Wallkill Valley Rail Trail

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View of the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail in Gardiner, NY Where the Trail Crosses 44/55

The Wallkill Valley Rail Trail is a fifteen mile rail trail that runs along the former Wallkill Valley Railroad rail corridor in Ulster County, New York. The trail opened in 1991 and serves hikers, joggers, bikers, horseback riders, and cross country skiers.

The trail starts south of Gardiner in the south and runs through New Paltz to Rosendale in the north. It officially ends at the town line in Rosendale, but the former rail line continues on privately-owned land to the train trestle in Rosendale where the decking ends half way across the trestle. The rail line continues on to Kingston but is not currently open as a trail due to land ownership issues.

Beautiful views of the Shawangunk Ridge to the west are possible from openings alongs the rail trail. The trail cuts directly through New Paltz, which affords trail users a chance to take a break and buy supplies.

A notable and scenic spot on the rail trail is approximately two miles north of New Paltz, where the trail crosses the Wallkill River. Seating is provided on the bridge for rest and relaxation.