Posted in New York August 07, 2018 by

Follow This Abandoned Railroad Trail For One Of The Most Unique Hikes In New York

It seems like every year in New York, another one of our beloved railroads comes to a close. Our residents may no longer be able to ride the rails in the way that they used to, but luckily many of our abandoned railroads have been transformed into something useful instead of being left to wither away with time. So if you happen to be looking for an uncommon adventure, then it sounds like it’s time to go hiking along one of the country’s most iconic rail trails that’s right here in our backyard.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Stretching throughout the historical towns of the Hudson Valley, the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail was once a booming railroad of New York.
Katy Silberger/Flickr
Once used to transport produce and other goods from farms in Ulster County down to New York City, the Wallkill Valley Railroad was in service until 1977. Left abandoned until the mid-1980s, the rail trail has become a designated National Recreational Trail by the National Parks Service.
If you've never explored this rail trail but somehow recognize the view, that's because many scenes from the 2018 film A Quiet Place were filmed here.
A Quiet Place/Facebook
As if the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail wasn't already one of the most iconic rail rails in the country, more and more New Yorkers and out-of-state visitors have begun to hike through this area of the state after learning about it through the hit movie. Sadly, we can't promise that you'll run into Jim from The Office or Emily from The Devil Wears Prada, sigh.
If you explore the area of the trail that falls within the town of New Paltz, you'll quickly begin to see the familiar bridge as you start to hear the sound of the Wallkill River.
AllTrails_User/AllTrails
Close to Springtown Road in New Paltz, the 413-foot bridge spans across the Wallkill River and gives you a view of the water after hiking through the dense forest.
Picturesque and historic as they come, this is just one of the bridges that you'll cross over while making your way through the rail trail.
Katy Silberger/Flickr
Hiking isn't the only way to experience this rail trail though! The Wallkill Valley Rail Trail is also a popular place go biking, and also attracts adventurers during our colder months when you can go snowshoeing and cross-country skiing across the trail.
Trailheads for the rail trail can be access in the towns of Gardiner, Kingston, New Paltz and Rosendale.
Helene D/TripAdvisor
While exploring the rail trail you'll have the chance to see all sorts of different scenery, from charming local farms of the Hudson Valley to the stunning Shawangunk Ridge. This is one adventure you'll want to bring your camera along for!
Another famous bridge that many love to visit while exploring this abandoned railroad is the Rondout Trestle that's above the creek.
Russ Nelson/Flickr
Giving you sweeping views of the town of Rosendale and the Hudson Valley, the trestle spans 150-feet above the Rondout Creek and was built back in 1872.
Whether you want to walk in the shoes of your favorite actors and actresses or are just itching to explore one of our most unique linear parks, there's always a good reason to take an adventure along the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail.
Katy Silberger/Flickr
To find out more information about the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail and to view an interactive map, click here.

Looking for another fun adventure that will take you up off the ground? Then you won’t want to miss visiting The Giant Jungle Gym In New York That Will Bring Out The Adventurer In You!