Ashokan Rail Trail
An 11-mile flat, paved trail offering serene reservoir views and abundant bird watching opportunities. Perfect for biking and walking.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds
Ashokan Rail Trail
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An 11-mile flat, paved trail offering serene reservoir views and abundant bird watching opportunities. Perfect for biking and walking.
Best Trailhead
The Boiceville trailhead is recommended for a great walk, crossing the bridge over Esopus Creek.
Tick Prevention
Wear high socks and check for ticks after your visit, especially in warmer months.
Quick Facts
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Reservoir Views
Along the entire trail
Enjoy expansive, peaceful views of the Ashokan Reservoir, a stunning natural landscape.
Bird Watching Paradise
Throughout the trail
A haven for avian life, bring binoculars to spot diverse bird species in their natural habitat.
Flat, Paved Path
Entire 11-mile length
Perfectly flat and smooth, ideal for easy cycling or a leisurely stroll for all fitness levels.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Outdoors
Tick Awareness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Best Trailhead
The Boiceville trailhead is recommended for a great walk, crossing the bridge over Esopus Creek.
Tick Prevention
Wear high socks and check for ticks after your visit, especially in warmer months.
Cycling Fun
This trail is ideal for cycling, offering over 11 miles of flat, scenic terrain.
Dog-Friendly Walks
Leashed dogs are welcome, making it a great spot for a fall walk with your furry friend.
Day outing -Ashokan Rail Trail
Hudson valley girl here from Orange County. Took tmr off and want to do some mellow adventuring. What’s the best section of the rail trail in your opinion to walk for a few miles?
Tips
from all over the internet
Best Trailhead
The Boiceville trailhead is recommended for a great walk, crossing the bridge over Esopus Creek.
Tick Prevention
Wear high socks and check for ticks after your visit, especially in warmer months.
Cycling Fun
This trail is ideal for cycling, offering over 11 miles of flat, scenic terrain.
Dog-Friendly Walks
Leashed dogs are welcome, making it a great spot for a fall walk with your furry friend.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Ashokan Rail Trail's serene beauty and accessibility, highlighting its flat, paved path perfect for biking and walking. The expansive reservoir views and bird watching opportunities are consistent draws, though some mention the need to be mindful of ticks. Overall, it's a highly recommended spot for a peaceful outdoor escape in the Catskills.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Ashokan Rail Trail is accessible via multiple trailheads. The Boiceville trailhead is a popular starting point, offering access to the reservoir and Esopus Creek. Parking is available at various access points along the trail. Driving is the most common way to reach the trailheads.
Yes, parking is available at several trailheads, including Boiceville. It's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking lots can fill up.
While Woodstock is nearby and a popular destination to combine with a visit, the main trailheads for the Ashokan Rail Trail are typically accessed from towns like Boiceville or West Hurley.
Many visitors enjoy walking or biking the trail. The 11-mile length is ideal for a leisurely bike ride or a few miles of walking.
Public transport options to the immediate trailheads are limited. It's generally recommended to travel by car to access the Ashokan Rail Trail conveniently.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Ashokan Rail Trail is a public access area and does not require tickets or admission fees. Enjoy the natural beauty for free!
The Ashokan Rail Trail is generally open from dawn to dusk. It's an outdoor recreational area, so hours are dictated by daylight.
There is no entrance fee to access and use the Ashokan Rail Trail. It's a free public amenity for everyone to enjoy.
No reservations are needed or available for the Ashokan Rail Trail, as it's an open public space. You can visit anytime during daylight hours.
No special permits are required for general recreational use of the Ashokan Rail Trail, such as walking or biking.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Ashokan Rail Trail features a flat, paved, and well-maintained surface, making it ideal for walking, running, and cycling.
Absolutely! The trail is renowned for its bird watching opportunities, with many species to spot. Bring your binoculars!
Yes, dogs are welcome on the Ashokan Rail Trail, but they must be kept on a leash at all times.
Restroom facilities may be limited and are typically found at major trailheads. It's advisable to use facilities before you start your journey.
You'll experience beautiful views of the Ashokan Reservoir, surrounding woodlands, and the Esopus Creek, offering a serene natural escape.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there are no dining facilities directly on the trail, nearby towns like Woodstock and Phoenicia offer a variety of restaurants and cafes.
Picnicking is a great way to enjoy the scenery. There are many scenic spots along the trail where you can stop for a meal. Remember to pack out all your trash.
Woodstock, a short drive from the trail, boasts a diverse culinary scene with options ranging from casual cafes to upscale dining, catering to various tastes.
Food truck availability can vary seasonally and by location. It's best to check local listings or explore nearby towns for current options.
The Catskills region offers a mix of farm-to-table restaurants, classic American diners, and international cuisine, reflecting the local bounty and diverse community.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the Ashokan Reservoir, the tree-lined path, and the surrounding natural beauty. The changing seasons offer unique photographic potential.
Yes, the expansive reservoir views and rolling hills provide excellent opportunities for landscape photography, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check local FAA guidelines and any specific park rules before flying a drone in the area.
The bridges crossing the Esopus Creek and various overlooks of the reservoir are particularly picturesque spots for photos.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit