Best Rail-Trails in New York

This list represents the most popular rail-trails in New York. Use this list to plan your next New York rail-trails trip. Select a state and/or activity below to find even more top trails.

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#1. Old Croton Aqueduct Trail


Of course many trails (and not just rail-trails) provide a connection between communities. But when you come upon a trail that has been in the ground for more than 150 years of continuous use—well, th…
From the guidebook "Rails To Trails: New York"
Tarrytown, NY - Rail-Trails - 26.3 miles BestRail-Trails Trail - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by The Globe Pequot Press

#2. North County Trailway


This trail features a number of innovative etched-metal signs placed in strategic areas that point out interesting historical features and anecdotes. After the Civil War, the nation saw a boom in the…
From the guidebook "Rails To Trails: New York"
Graham, NY - Rail-Trails - 19.82 miles
Published by The Globe Pequot Press

#3. Wallkill Valley Rail Trail


This is a special trail that combines history and natural beauty, yet is only 90 miles from New York City. This is also a very friendly trail for equestrians, who have a big presence in the valley; as…
From the guidebook "Rails To Trails: New York"
New Paltz, NY - Rail-Trails - 15.8 miles
Published by The Globe Pequot Press

#4. Harlem Valley Rail Trail


In describing this route, Dutchess County executive Bill Steinhaus noted, “In addition to the enjoyment of local residents, the rail-trail has truly become a recreational resource of regional importan…
From the guidebook "Rails To Trails: New York"
Millerton, NY - Rail-Trails - 11 miles
Published by The Globe Pequot Press

#5. Mohawk-Hudson Bikeway (Erie Canal, Eastern Section)


This trail is a testament to perseverance and dedication. Built through five towns and paralleling the beautiful Hudson and Mohawk Rivers, it’s one of the most interesting and diverse trails you’ll ev…
From the guidebook "Rails To Trails: New York"
Schenectady, NY - Rail-Trails - 36.5 miles
Published by The Globe Pequot Press

#6. Orange Heritage Trail


Chartered in 1832, the Erie Railroad was one of the earlier railroads in the country. It originated at Piermont on the Hudson River, close to the spot where the present-day Tappan Zee Bridge lands on…
From the guidebook "Rails To Trails: New York"
Greycourt, NY - Rail-Trails - 10.5 miles
Published by The Globe Pequot Press

#7. Bronx River Pathway


Most of the trails in this book are either former railroad corridors or canal towpaths. The Bronx River Pathway is an exception. It lies in the corridor with, and alongside, the first automobile “park…
From the guidebook "Rails To Trails: New York"
White Plains, NY - Rail-Trails - 11.55 miles
Published by The Globe Pequot Press

#8. Catharine Valley Trail


The trail passes several marshes, most notably the almost 900-acre Queen Catharine Marsh Wildlife Management Area—an important stop for many species of migratory birds. Geologically, the valley is imp…
From the guidebook "Rails To Trails: New York"
Millport, NY - Rail-Trails - 12 miles
Published by The Globe Pequot Press

#9. Catskill Scenic Trail


The Catskill Mountains were formed by two moving forces: the glaciers of the Ice Age and the railroad. The first moved slowly over many millennia, the second required little more than a century, and b…
From the guidebook "Rails To Trails: New York"
Stamford, NY - Rail-Trails - 19 miles
Published by The Globe Pequot Press

#10. D&H Canal Heritage Corridor


Completed in 1828, the Delaware & Hudson Canal was the first million-dollar private enterprise in America. During its seventy years of active duty, it was the main economic artery for the Northeast. I…
From the guidebook "Rails To Trails: New York"
Wurtsboro, NY - Cross-Country Skiing, Fishing, Horseback Riding, Rail-Trails - 90 miles
Published by The Globe Pequot Press

#11. Warren County Bikeway


Glens Falls is an interesting small city in eastern New York, located on falls of the Hudson River near the resort community of Lake George. It’s the site of the Hyde Collection—a museum containing Eu…
From the guidebook "Rails To Trails: New York"
Lake George, NY - Rail-Trails - 9.42 miles
Published by The Globe Pequot Press

#12. South County Trailway


This trail features a series of etched-metal signs that present the rail-road history of the old Putnam line. In the 1920s the trolley tracks crossed the Putnam line at Tarrytown Road, where passenger…
From the guidebook "Rails To Trails: New York"
Ardsley, NY - Rail-Trails - 6.29 miles
Published by The Globe Pequot Press

#13. Oswego Recreational Trail


This trail is part of the old New York Ontario & Western Railroad (O&W), which was a rambling rural operation noted for having three main sources of revenue: coal, milk, and people. One look at a syst…
From the guidebook "Rails To Trails: New York"
Central Square, NY - Rail-Trails - 24.9 miles
Published by The Globe Pequot Press

#14. Erie Canal Heritage Trail (Erie Canal, Western Section)


The western section of the Erie Canal Trail is the most complete, and it also offers the best services for bike tourists. It passes through an interesting mix of rural countryside, small villages, and…
From the guidebook "Rails To Trails: New York"
Rochester, NY - Rail-Trails - 85 miles
Published by The Globe Pequot Press

#15. Glens Falls Feeder Canal Trail


Glens Falls is a community that ties into the memories of many people who lived through World War II. In 1944 Life magazine sent a team of photographers to this community for a multi-month series titl…
From the guidebook "Rails To Trails: New York"
Glens Falls, NY - Rail-Trails - 9 miles
Published by The Globe Pequot Press

#16. Cayuga County Trail


The Lehigh Valley Railroad (LV) was one of the “Anthracite Roads.” This was an informal group of railroads in the East that specialized in the transport of the black gold known as anthracite coal. The…
From the guidebook "Rails To Trails: New York"
Martville, NY - Rail-Trails - 14.1 miles
Published by The Globe Pequot Press

#17. Pittsford Canal and Railroad Loop


Here is one of the few opportunities to travel an abandoned railroad/canal and actually return to your car without seeing the same thing! This short trail is a pleasure for that reason and many more.…
From the guidebook "Rails To Trails: New York"
Pittsford, NY - Cross-Country Skiing, Rail-Trails - 4 miles
Published by The Globe Pequot Press

#18. Genesee Valley Greenway


This trail is reminiscent of many found in the Midwest, especially in its rural and agricultural setting, and in the number of other defunct rail lines in the vicinity. The number of railroads in this…
From the guidebook "Rails To Trails: New York"
Scottsville, NY - Rail-Trails - 23.7 miles
Published by The Globe Pequot Press

#19. Old Erie Canal Trail (Erie Canal, Middle Section)


One of the best features at the beginning of this trail is the very interesting signage about the history of the canal. Be sure to read it before getting under way, as it will help make your journey m…
From the guidebook "Rails To Trails: New York"
Canastoga, NY - Rail-Trails - 35.5 miles
Published by The Globe Pequot Press

#20. Rivergate Trail


The Thousand Island region of New York is a special treat that belongs on everyone’s must-visit list. The main community of this extraordinary area is Clayton. Located on the St. Lawrence River (the b…
From the guidebook "Rails To Trails: New York"
Theresa, NY - Rail-Trails - 14 miles
Published by The Globe Pequot Press