The historic Ashokan Rail Trail opening marks the first public access in over 100 years to the North Shore of the Ashokan Reservoir. Two additional parking lots will be added. 

KINGSTON, N.Y. – County Executive Pat Ryan is pleased to announce the public opening of the final section of the Ashokan Rail Trail (ART), which has been closed previously due to construction activities. This western segment of the ART, which includes a new 360-foot long bridge over the Esopus Creek, is being opened along with two additional public trailhead areas with parking and sanitary facilities. The newly opened trailheads are located at 3045 Route 28 in Shokan (Ashokan Station Trailhead) and 5080 Route 28A in Boiceville (Boiceville Bridge Trailhead); these new parking areas will add more than 100 additional spaces for the ART adding to those previously available at the Woodstock Dike Trailhead in West Hurley. The trailhead in West Hurley and nine miles of trail were officially opened on October 18th with another two miles of trail opened several weeks later, and in the first four weeks since the opening, more than 11,000 visitors have come to the ART.

The final stretch of the trail will be open on Thanksgiving, in time for families to visit over Thanksgiving weekend.

“I am thrilled to open the final stretch of this trail and new parking facilities and make this treasure fully accessible to the public for the first time in over 100 years,” County Executive Ryan said. “This strategic investment positions us to bolster our reputation as one of the most trail-friendly counties in New York State and accelerate economic growth linked to our expanding tourism industry.”

“Opening an additional two trailheads in Shokan and Boiceville for the Ashokan Rail Trail gives easier access to the amazing features on the middle and western portions of the trail,” Legislator Kathy Nolan said. "These features include the new multi-purpose Boiceville Trestle, spanning the Esopus Creek and leading to stunningly beautiful wetlands areas, woods, and causeways. Within walking distance of Onteora High School, the new Boiceville trail head will not only serve residents of Olive and surrounding communities but also encourage tourists to travel further into the Catskill Park to begin their adventures. With businesses along the trail already reporting increased activity since the opening of the Woodstock Dike Trailhead less than a month ago, we can expect to see further beneficial economic impact in and around Shokan and Boiceville and perhaps into the western portions of Ulster County."

“The final access points to the Ashokan Rail Trail will provide visitors with easy access to the westernmost parts of the trail, where they will find amazing views of Ashokan Reservoir, the Catskills, and the Esopus Creek,” DEP Deputy Commissioner Paul Rush said. “DEP has heard great feedback from many of our watershed neighbors and tourists who have enjoyed the eastern sections of the trail during the past month, and we know they will be equally thrilled by the experience and vistas near Shokan and Boiceville. I want to thank Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan for his partnership, which has provided the momentum and enthusiasm to get the entire trail open by Thanksgiving.” 

“The public will greatly enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Boiceville section of the Ashokan Rail Trail, with its expansive, iconic view of the Catskill Mountain High Peaks,” Maxanne Resnick, Executive Director, Woodstock Land Conservancy said. “At this time of thanks, we are so grateful to the County – its Executive and Legislature – for making this beautiful trail and treasured resource available to our communities to enjoy for generations to come.”  

The opening of the new Boiceville Bridge, which is located just 1000 feet from the Boiceville Bridge Trailhead, makes accessible some of the most scenic vistas along the entire ART. Within less than one-half mile of the new Boiceville Bridge, the ART runs closely along the Reservoir and views open to the Catskill Mountain peaks on the southwest of the Reservoir.

The Ashokan Rail trail opening was made possible thanks to the following contractors and engineers: Barton and Loguidice D.P.C., Taylor-Montgomery, LLC, A.Servidone, Inc./ B.Anthony Construction Corp. JV., and Harrison & Burrowes Bridge Constructors, Inc.

The ART is open from sunrise to sunset throughout the year.

For more information, please visit ashokanrailtrail.com