harlem valley rail trail

This could be the most popular place in the Harlem Valley. I am sure the bikers think it is only for riding, but it is a great place to walk. Just be careful because not all bikers are as courteous as they should be when passing walkers. I do not know of any accidents, but I have had a number of close calls with speeding bikes that approach quickly and silently. It is a beautiful place to enjoy the countryside.

The Harlem Valley Rail Trail runs from the end of MetroNorth's Harlem Valley Line 11 miles further north on a disused rail road road bed. It is a great walk. I did it in late October when the leaves were in full glory. I caught a train from Grand Central Terminal early in the morning. Mid-morning I changed trains at Southeast (a.k.a. Brewster North) and road until the end of the line at Wassiac. After detraining I followed the well marked trail 11 miles north to Millerton. After a quick lunch in the trailhead park I determined that walking back, instead of arranging for a taxi, was a good idea. I didn't regret that decision. A 22 mile round-trip wasn't difficult for a confirmed walker. The day was crisp. The leaves were beautiful. The trail itself was very nice. Although it is designed for bicycles hikers and bicyclists seemed to get along. Since it is an old rail road grade there are no steep places and the width is more than adequate. If you are hiking in bug season bring repellent. There are limited opportunities for food, water and dewatering. Bring your own and be prepared.

Being a rail trail, it is 15 miles of easy biking. Facilities along the way are great, with clean restrooms here and there, good fences, bridges, and the like. Much of it is shaded, so it is good for warm days. What makes this magical is the way you slide in and out of different worlds - from a slot cut deep into the rocks, to woodland biking, to marshland, past houses and barns and fields and meadows and mountains.

I did enjoy this trail, though I couldn't help but wonder: would the right of way be better served with rail service continuing up from Wassaic to Millerton? I loved being able to access this via Metro North, and would go back again, but there are many other rail trails with great views closer to the city!

The Rail Trail was part of the much longer Harlem Valley Rail Ride (we chose to do the 40 mile version), and is a lovely (flat!) ride through the woods. Our section was only about 4 miles, but was a very nice and shady respite.

I wanted to get out of the city and heard about the Harlem Valley Rail Trail - its a long ride by train to Wassaic from Grand Central with a change - 2:18 minutes to be precise - but nonetheless I was not put off. If you take a morning train from GCT you can take the Rail trail slowly - its 11 miles each way through farmland wooded areas , all paved and with no major incline.It was great to hear the sounds of the countryside and a great escape for anyone living in NYC . At the other end in Millerton there are nice restaurants and Coffee shops or you could bring a picnic and stop along the way. There are restroom facilities and seating along the trail.A great bike ride not overly challenging but enjoyable and in my opinion worth the trip from NYC on MTA,

I walk the trail most mornings, and it changes everyday. I am so grateful we have such a wonderful and safe place to walk. The views are just beautiful , depends where you start.

This is a great trail. Bike walk or rollerblade. It's lovely. Well maintained clean lots of views and diversified fauna. Will see wildlife aat times, too.

This was a great experience. It was a beautiful day with some color in the trees and a wide, flat paved path. Walking past fields, farms, llamas, peacocks and geese made for an even better time. Enjoy!

An easy ride for the whole family. The trail is flat, scenic, safe, and great for all types of riders/walkers. It is never busy and we've had fun for 20 minutes with our 5 and 7 year old as well as riding the entire trail on our own.

Enjoyed the ride down the rail trail with my children.Great area with Depot Deli next to it to get something to eat and drink.Can't wait for the fall colors.Well maintained.

Beautiful! Scenic views. Flat riding. Great for the whole family. A real treat. Only northern part of trail has bike rentals. Must bring your own bikes to do southern partbofbtrail.

Whether you're looking for a stroll in beautiful countryside, a clean paved trail to rollerblade on or a rigorous 11 mile bike ride, the rail trail in Millerton is definitely the place. I always feel safe walking it. There are shady and sunny spots, streams to linger by and rock cut outs that can double as nature cathedrals. Plenty of parking off of South Center Street. One of the many reasons why Millerton rocks!

The rail trail is the perfect place for people who like to ride bikes (vs. serious cyclists) or rollerblde, run or walk in an outdoor, pristine, safe and beautiful surrounding. You pass through farms and fields and woods and it is such a peaceful way to spend a Saturday morning.

The Rail Trail is great to walk or bike ride. Very scenic. It is so nice to ride a bike and not have to worry about cars. You can park in Millerton or the Wassic train station. The distance between Millerton and the train station is just under 11 miles. It will be great when they get more of the Northern parts done.Great for walking dogs too just remember to pick up the poo!