A little over 80 miles North of New York City is Poughkeepsie, NY. A connection to the Hudson and Wallkill Valley Rail Trail, and finally the Onteora Trail which will lead you in route to Woodstock, NY. For us, this was an overnight dirt touring trip. A quick weekend getaway that’s mixed with 80% dirt and gravel. I’ve ridden this route solo last July of 2016 on 23mm tires on my full carbon road bike setup for a fast light tour. You can read that write up here.
This trip was a duo with my friend George. A skilled mountain biker at heart with the desire to travel by bike. This is the first trip I’ve went on with George, and certainly not my last. You can sense the companionship through banter, views of the world, and bike stuff. I knew it was going to be a great trip.
The route is mainly intended for travel by rail via Metro North from Grand Central Station in New York City. Once aboard the train to Poughkeepsie you’ll be relaxed for two hours. George and I conversed back and fourth and before we knew it, we were on our bikes and off to the “Walk Over The Hudson”. This will put you directly on Hudson Valley Rail Trail. This 4-mile gravel trail passes through wood forest and creeks before leading you through New Paltz, NY where you will then pick up the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail.
Route Notes
- One of the more difficult sections is the hike a bike up to camp at Overlook.
- Some sections can be ridden while others can't.
- Beautiful vistas at the summit where we setup camp for the evening.
Ridden & Written by
Dwayne Burgess / Manual Pedal
6 Comments
seroka
Thanks for sharing ,another cycling opportunity, great job
Dwayne Burgess
Thank you for stopping by!
Bob
Looks like a fun time! I see the map, but do you have a a route directions of GPS data you could share?
Dwayne Burgess
Thanks for the kind words Bob. The route details and GPS data can be found here… https://www.strava.com/activities/1011836113
Anna
Hi Dwayne! Thanks for the route, I am considering trying it this weekend. My question is- how long did it take you to complete it? I live in Westchedter and am thinking of just going from my house, which will add another 30 miles or so to the route one way, but it will be all on the Empire Trail, so should be easy going. Also, did you have enough re-supply opportunities along the road? With the current drought, I want to make sure I have water sources along the way. Thanks so much!
Anna
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