GOSHEN – The Open Space Institute has purchased a 10-mile long, 101-acre stretch of unused former Erie Railroad Line in Orange County.
OSI spokeswoman Eileen Larrabee said the development of a new rail trail would be conducted by the county.
“This acquisition will set the stage for a new construction 0f a Schunnemunk Rail Trail with the goal of creating a new multi-use recreational trail between Schunnemunk Mountain State Park and Goosepond Mountain State Park and adding improved recreational opportunities for walkers, for cyclists, for hikers, for birders,” she said.
OSI paid $1.8 million to purchase the property from Erie Properties Corporation and the Plotkin family, which had owned the former rail line for 30 years.
The property starts in the Town of Cornwall at the Moodna trestle, traverses the towns of Blooming Grove and Chester, as well as the Village of Washingtonville, and ends at Orange County’s Camp LaGuardia, which is adjacent to the Heritage Trail in the Village of Chester.
“Now more than ever, residents are utilizing trails throughout the county and the rail trail will showcase another beautiful portion of the county while preserving space,” said County Executive Steven Neuhaus.
