WAWARSING – A 1,500-foot section of the Ontario and Western (O&W) Rail Trail in Ulster County that includes a new pedestrian footbridge has been completed. The project represents what officials say is a significant step forward in increasing public access on the O&W Rail Trail, which is part of New York State’s Long Path, a 357-mile hiking trail extending from New York City to Albany County.
Owned by the Town of Wawarsing, the newly improved trail section is located at the end of Towpath Road in Port Ben and provides scenic views overlooking the Rondout Creek. The project was funded by a State and Municipal Facilities grant awarded to the town.
“Trail projects are very effective in providing recreational opportunities, stimulating our local economy, and attracting additional private and public investments to our area,” said Town of Wawarsing Supervisor Terry Houck. “We are very pleased to work with OSI for multiple environmental and conservation projects that protect and improve our town and the region.”
The Open Space Institute (OSI) donated project management expertise and support for the design and construction of the project.
“By partnering with the Town of Wawarsing, OSI helped deliver significant trail improvements on a shorter timeline,” said Peter Karis, OSI’s vice president of Parks and Stewardship. “This project is just one part of OSI’s larger vision to improve and connect trails in the Hudson Valley for the benefit of residents and visitors, alike.”
