Welcome to the Catskills, a beautiful mountain range in southeastern New York. Now you will hear alot of debate as to what qualifies as “Upstate NY”, but be forewarned that for most city dwellers, the moment you see 10 trees in a row and you’ve crossed the George Washington Bridge then you’re effectively upstate. The Catskills have been, and still are a source of leisure and inspiration for artists and writers, including the likes of Washington Irving, but it is now also a favorite spot for hikers and nature lovers .
Rails and Trails is a network of retired train trails that offer views of the surrounding mountains and wildlife. It is a wonderful way to repurpose space for the enjoyment of everyone. According to the Rails to Trails Conservatory this movement began in the mid 1960’s.
“The rail-trail movement would see its formal birth with the opening of the Elroy-Sparta State Trail in 1965 and the opening of the Illinois Prairie Path soon thereafter. In 1980, the U.S. Congress passed the Staggers Rail Act, which largely deregulated the nation’s struggling railroad industry and allowed for the discontinuation of unprofitable routes. This prompted the abandonment of 4,000 to 8,000 miles of lines each year throughout the early 1980s. In 1983, Congress became concerned about the potential permanent loss of thousands of miles of rail corridor and amended the National Trails Systems Act to create “railbanking,” a tool to preserve inactive corridors for future rail use, while providing for interim trail use.”
Source https://www.railstotrails.org
Parksville, Sullivan County, NY
Parksville Trail
The Parksville Trail is a wonderful walking/cycling destination. It is located in Sullivan County, New York and is easily accessible via the Parksville Rail Trailhead.
The trail is moderately difficult, with a total walking/cycling distance of around 2.5 miles. You could also turn this in and out trail into a loop if you take the streets back to the trailhead. Along the way, you will encounter lush greenery and beautiful streams, making for a picturesque and enjoyable hike. Depending on the time of year that you visit, hiking boots may be needed.
Key highlights of the Parksville Trail include the nature and the seemingly abandoned town you encounter at the end of the trail.
Seemingly abandoned town
Don’t forget to snap some pictures along the way and share them with your friends! The Parksville Trail is a fantastic adventure that you won’t want to miss.
Hurleyville Trail
The second trail we visited was the Hurleyville Trail which is located just a 13 mile, 20 minute, drive from Parksville. This trail is paved and a perfect choice for those who love to explore new paths via bicycle or walking. Access to the trail is easy and parking is readily available.
As for the difficulty level, it’s definitely beginner friendly. The trail covers a distance of around 3 miles. The entire trail takes around 2 hours to complete with breaks in between.
The key highlight of this trail is the stunning views that covers a large part of the trail. It is nestled in the heart of nature, so you can expect to see an array of plants and flowers, which gives the trail a magical garden ambience. The tranquility and the melodious sounds of birds and insects will make your outing all the more peaceful and enjoyable.
I’d recommend that you wear comfortable sneakers or hiking boots, carry a backpack with essentials such as water, snacks, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Don’t forget to bring your camera along to capture the stunning views of the trail.
After you’ve completed your hike, explore the surrounding area. Grab a bite to eat at the various eateries nearby or try out some local brews at the bars. You could also visit nearby attractions such as the Sullivan County Museum and the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. Be sure to check out the links below!
So, definitely visit and experience the best that the Catskills has to offer.
See you next time travelers, and as always
Travel Far.
Learn Wide.
