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Print Friendly MapFollowing the defunct and abandoned Lehigh Valley Railroad corridor, the Odessa-Hector Rail Trail stretches for 2.5 miles through the woods and fields between the Town of Montour and the Village of Odessa.
The wide rail-trail has a surface of dirt, grass, and gravel. It is open for a variety of uses including walking, biking, horseback riding, and snowmobiling. The use of utility task vehicles (UTVs) on the trail is reserved for those with limited mobility. ATVs and other motorized vehicles are not permitted on the trail. Dogs are welcome provided they remain leashed. There is plenty of trail signage.
In Montour, access the northern end on Hayes Road (street signs show Hayes Hill Road), less than a half mile west of where the road meets Route 7. In Odessa, access the southern end on Texas Hollow Road between where it meets Lower Foots Hill Road and Railroad Street.
Privately funded from local businesses and organizations with help from individual volunteers, the rail-trail is owned and maintained by the Village of Odessa.
The northern trailhead on Hayes Road has a small area with space for a few vehicles. Parking may be available on Texas Hollow Road and Railroad Street near the southern end.
Not a good or fun ride.
Unlike most rail to trail venues, this one has a very nice, cleared path but no surface work. The result is walking on railroad ballast which is very tough on feet and joints. I would not consider this a safe bike trail and caution hikers. Hopefully this is just the beginning of more work to come such as seen in the Catherine Valley Trail which is much more user friendly. On the plus side, the signage and clearing work is nicely done and the old RR right of way has many small falls and streamlets to enjoy.
Shared review with Hiking NYS and Beyond.
We did this trail again today. I recommend coming in from Hayes the trail is much smoother. And just as pretty.
Nice walk. Just watch your step. There are lots of big rocks up the center of the trail. We walked along the edges and did ok. Worth it! Saw a few waterfalls. Beautiful.
We’re 70-ish. We walked about 1/2 mile out, but had to turn around and head back to our start point at Texas Hollow. The railroad ballast surface made it too difficult walking for us. Younger walkers and fat tire cyclists may handle the surface better. Nevertheless, kudus to the local trail community for all the work to provide another off road place to enjoy nature.
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