very pretty is the highlight. The walk is flat and hard to find. You go under a road with concrete supports sprayed with a lot of graffiti and then leave a crushed gravel path for a concrete walkway over a marsh. The marsh is a habitat for egrets. The path was more for bicyclists, who were impatient about walkers on trail. dismounting for walkers. We skipped the concrete path due to heat and people on bikes

A beautiful trail, level riding and scenic. Great rewards at the end, places to stop , eat and shop. Can park and lock your bike at trails end. Look forward to it’s completion.

My husband and I ride our bikes here and love it! Mix of shade and sun as well as beautiful changing scenery.

Perfect trail to go road biking on. This is as flat as you can find it around these parts with only 450ft of elevation over a round trip of about 30 miles. Perfectly maintained and paved tarmac. Not a single incline/decline above 1% gradient.
The closest official parking location on the Southern end of the track is at Orange and Rockland street long term parking lot. However, if you wish to start at there very tip of the trail, I recommend parking at River road and North Main Street in the town of Harriman (right next to Mary Harriman Park).

Great pathway to the Shawnagunk mountain area with very easy access from New Paltz and the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail. There are some hilly sections where you might encounter some slippage with a road bike. It was OK on my cyclocross.
The upper loop is on a mix of gravel farm and paved rural roads.

I've ridden this trail three times now on a loaded touring bike (rear panniers). Some of the rolling hills at the Nyack end definitely require some mettle and/or caution, but I never felt at risk of losing control. I think the "moderate" experience level is justified.

For reference, my bike was outfitted with 35mm tires. The first time was with moderately knobby tires (Schwalbe Mondials) which I decided were overkill for a mostly paved tour; the second time was with slicks and I felt no less confident. The weight of a touring load probably helps with traction regardless of the tire. Experience with changing your gears quickly and often is very helpful here. I was with friends who were on single speeds and they had to walk quite a bit of it :)

Very little elevation change. New section south from Wassaic station is very nicely done, but disappointingly short. Beautiful ride north from the station to Millerton.