Ashokan Reservoir Promenade - Scenic Hudson
DIRECTIONS:
GPS Coordinates 41.94786, -74.18139
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| Ashokan Reservoir Promenade East Parking Lot |
TRAIL MAP:
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.
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| The promenade starts around the other side of the huge circular parking lot. |
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| I would be crossing that bridge in a bit. |
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| 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 ... |
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| ... Reservoir Road to cross the bridge. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| Indeed, a faint trail goes all the way down to where the fencing is pushed down then ... |
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| ... 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! |
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| Now a right on to the Ashokan Rail Trail to bike the eastern section. |
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| Passing by the Ashokan Station Trailhead. |
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| It's mostly wooded trail with no views for about 4 miles but it's a pleasant ride. |
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| Then there is an opening ... |
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| ... along Woodstock Dike with nice reservoir views. |
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| Passing the Woodstock Dike Trailhead. |
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| A little bit farther along ... |
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| ... the end of the rail trail. |
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| Heading back. |
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| Coming back out on Woodstock Dike, I smelled something and felt eyes on me. |
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| OMG! So stinking (literally) adorable! |
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| I am guessing this is the invasives crew on break. |
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| Passing back by the Ashokan Station Trailhead... |
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| ... over the boardwalk ... |
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| ... back to the tunnel under Reservoir Road. |
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| 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 :( |
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| Coming back out on Reservoir Road. |
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| Back along BWS Road ... |
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| ... to retrace on the promenade. |
