The Ashokan Rail Trail

An 11.5-mile-long rail trail on the north shore of Ashokan Reservoir has opened after six years of planning, design and construction work. It offers breathtaking view of the Catksills and as well as an up-close look at the reservoir that conveys 40 percent of New York City’s drinking water.

The current trail was formerly occupied by the Ulster & Delaware Railroad, which shipped goods to New York City and brought metropolitan residents to the Catskills until the mid-1900s. The portion of the rail corridor along Ashokan Reservoir had been abandoned and unused for decades.

During its first weekend in operation, the trail was packed with hundreds of visitors who were thrilled by having a new place to exercise, and by the access to scenic views of Ashokan Reservoir and the Catskills.

This is the 16th trail we’ve opened on water supply land through partnerships with local governments and nonprofit groups. After decades of keeping our lands closed and discouraging public access, these trails and other low-impact recreation programs are part of a broader strategy to connect people with our natural resources and teach them about the operation, protection and maintenance of our water supply.

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