New Rail Trail Extension Opens in the Hudson Valley

Winter may have arrived in the Hudson Valley (along with the first possible snowstorm of the year), but that hasn't slowed down the Harlem Valley Rail Trail, an organization responsible for much of the trail revitalization in Columbia and Dutchess Counties since their inception in 1986.

Rail trails in the Hudson Valley hold a special connection to local history, with many of the paths memorializing vital rail routes that helped form not only the Hudson Valley, but New York State as a whole. They also have some of the most beautiful views in the area.

Famous Hudson Valley Rail Trail Sights

One of the most famous portions of Hudson Valley rail trails is in Rosendale, NY in Ulster County, where the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail crosses the Rondout Creek (below). In its storied history, the beloved Rosendale Trestle has hosted everything from wedding photoshoots to bungee jumping. The newest trail announcement, however, is further east (and does not involve jumping off a bridge).

The Harlem Valley Rail Trail is Expanding

The Harlem Valley Rail Trail begins in Wassaic, NY in Dutchess County, and winds north to Copake Falls, NY in Columbia County. The plan, however, is to continue the trail more than 20 miles farther to Chatham, NY. Now, the first section of the expansion is ready to be unveiled to the public.

Ribbon Cutting for Harlem Valley Rail Trail's Northern Trail Extension

The Harlem Valley Rail Trail recently announced that the newest section of the trail, which connects Chatham, NY with Ghent, NY, is ready for its official ribbon cutting ceremony. While winter weather is threatening the original opening date of December 2nd, the organization shared that a pivot is already being planned (below).

While the ribbon cutting will have to wait, the progress on the extension (officially called the Northern Trail Extension) has received the official stamp of approval. Work on the Harlem Valley Rail Trail will continue in 2026, with $2.5 million in funding recently awarded from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation division. Check out other rail trails from across the region below.