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. This is one of the best hikes in New York, so read on and get out there!

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.

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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.

If you’re looking for one of the best scenic hikes in New York or kid-friendly hikes in New York, you’ve hit the jackpot with the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail. This is an easy hike that anyone can do because it’s flat, and the beauty you’ll see along the way will blow your mind. Have fun!

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!

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Best Hikes In New York

Christy A | March 13, 2022

How long is the entire Wallkill Valley Rail Trail?

The entire trail is over 22 miles long! It passes through the towns of Gardiner, New Paltz, Rosendale, and Ulster, and ends at the Kingston city line. However keep in mind that this trail is not paved, so be aware if you are planning to bike or if anyone in your party is in a wheelchair or has mobility limitations.

Are horses allowed on the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail?

Yes! Many people choose to ride horses here; pedestrians should always yield the right of way to equestrians. Also, this trail is a great place for walking, jogging, biking, and cross-country skiing. Dogs are also welcome but they must be leashed at all times. The trail is open from dawn to dusk all year.

What else is there to do near this trail?

There are so many things to do in this part of the Hudson Valley region that it would be impossible to list them all! In the towns near this trail you will find countless shops, galleries, breweries, restaurants, orchards, vineyards, and more. If you are interested in art, you might enjoy a visit to the Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art. There are also dozens of other trails to check out in this area as well, both along the areas rivers and in the nearby Shawangunk Mountains.

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Wallkill Valley Rail Trail, Kingston, NY, USA