Sunday, August 3, 2025

Ashokan Rail Trail, NY - Ashokan to Woodstock Dike with Ashokan Promenade

ABOUT THE PARK: 

DIRECTIONS: 
GPS Coordinates 41.94786, -74.18139
Ashokan Reservoir Promenade East Parking Lot


BIKE DISTANCE: 19.8 miles

THE BIKE: 
I had hiked the Ashokan to Boiceville section in 2023.  Now biking the other half and including part of the Ashokan Promenade, which has all of the views.
The promenade starts around the other side of the huge circular parking lot.
I would be crossing that bridge in a bit.
The eastern section of the promenade ends at BWS Road where it's a short road walk to the continuation of the promenade straight ahead to a right on ...
... Reservoir Road to cross the bridge.
Reservoir Road continues to Route 28 which is where I thought I would have to go then bike along Route 28 to the Ashokan Station Trail Head to get on to the Ashokan Rail Trail.
But...  this is where Reservoir Road goes over the rail trail and it looked like a faint trail through the long grass heading down to the trail.  I decided to check it out.
Indeed, a faint trail goes all the way down to where the fencing is pushed down then ...
... a couple of logs over a wet area and on to the rail trail.  OK, this is totally not a legit way to get there but obviously it is being done.  I encountered a trail steward later on and he said a new dedicated pedestrian/bike bridge is going to be built over the reservoir at Reservoir Road and that grassy area that I had connected to the trail with is going to become a legitimate connection to the rail trail.  Don't know when that is happening but it is really needed!
Now a right on to the Ashokan Rail Trail to bike the eastern section.
Passing by the Ashokan Station Trailhead.
It's mostly wooded trail with no views for about 4 miles but it's a pleasant ride.
Then there is an opening ...
... along Woodstock Dike with nice reservoir views.
Passing the Woodstock Dike Trailhead.
A little bit farther along ...
... the end of the rail trail.
Heading back.
Coming back out on Woodstock Dike, I smelled something and felt eyes on me.
OMG!  So stinking (literally) adorable!
I am guessing this is the invasives crew on break.
Passing back by the Ashokan Station Trailhead...
... over the boardwalk ...
... back to the tunnel under Reservoir Road.
Heading back up the unofficial trail where that downed chain link fence grabbed a hold of my bike chain and yanked it off so be forewarned :(
Coming back out on Reservoir Road.
Back along BWS Road ...
... to retrace on the promenade.
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