AMENIA — The Town Board is weighing whether to approve a special use permit and site plan for a proposed hiking and mountain biking trail system in Wassaic, following a public hearing Thursday that drew mostly supportive comments from residents.
First proposed in July 2025, the Northern Red Oak Trails Project calls for 12 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails on 470 acres distributed over three connected parcels of land. Trails would be three feet wide, with minimal land disturbance, and boardwalks installed only where necessary.
“I’m a neighbor, and I hope it happens,” resident Josh Frankel said, noting his pleasure at learning that the planned hiking trails do not share space with the mountain bikes.
“The area is small, but the experience is big,” Frankel said, citing the advantage of being in nature and exercising, and the prospect of more things for kids to do. He also noted the economic benefit for the town at large.
Although comments were generally supportive, abutting residents voiced concerns about insufficient setbacks and the possibility that people using the trails might be visible and perhaps wander outside of the site’s perimeter onto neighboring properties. Wire fencing for the perimeter was suggested.
Others feared that trails along the steeper slopes on Rattlesnake Mountain might erode and impact wetlands below. The emergency vehicle access along Amenia Union Road was of concern, with residents suggesting a gate to keep recreational users from entering there.
Noise from trail maintenance equipment was a concern voiced by another resident.
Town Clerk Dawn Klingner reported that she had received 12 written comments from residents, including 10 that were supportive.
The Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals have reviewed the proposal at multiple meetings since July 2025 and submitted comments to the Town Board.
An existing home on the property would be razed to accommodate a parking area. Existing forestry access roads on the property, six feet in width, would remain to create passage for emergency vehicles.
At a January meeting of the Planning Board, town engineer John Andrews noted that the fire department had indicated that concerns about access by emergency vehicles had been accommodated. He added that the project complies with endangered species regulations and includes a rattlesnake education program for hikers and bikers.
