The document proposes developing a multi-use recreational trail from Kingston to the Ashokan Reservoir that would connect the city to open spaces, increase tourism, promote healthy lifestyles, and expand transportation alternatives. It discusses the project vision and goals, background history of the rail corridor, potential linkages to other trails, sections of the proposed trail, steps to address issues in developing the trail, and potential partners to help realize the project.

1. “We have a unique opportunity to create a world-class
tourism destination, directly impact public health, and
improve the overall quality of life in our region.”
-Ulster County Executive Michael P. Hein
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2. Project Vision:
Develop a multi-use recreational trail from
Kingston to and along the Ashokan Reservoir
that will link the Hudson River and Walkway
over the Hudson to the Catskill Park and
create a world-class tourism destination.
Project Goals:
 Connect City of Kingston neighborhoods
to open spaces (Ashokan Reservoir)
 Increase tourism to Ulster County and
Hudson Valley region
 Encourage outdoor recreation & promote
healthy lifestyles
 Expand non-motorized transportation
alternatives
 Create links to the Hurley Rail Trail &
Wallkill Valley Rail Trail
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3. Background and Brief History:
 Railroad chartered and construction started (1866)
 Railroad line extended from Kingston to Oneonta (1900)
 U&D Railroad carries 676,000 to Catskill resorts (1913)
 Last commercial passenger train leaves Kingston (1976)
 Ulster County purchases 38.6 miles of U&D corridor--
City of Kingston to Delaware County border (1979)
 County signs 25-year lease with Catskill Mountain Railroad
Company (1991) for tourism railroad operations
 Planning Study considers feasibility of rail trail (2006)
 County Executive Michael Hein proposes development of
Catskill Mountain Rail Trail (2012) from City of Kingston
to the Ashokan Reservoir and west into the Catskills
 Governor Andrew Cuomo includes $2 million for rail trail
in 2013-2014 Executive New York State Budget (2013)
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4. Future Linkages to Regional
Trails and Tourism Attractions:
 Historic City of Kingston &
Hudson River
 O&W Trail/ Hurley Rail Trail
 Wallkill Valley Rail Trail &
Rosendale Trestle
 Belleayre Mountain Trails
 Pine Hill Lake Day Use Area
 Walkway over the Hudson &
Dutchess County Trails
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5. Connecting midtown
Kingston neighborhoods
to the Ashokan Reservoir
and Catskill Park
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6. Trail Section from midtown Kingston to Route 209
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7. Trail Section from midtown Kingston to Route 209
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8. Trail Section from Route 209 to Ashokan Reservoir
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9. Ulster County Support for Trail Development:
2006: Trail Feasibility Study for U&D Corridor
2007: Ulster County Open Space Plan highlights goals to link County’s
rail trails and connect neighborhoods with open spaces
2008: County Non-Motorized Plan cites U&D trail project
2010: Long Range Transportation Plan includes U&D project as
future public multi-use trail
2012: Ulster County Trails Advisory Committee supports rail trail
proposal announced by County Executive Michael Hein
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10. Trail Development Steps & Issues:
Resolve Outstanding Legal Issues
 Contractual issues with Catskill Mountain Railroad (CMRR)
 Rail banking & protection of corridor right-of-way
Clarify Strategy for Project Development
 County or non-profit lead-- State agency involvement
 Funding sources for planning and construction
 Agreements with NYC Department of Environmental Protection (NYC DEP)
Address Constraints and Challenges in Corridor
 Crossings of Esopus Creek and roadways, e.g. Route 209
 Drainage improvements & replacement of damaged embankments
 Examine dual use feasibility
Determine Long-Term Operations and Maintenance Model
 Public/ non-profit/ hybrid model
 Partnerships with businesses and State agencies (e.g., ORDA)
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11. How You Can Help:
 Voice your support for the trail proposal
 Offer technical assistance and guidance for project
 Identify existing and anticipated funding sources
 Consider potential roles in development and future
maintenance of rail trail sections
 Assist with required permits and approvals
 Support marketing and promotion of the rail trail
 Facilitate and assist in connecting Catskill Mountain
Rail Trail to other County and regional trails
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12. Potential Project Partners:
National Park Service • NYS Empire State Development
NYS Dept of Environmental Conservation
NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
NYS Dept of Transportation • Olympic Regional Development Authority
New York City Department of Environmental Protection
Hudson River Valley Greenway • Rails-to Trails Conservancy
City of Kingston • Kingston Land Trust • Open Space Institute
Catskill Mountainkeeper • Woodstock Land Conservancy
New York-New Jersey Trail Conference • Catskill Watershed Corporation
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13. Thank You for Your Support!!
Ulster County Executive Michael P. Hein
244 Fair Street, PO Box 1800
Kingston, NY 12402
(845) 340-3800
For additional information,
please contact Chris White at (845) 340-3338 or cwhi@co.ulster.ny.us 13