Ashokan Rail Trail: plan a short walk without hiking the whole corridor

Know the corridor and its entrances

Ulster County describes an 11.5-mile crushed-stone trail between West Hurley and Boiceville, with three public trailheads: Woodstock Dike, Ashokan Station and Boiceville Bridge. The corridor’s full length is not a round-trip walking recommendation. Choose one entrance and calculate your own out-and-back distance from it.

Source: Ulster County: Ashokan Rail Trail

Set a turnaround before setting off

For an adjustable outing, choose a time or mapped distance at which you will turn back. Remember that the return adds the same distance again. If starting with a mixed group, agree on the plan together so a faster walker does not accidentally turn an easygoing visit into a longer commitment for everyone else.

Keep the reservoir boundary clear

The county restricts leaving the trail for adjacent reservoir lands and water access; an ordinary walk is not permission to approach the water wherever you like. Stay on the designated public route and read the current rules. A scenic photograph is not a reason to cross a fence, ignore a sign or enter a closed area.

Source: Ulster County: Ashokan Rail Trail

Record your section accurately

Name the entrance and turnaround in your journal instead of labeling a short section as completion of the entire rail trail. A GPS recording can preserve your personal route while photos capture the day’s atmosphere. Save a different section for next time, and use the town guides to connect the walk with your broader trip.