Harlem Valley Rail Trail

The south trailhead is at the Wassaic Metro-North Station, Route 22, Amenia, NY 12501 – GPS Coordinates: 41.814838, -73.562328

The north trailhead for the contiguous 10.8 mile section is in Millerton on US 44 near the intersection with NY 22. There are several alternative access points with parking along the trail (use Web Map link on this site). 

This paved rail trail goes through the eastern edge of Dutchess County and into Columbia County.

The trail is planned to be 46.1 miles long. In 2009 two sections were completed, a 10.8 mile section in Dutchess County from Wassaic to Millerton, and a 3.7 mile segment in Columbia County from Under Mountain Rd. to Copake Falls Station.

Use the Web Map link on this site to view a trail map link that displays finished and undeveloped sections. 

Harlem Valley Rail Trail

The portion of the Harlem Line that forms the Harlem Valley Rail Trail was completed in 1852 and later became part of the New York Central Railroad system (which became Penn Central in 1968). Until 1972, passenger service was operated by the New York Central Railroad (1968-1972 by Penn Central) as far as Chatham (where it connected with the Boston-Albany line).  Freight service on the line was abandoned in 1981.

Use the Contact Information link for an expanded history as well as updates about progress towards completing the entire trail.

The section from Wassaic to Chatham is being developed as a 10 foot wide paved rail trail. Trail is open to skating, cycling, hiking, other non-motorized use, but no horses.  Taconic State Park is nearby.