12-mile Maybrook trail's completion is long awaited

By Pete Colaizzo
Poughkeepsie Journal

The Harlem Valley Rail Trail in eastern Dutchess County, the Hudson Valley Rail Trail in Highland and the Wallkill River Rail Trail in Ulster County all offer great places for hikers, walkers, in-line skaters, runners, cyclists, even roller-skiers to pursue outdoors passions.

But the crown jewel of rail trails in the area may be ready for use in two years.

That's the projected completion date for the transformation of the old Maybrook Rail Line. The 12-mile rail trail would run right through the heart of Dutchess County -- through the towns of Poughkeepsie, LaGrange, Wappinger and East Fishkill.

''It could become the most used trail in the country, I think,'' said Fred Schaeffer, the Maybrook rail trail volunteer coordinator.

Schaeffer organizes many local cycling tours. He said the addition of the other local rail trails in the past decade has been a boon to the cycling community.

''The biggest problem with young people is trying to find traffic-free places to ride,'' he said. ''That's what makes the Amenia (Harlem Valley) trail so popular. Families go out there on weekends and children can learn to ride in a safe environment.''

Cyclists aren't the only group that makes use of the trails.

Walkers delight in paths

Florence Graff of the Wappinger Walker's Club said she and her group were thrilled when the rail trails were formed. The club meets each Saturday for group walks at local parks and trails.

''We think they are great,'' Graff said. ''I think it's another way of having recreation in the area. It's wonderful because it's much safer to walk.''

Graff's group has walked on the Harlem Valley Rail Trail and they have also enjoyed the Hudson Valley trail in Highland.

The Wallkill River trail runs about 14 miles from Rosendale to Gardiner. The unofficial hub of the trail, though, is in the Village of New Paltz.

While Schaeffer has enjoyed riding on all the local rail trails, he is hopeful that part of the new Dutchess County trail will be ready for use in the spring of 2005.

''This will be a tremendous boost for cycling in the area,'' he said.