Wallkill Valley Rail Trail

The Wallkill Valley Rail Trail extends for 22 miles from the southern border of the Town of Gardiner north to the town of Ulster just south of the City of Kingston. Along the way it passes through woods, open fields, agricultural lands, and traverses a number of lakes, rivers and streams and links the hamlet of Gardiner, the Village of New Paltz, Main Street Rosendale, Town of Ulster and the City of Kingston. Trail users will discover a wide variety of birds, wildlife, unique 19th Century industrial historic sites as well stunning views of the Shawangunk Ridge, Wallkill River & the Rondout Creek. In 2007 it was designated a National Recreation Trail by the National Park Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior.

The crown jewel of this 22-mile linear park is the famed Rosendale Trestle, with its 940ft long span over the Rondout Creek which soars some150 feet above the water’s surface. When first constructed in 1872 it was dubbed the iron wonder and was the highest span bridge in the United States. Often referred to as the Walkway over the Rondout, the trestle offers more intimate views than the Wallkway Over The Hudson, yet no less spectacular views of Joppenburgh Mountain, Main Street Rosendale and the Rondout Creek. The trail surface is gravel and packed dirt, except for a paved section of the trail in the heart of New Paltz from Plains Road to Broadhead Avenue.

The Wallkill Valley Rail Trail is a multiuse trail, welcoming hikers, joggers, bicycle and horseback riders, dog walkers, and, in the winter, snowshoers and cross-country skiers. Except for vehicles for the disabled, motorized vehicles, including ATVs and snowmobiles, are not permitted on the trail. For everyone’s safety, please follow the guidelines for multiuse trails and be courteous to other trail users. Download our brochure for more information.