Walden–Wallkill Rail Trail facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Walden–Wallkill Rail Trail |
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A section of the rail trail in the town of Shawangunk.
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| Length | 3.22 mi (5.18 km) |
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| Trailheads | |
| Use | Walking, jogging, bicycling and dog walking |
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| Hazards | Paved section may be unsuitable for horseback riders |
The Walden–Wallkill Rail Trail, also called the Jesse McHugh Rail Trail, is a fun path for walking, biking, and more! It stretches about 3.22-mile (5.18 km) between the village of Walden and the hamlet of Wallkill in New York. These two places are in Orange and Ulster counties.
This trail used to be a railroad track! It's now a "rail trail," which means an old railway line has been turned into a public path. The Walden–Wallkill Rail Trail is connected to the longer Wallkill Valley Rail Trail to the north. The towns bought the land in 1985 and turned it into a trail. The part in Shawangunk opened in 1993 and was named after Jesse McHugh, a former town leader. The trail was paved between 2008 and 2009, making it even easier to use.
Discover the Walden–Wallkill Rail Trail
The Walden–Wallkill Rail Trail is a great place to explore the outdoors. It offers a flat, paved surface perfect for many activities.
A Journey Through Time: The Trail's History
The path you walk on today was once part of the Wallkill Valley Railroad. This railroad ran for about 33 miles (53 km) from Montgomery to Kingston. It carried goods and people from 1866 until 1977.
From Railroad to Rail Trail
After the railroad stopped running, the company that owned the land wanted to sell it. In 1985, the towns of Montgomery and Shawangunk bought their sections of the old rail line. They wanted to use the land for local development and public access.
- The Montgomery section was about 2 miles (3.2 km) long, from Walden to the Shawangunk town line.
- The Shawangunk section was about 2.3 miles (3.7 km) long, going north from the town line.
Part of the old rail line near Wallkill was bought by the New York State Department of Correctional Services in 1985. This section is now near the Wallkill Correctional Facility and the Shawangunk Correctional Facility. South of Walden, the old rail line is still used by trains today!
Connecting the Trails
North of the prisons, the old rail line continues as the separate Wallkill Valley Rail Trail. People have been trying to connect these two trails for many years. In 2004, a study looked at ways to make this connection happen. Plans are still being considered to link the trails, possibly by rerouting the path around the prison grounds.
The Jesse McHugh Trail
The southern part of the trail, from Wallkill to the Montgomery–Shawangunk town line, officially opened as the Jesse McHugh Rail Trail on June 5, 1993. Jesse McHugh was an important leader in the town of Shawangunk. The northern part of the Shawangunk section is maintained by the town but is not officially part of the main trail.
Paving the Way for Fun
In 2001, the towns of Shawangunk and Montgomery, along with the village of Walden, started working to get money to pave the trail. They wanted to make it smooth and easy for everyone to use, including people with disabilities. The paving project cost about $1.5 million.
Some people, especially horseback riders, were worried that paving the trail would make it unsafe for horses. They protested at meetings. Also, some nearby homeowners were concerned about privacy.
Despite the concerns, the towns received a grant of $600,000 in 2003 to start paving. In 2003, a couple named Bob and Doris Kimball donated 20 acres (8.1 ha) of their land for a new park next to the trail. This park is still waiting for funds to be developed.
More money was needed to finish the paving. In February 2008, Congressman Maurice Hinchey announced that $351,000 would be given to complete the project. Construction began on September 22, 2008. The paved trail, about 3.22-mile (5.18 km) long, officially opened on May 2, 2009.
In 2011, a big storm caused damage to a part of the trail in Montgomery. The ground underneath the trail washed away, causing a section to sink. Repairs were estimated to cost about $214,000.
Exploring the Trail: What You'll See
The Walden–Wallkill Rail Trail offers a pleasant journey through different landscapes.
Starting Points and Parks
The trail begins at the 9.4-acre (3.8 ha) Wooster Grove Park in Walden, near NY 52. This park has a visitor center for trail users and Walden's old train station, which is now a recreation building.
Points of Interest
From Walden, the trail goes north for about 1 mile (1.6 km) to Lake Osiris Road. It then continues another 1+1⁄4 miles (2.0 km) to the town line between Montgomery and Shawangunk.
Once you are in Shawangunk, the trail passes by the Borden Estate. This is a large mansion built in 1906 by the granddaughter of Gail Borden. Gail Borden was famous for inventing a way to make condensed milk in 1854. The Borden family owned many milk companies. Today, the mansion is used by the School of Practical Philosophy for classes.
About 3⁄4 mile (1.2 km) from the town line, the trail reaches its Wallkill trailhead. This is right across the street from the Shawangunk police station, near NY 208. The paved section of the trail between Walden and Wallkill is mostly flat, making it easy to use.
Unimproved Northern Section
There's also an unofficial northern section of the trail in Wallkill. It stretches about 1+1⁄2 miles (2.4 km) from Railroad Avenue to Birch Road. This part is not paved and doesn't have signs. However, it is said to be very beautiful, with amazing views of the Shawangunk Ridge to the west.
While the official paved trail is about 3 miles (4.8 km) long, including this northern section makes the total length about 4+1⁄2 miles (7.2 km). The trail is a popular spot for walking, jogging, bicycling, and even walking your dog!
Images for kids
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The original Wallkill Valley rail line, stretching from Montgomery to Kingston
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The winding, handicapped-accessible path from the street to the trailhead in the village of Walden
