Hudson Valley Rail Trails

Hudson Valley Rail Trails – What To Expect?

As train travel gave way to vehicle travel many of the area’s railways fell into disuse. The Hudson Valley Rail was no exception. The railway went largely unused until 2013 when a plan was set in motion to transform 22 miles of the Hudson Valley Rail into a linear park that now extends from Kingston to Gardiner.

The Hudson Valley Rail Trail is an approximately 7-mile scenic bike path that meanders through lush wooded forest land, past scenic lakes, and over gently rolling hills. Keep reading to learn more about this hidden gem.

Hudson Valley Rail Trails: Trail Overview

The Hudson Valley Rail Trail is the longest leg of New York’s 9-mile Empire State Trail Section. The Hudson Valley Rail Trail leg is approximately 7 miles of paved asphalt pathway designated for bicycles and foot traffic only. The trail’s starting point is located in the Town of Lloyd, at the Walkway Over The Hudson State Park. The 1.5 mile park built atop a historic railway bridge spanning the Hudson River provides a visitor center, ample parking, and public restrooms for trail visitors.

The final 2-mile leg of the Empire State Trail Section connects the Hudson Valley Rail Trail to the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail via an on-road trail into the downtown area of The Village of New Paltz. This final leg of the Hudson Valley Rail Trail is recommended for experienced bicyclists who are comfortable sharing the roadway with motorized vehicles.

Hudson Valley Rail Trails
Hudson Valley Rail Trails Services

Hudson Valley Rail Trails: Sights

Visitors to the Hudson Valley Rail Trail will experience spectacular views of the Hudson River, historic bridges, thick forests, and boulder outcroppings. A portion of the pathway winds through the Black Creek Wetlands as well.

Hudson Valley Rail Trails: Services

In addition to the public facilities provided by the Walkway Over The Hudson State Park, local businesses in both The Town of Lloyd and The Village of New Paltz offer a broad range of shopping, dining, and services for visitors to enjoy. Here are a few of our favorites.
New Paltz Bike Rentals provides short-term bicycle rental services for visitors who want to enjoy bicycling the Hudson Valley Rail Trail without having to supply their own bicycle.
Underground Coffee & Ales serves up great pub food and brews, and Frozen Caboose Ice Cream offers up a cool dessert in the Town of Highland.
In Poughkeepsie, you can pay a visit to the Pulaski Park public swimming pool for a refreshing swim.

Hudson Valley Rail Trails: Nearby Attractions

Those looking to add more sightseeing opportunities to their adventure will be pleased to find that there are not one, but two, National Historic Sites located nearby.

  • Home of Franklin D Roosevelt National Historic Site

    The Home Of Franklin D Roosevelt National Historic Site allows visitors to explore the home and grounds of President Franklin D Roosevelt and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. The site is home to the Nation’s first Presidential Library.

    Reservations are required and tickets must be purchased in advance of your arrival. Tours operate Thursday through Monday only.

  • Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

    The Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site allows visitors an up-close and personal look at the home built by one of the nation’s wealthiest families.

    Reservations are required and tickets must be purchased in advance of your arrival. Tours operate Thursday through Monday only.

Hudson Valley Rail Trails: Trail Rules

The Town of Lloyd enforces the following regulations regarding trail use.

  • Use of the trail is permitted from dawn to dusk only.
  • Do not litter. Remember, if you carry it in, you must carry it out.
  • Dogs are welcome, however, they must remain leashed at all times. Leashes must be less than 6-feet long when fully extended.
  • Motorized vehicles are not permitted with the exception of electric wheelchairs.
  • Weapons may not be discharged from or across the trail.
  • Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
  • Respect private property bordering the trail. Do not venture off of the trail and be mindful of posted “Private Property” and “No Trespassing” signs.

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These are the best bikes! We do our annual Wallkill Rail Trail to Rosendale. Craig is a super nice guy and the location is also best place to park for the day.

David Weisman

I own my own bike, but my friend rented from them and it was simple and easy. $10/hr, beautiful trail and friendly service. You get a bike and helmet and they are really nice in explaining the way to the trail. They also offer the tandem hitch for kids.

Naomi Miller

Had an awesome time on the trails and the rental was a super easy process. Rental for bike and helmet. If you’re looking for something outdoors to do in the New Paltz area definitely give this a go.

Tara McPhillips

Great bikes, Excellent service, highly recommend this experience.

Negar Behbahani

Great time for our family. The bikes are great, you are right near two trail options, and the owner is very accommodating.

Y Zucker

Awesome place to rent a bike! Right off the trail!
Great quality bikes, excellent customer service!

Amy Oliff

What a beautiful way to spend a few hours with the family.We could not have had a better time.

Jamie Rose

Wonderful experience all around. Staff was friendly and knowledgeable of trails. Beautiful ride with great views. Couldn’t ask for a better location.
We also got to kayak on the Wallkill River. We will be back again.

Dean

We went with our family all age children.. bikes are brand new helmets were also available!! The trail was beautiful. Amazing experience!!!

Reizy

Went with the extended family today and had a great time! We were a large range of ages and somehow we were all accommodated. The service was impeccable and we all had an enjoyable time! Thank you!

Rochel Boles

Great location, awesome friendly service! The trail was lovely and we got great suggestions! Thanks!

Jean Steiner

Great bikes, stunning views and path.
Very nice and helpful staff.

Tuly Rosenberg

Awesome day of mountain biking. Highly recommend the Mohonk Preserve trip with this company.

Ryan Hartman

Great bikes and beautiful trail, with amazing customer service, all in it was a great experience!

Ely Teitelbaum

We find this place while bike depot was closed and it was perfect. Good service, lots of parking, had great time.

Elad Binyamin

Had an amazing day with friends exploring the new trail recently opened off Springtown Rd courtesy of New Paltz Biking. I would recommend these bikes for anyone who wants to get out on the trails.

Matthew Rosenberger

Lucky to find NP Biking when we wanted to bike the rail trail in New Paltz and didn’t have a reservation for bike rentals at any of the places in town. They operate out of a trailer in the parking lot of the new River-to-Ridge trail head, so there was plenty of free parking (a rarity if you know New Paltz). They made sure to set us up with the proper sized bikes for us and they recommended a few points of interest worth looking out for along the trail. We would definitely rent from them again when we are in town.

Matt Feldman

Well priced and great service.We will definitely be back.

Yitzchak boles

Perfectly located right on trail network!

Peter Karis