Opening Date Announced For Ashokan Rail Trail
The Ashokan Rail Trail (ART) project has been in the works since 2012 and the opening day is now in sight. The 11.5-mile trail runs along the northern edge of the Ashokan Reservoir between Basin Road in West Hurley and Route 28A in Boiceville.
According to UlsterCounty.gov, the trails will provide the first access, without a permit necessary, to the banks of the scenic reservoir for the first time in more than 100 years. The ART will serve as an important link between trails connecting the Walkway Over The Hudson and Catskill Park.
Design work and environmental review began in June of 2016. Construction got underway in 2017 which included the removal of old rail and remaining ties, drainage improvements, construction of trailheads along with a number of other projects.
The Ashokan Rail Trail will partially open to the public at noon on Friday, October 18th and access is not permitted until then. Phase one opening will include the Woodstock Trailhead in West Hurley and approximately nine miles of trail from Basin Round to Mile Post K-19. The additional 2.5 miles is expected to open in December.
The ART is ADA compliant and you can expect crushed stone trails ranging from 10 to 12 feet in diameter. It is for non-motorized use which includes hiking, bicycling, running, cross country skiing and snowshoeing.