Twenty-six mile Harlem Valley Rail Trail beckons

With crisp days and blue skies overhead, the Harlem Valley Rail Trail provides leaf peepers and nature lovers a chance to leave their cars behind and travel through the countryside on a secure paved path.

Residents and visitors of all ages are welcome to enjoy The Trail which runs through forests, farmlands, wetlands and villages. It follows the path that railroads took for some 100 years as they transported goods to New York City, allowing the area to thrive.

Conceived of in the 1980s and eventually opened in 1996, The Trail utilizes the space that was left behind when those railroads — once the economic life-giving arteries of the area — were left behind in the 1960’s.

There is no charge for use of the 26-mile trail, which is open from dawn until dusk throughout the four seasons running from Wassaic to Copake. Reservations are not required, but visitors should check the website to see if a portion might be temporarily closed for repairs.

There is trail parking on Mechanic Street in Amenia leading to Rt. 343 and the town. The Millerton trail entrance is located next to the Irondale Schoohouse on Main Street with parking in a free lot around the corner on South Center Street. Both provide easy access to small town charm with restaurants suited to every taste, a variety of shops and even the Millerton movie theater for a stop before or after traveling The Trail.

Paid parking is available at the Wassic Train Station with free parking at Undermountain Road in Ancram, at the entrance to Taconic State Park in Copake Falls, and at Orphan Falls Road in Copake Falls.

Lisa DeLeeuw, Executive director at Harlem Valley Rail Trail Association says in addition to access through those parking areas, riders can also “just jump on and off The Trail at any road crossing.”

According to DeLeeuw, trail regulations are simple and basically follow general “rules for the road.” Details may be found at hvrt.org under Usage at the About tab. They center around safety and courtesy involving littering, noise, and disruption of wildlife or the environment. They are based on common sense with fire, camping, and alcoholic beverages banned.

Neighboring properties and their residents should to be respected. Animals are permitted, but owners are expected to clean up after them.

Electric mobility wheelchairs and Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are permitted, but horses and “motorized vehicles” are not.

For the convenience of trail users, portable toilets are available in Millerton, Coleman Station, Amenia and Wassaic.

The Trail is maintained by a cooperative effort of professionals and volunteers who keep vegetation in check and aid in clean up as seasons change or nature brings occasional surprises..

If trail users notice any problems such as downed limbs or necessary work, they may contact DeLeeuw through the website or call the Dutchess County Parks at 845-298-4611. Emergency calls can be made to 911.

The Trail is supported by a combination of public and private funds. Appreciating donations, DeLeeuw says, “We always need matching funds for our projects.” She notes a ‘Bridge to Nature’ is currently being developed and will eventually provide a “series of nature and history signs that will be right at The Trail head by the double bridge by the Railroad Plaza” in Millerton.

The goal of the HVRT Association is to eventually use all 46 miles of former track land in order to reach Chatham. A map of The Trail, both present and future is available on the website.

View the Harlem Valley Rail Trail map here.