26 miles of a former railroad, now used for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and more.
Around the corner from The Book Village Inn on Cornell Ave in Hobart, NY — just before a large industrial park — is an entrance to The Catskill Scenic Trail. A 26-mile trail following the path of the former Ulster & Delaware Railroad. I walked only a few miles, but in my short walk, the terrain and flora changed. From hot and dry to cool and lush. The soothing sound of a small headwater stream of the West Branch Delaware River flowed thru the area. Underfoot, old railroad ties peeked through the soil revealing signs of the trails history. In the distance, roosters crowed. Puffy white clouds filled the blue sky. All framed by the Catskills mountains.
It’s fascinating how the temperature drops and the air is cleaner as the trees grow more dense. A testament to nature’s wisdom and beauty. What’s more fascinating and regretful is that we humans — who have been gifted with the stewardship of Earth — insist on willfully destroying it and in turn destroying ourselves. Areas like The Catskill Scenic Trail and other protected sites should serve to remind us of how precious nature is.
I was telling a coworker that I had thoughts of relocating to this part of New York. One of the things stopping me is my reliance on health insurance. He said, hey with the clean air and fresh water, you won’t need it. While he was joking, it’s not too far from the truth. Natural areas — specifically forests — do have notable healing powers because the air is actually cleaner, the water is actually fresher. You breathe better. Your blood flows easier. Your mind stops stressing . . . or at least mine would.
Do yourself a favor and seek out a nature trail or a lush forest and just spend some quiet time breathing, relaxing, and exploring. You’ll be glad you did. If you’re visiting The Catskill Scenic Trail, check out their website for information about six of the towns along the trail.
More Information:
The path was initially forged for the Ulster & Delaware Railroad, which operated until 1932. Decades later, funds were received to transform the retired railroad into a recreational path for the public. In the 1990s, the brush was cleared, the tracks were removed, and cinders and gravel were spread. Since then, it has been a popular destination to get outside and spend time in the peaceful Catskill scenery.
The trail weaves through farm fields, along the Delaware River, and past small Catskill towns. The hard-packed surface, wide path and very slight grade make it ideal for an assortment of recreational activities. The trail runs along the West Branch of the Delaware River and alongside sections of NYS Routes 10, 23 and 30. The Catskill Scenic Trail is open to the public for hiking, biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, walking, and jogging.
The Catskill Scenic Trail is owned and maintained by the Catskill Revitalization Corporation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization incorporated in 1986. The CRC also maintains and manages the Delaware & Ulster Railroad providing educational and recreational rides along the remaining section of the railway.
Catskill Scenic Trail Website -> catskillscenictrail.org
Delaware & Ulster Railroad Website -> durr.org
Catskill Revitalization Corporation -> durr.org/about/crc-background
