The Living Rail Trail
I would like to thank the girl scouts who worked so
hard to breathe new life into the rail trail between Accord and Kerhonkson. As
I entered the rail trail at the canoe access off Berme Road, I saw a group of
picnic tables that seemed to say, “This trail is in use, and we’re proud of
it.”
While on the topic, I would also like to commend the
Rondout Valley Business Association, the Open Space Institute, and all those
involved in the exciting progress to open the rail trail from High Falls to
Accord, The health of our rail trail system is directly linked to the economic
health of our communities.
As we all get used to riding our bikes more—or horses
if you prefer—we won’t have to wait in traffic while road are rebuilt or
sidewalks installed (like in Stone Ridge), and we won’t have to travel miles
out of the way on detours (as in the closure on the main thoroughfare in
Rosendale, or the never ending closure of the Kerhonkson bridge). I recently
sat in traffic imagining bicyclists traveling by to solicit local business.
Our communities developed around rail lines for a
reason; they’re efficient, direct, beautiful, and they help orient development
around community centers, instead of sprawling out into the hinterlands.
There are many rail trail connections in place
already. The steady traffic on the Hurley rail trail can lead the curious
traveler into Cottekill and High Falls. After observing the view from the
Rosendale railroad trestle, bikers can head over to New Paltz for a meal or a
night at a bed and breakfast.
Visit local bike shops like Favata Table Rock Tours
in Rosendale, The Bicycle Rack in New Paltz, or Accord Bicycle Service to get
started on your explorations. Most of the rail trails are flat and easy to
handle.
Get out on the trails while the weather is still
cooperating. Once the snows settle on the ground, consider cross-country
skiing.
–Chris Hewitt
Posted by Chris Hewitt
on 11:15 AM.
Filed under
Publishers Editorial
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