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Wallkill Valley Rail Trail
Beginning August 9th, visitors should expect construction and some temporary closures weekdays on the New Paltz Trail section.
This new project is expected to improve overall public access to the Rail Trail; establish additional safety and experience advancements for residents and visitors; and reinforce the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail’s inclusion as part of the Empire State Trail!
No trail closures will occur on Saturdays, Sundays, or Holidays.
The Wallkill Valley Rail Trail is a 22+ mile rail trail and linear park that winds along the former Wallkill Valley Railroad rail corridor in Ulster County, New York. It goes through the towns of Gardiner, New Paltz, Rosendale, and Ulster to the Kingston city line. Activities include walking, jogging, bike riding, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. The Rail Trail is open from dawn to dusk, year-round.
Please note, trail surface is an unpaved stone surface. It is rougher in some places, and the Rail Trail is not paved.
Please respect others users while enjoying the Rail Trail.
Help us keep the trail open and safe.
Contact us if you see something that needs to be addressed on the trail.
USE
The WVRT is multi-use and open daily, year-round, free of charge from dawn until dusk for use by the public. We welcome walkers, hikers, joggers, bicyclists, equestrians, dog walkers, cross country skiers, and snowshoers. For your safety and enjoyment, please observe the following rules:
ALL USERS
- No Motorized vehicles at any time,
- Be alert and respectful of other users.
- Use caution at road crossings.
- Always remain on the trail as it passes by private property.
- Stay to the right to allow others to pass.
- Always yield to equestrians.
- Dogs must be leashed at all times.
- Clean up after your animals.
- Carry-in Carry-out park. Please take your trash with you.
CYCLISTS
- Ride at moderate speed (15 mile max)
- Alert other users when approaching from behind.
EQUESTRIANS
- Ride at moderate speed appropriate for multi-use trail.
- Alert other users when planning to pass them and pass on the left.
Wallkill Valley Rail Trail
HISTORY
The railroad ceased regular traffic in 1977, and by 1983 had begun to remove its tracks. In 1991, the WVLT purchased the 12-mile (19 km) section of the former rail corridor between New Paltz and Gardiner and conveyed the New Paltz sections to the Town and Village of New Paltz while retaining the conservation easements. The trail was formally opened between New Paltz and Gardiner in 1993. The Gardiner section was transferred to the Town with conservation easements in 2007.
In 2009, the northern section was purchased, extending the linear park an additional 11.5 miles north from Rosendale through Ulster to Kingston. This extension included the Rosendale trestle, a 940-foot (290 m) bridge across the Rondout Creek.
Today the 22+ mile Wallkill Valley Rail Trail traverses the heart of the towns of Gardiner, New Paltz, and Rosendale, with parking, food, and shopping access at many locations. Support our sponsors that help make this trail accessible for all.
Our mission is to enhance the quality of life in Ulster County by conserving lands of scenic, agricultural, ecological, recreational, and cultural significance.