Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Project Includes New Asphalt, Signage, and Fencing, Plus Vegetation Management Efforts, Drainage Improvements, and More

Photos Available Here

The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) today announced the completion of a trail resurfacing and improvement project over 3.6 miles of the Columbia County section of Harlem Valley Rail Trail. Now open to the public, the upgrades to the trail section between Under Mountain Road and State Route 344 in Copake Falls were made to rehabilitate the first section of the 27-year-old trail. Upgrades also include drainage improvements, fencing and bollards, signs and pavement markings to existing parking lot and pedestrian crossings at various locations, earthwork, and vegetation management.

New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said, "The Harlem Valley Rail Trail is a true gem for Dutchess and Columbia County residents and visitors, and these resurfacing improvements will only enhance their walking, cycling, rolling, and running experiences on this ADA-Accessible trail. State Parks is fortunate to have such wonderful partners involved in this project and look forward to seeing the full trail's 46-mile completion in the future."

The Harlem Valley Rail Trail is a partnership between OPRHP and the Harlem Valley Rail Trail Association (HVRTA) and sees 150,000 users annually. The trail currently totals over 26 paved miles through Dutchess and Columbia County, but the HVRTA that oversees it is working toward making the trail into a 46-mile trail in the Harlem Valley and Taconic Hills of eastern New York. The trail was built over a 19th century railroad that existed between New York City and Chatham, New York.

Assemblymember Didi Barrett said, "The reopening of this iconic section of the Harlem Valley Rail Trail which runs through beautiful Taconic State Park is great news. I was pleased to secure $125,000 in funding for this repaving project and help get HVRT another step closer to its final destination in the Village of Chatham."

Senator Michelle Hinchey said, "The Harlem Valley Rail Trail is an incredible local amenity that connects our neighbors and visiting outdoor enthusiasts to the stunning beauty and recreational opportunities of our region. We're excited to see this section of the trail completed and look forward to future expansions that will allow all of our Columbia and Dutchess County communities to access and enjoy this beautiful multi-use trail."

PTNY Executive Director Paul Steely White said, "Caring for our public lands isn't just about expansion, it's about preservation. The maintenance of our greenway trails is essential in ensuring that they are accessible to all–from cyclists to strollers and all walks of pedestrians," said Paul Steely White, Executive Director of Parks & Trails New York. "Park and Trail Partnership Grants ensure the preservation, stewardship, and promotion of New York's public lands. As a PTPG recipient, these improvements to the Harlem Valley Rail Trail will promote tourism and economic development as well as improve the physical and mental health of surrounding communities."

Harlem Valley Rail Trail Association Chairman Phil Meeks said, "I would like to thank New York State Parks and Parks and Trails NY for their partnership as well as our donors, members, and local government officials for the support that they have provided that has enabled the completion of this important project. The repaving of this nearly 4-mile segment of the existing trail is a good example of the HVRTA and our partners continuing to enhance the user experience on our current trail, coupled with the execution of our strategic plan, to extend the HVRT another 20 miles as we expand the trail into the Village of Chatham."

Funding for the $2.8 million project has been sourced from OPRHP, a System Award Management (SAM) grant secured by Assemblymember Didi Barrett, Parks and Trails New York (PTNY), HVRTA, and NY Works.

A $75,000 grant was awarded to HVRTA through the Park and Trail Partnership Grant (PTPG) program. This program, administered by Parks & Trails New York in partnership with OPRHP and funded through the Environmental Protection Fund, supports a wide array of non-profit partner efforts, including capital projects, maintenance and beautification efforts, educational programming, and special events.

This announcement supports the Governor's "Get Offline, Get Outside" initiative, which was launched earlier this month to promote physical and mental health by helping New York's kids and families to put down their phones and computers, take a break from social media, and enjoy recreation and outdoor social gatherings.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which saw a record 84 million visits in 2023. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Join us in celebrating our Centennial throughout 2024, and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and the OPRHP Blog.