Plenty of WOW Along the O&W

My summertime rail trail love affair continued with a 20-mile bike ride along the O&W Rail Trail, which runs between Kingston and Ellenville, New York (Ulster County) in the Catskill Mountains. This trail follows the route of the old New York, Ontario and Western Railroad. It is a picturesque adventure consisting of forests, swampland, farms, rock formations/caves and an eye-popping array of vegetation and wildlife. At times, the trail meanders along back yards, near barns, and passes an active firehouse and an old railroad station that was converted into a home.

The trail consists of a mix of paved surface (at the Kingston/Hurley trailhead), dirt, cinders and gravel with patches of stones and roots that more hardcore mountain bikers will enjoy. In other words, there is something for everyone!

For more information, please visit the O&W Rail Trail Coalition and the Hudson River Valley Greenway. To learn more about the national Rails to Trails program, check out the Rails to Trails Conservancy.