Long-Distance Trail Encourages New Yorkers and Visitors to “Get Offline, Get Outside” and Enjoy State Lands
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced new investments to improve pedestrian safety on a section of the Long Path in the Vernooy Kill Falls region of Ulster County. Planned upgrades to the Long Path will redirect an approximately eight-mile-long segment to keep hikers away from public roads. The investment complements Governor Kathy Hochul’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” initiative to promote physical and mental health by encouraging kids and families to put down their phones and computers, take a break from social media, and enjoy recreation and the outdoors.
“The Long Path is one of New York State’s premier long-distance hiking trails and relocating this trail segment will be a major improvement to the safety and enjoyment of everyone who uses it,” said DEC Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “Whether hiking the trail end-to-end or exploring local mountain biking opportunities, the new Long Path trail segment will showcase the wild beauty of the Forest Preserve while enhancing the overall experience and safety of visitors.”
The 357-mile Long Path originates in New York City and provides visitors with a direct connection to many of the State’s parks, preserves, and forest lands. With no trail connection in the area, the current route of the Long Path requires hikers and bicyclists to walk along nine miles of road without sidewalk between Lundy Road and Upper Cherrytown Road. DEC is proposing to eliminate the road-walking section of the Long Path by constructing 8.35 miles of new trail in the Forest Preserve that will connect to existing trail networks on nearby public and private lands.
In addition to improving public safety, the Long Path trail relocation project will significantly enhance public recreational opportunities available in the Vernooy Kill Falls region. Once constructed, the new trail will link existing Forest Preserve trails in the Sundown Wild Forest to the trail system in the adjacent Vernooy Kill State Forest and to the popular mountain bike system at Lippman Park in the town of Wawarsing.
The Long Path is a 357-mile route that extends from New York City northward through the Catskills before ending at John Boyd Thatcher State Park in Voorheesville. Designed to connect landmarks and points of interest in the historic Hudson Valley, the long-distance trail passes through a variety of landscapes, many of which are on public lands. While road walking is an essential means of connecting the Long Path to communities along its route, every effort is made to keep the trail off roads where possible. The proposed reroute in the Vernooy Kill Falls region presents a unique opportunity to fulfill the spirit of the Long Path by highlighting the wild character of the Forest Preserve.
“For over 50 years, the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference has led the effort to protect and enhance the Long Path—one of our premier long-distance trails. In partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, we’ve worked to move the trail off roads and into more natural, scenic environments,” said Hank Osborn, Director of Programs, New York-New Jersey Trail Conference. “This new section through Sundown Wild Forest is a milestone in that vision, bringing hikers into the peaceful heart of the Catskills and away from pavement and traffic. It’s a powerful example of what regional collaboration can achieve in preserving and improving the trail experience.”
DEC first proposed the Long Path relocation concept in the Sundown Wild Forest Unit Management Plan (UMP) (PDF) in 2019, and refined the concept in an amendment (PDF) to the UMP in 2023. Public comments received for both plans expressed support for the project.
The proposed trail construction work will be completed by Tahawus Trails and is funded by a $17 million Environmental Protection Fund investment in trail improvements across New York’s Forest Preserve in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks over five years.
As a final step before trail construction, DEC is inviting public comments on a detailed project work plan. The work plan identifies trail construction specifications and best management practices to ensure the project enhances the public’s experience in the Forest Preserve while minimizing impacts to the greatest extent possible. The Long Path Trail Relocation work plan can be found on DEC’s website.
Comments will be accepted on the draft work plan through May 21, 2025, and can be submitted by email to [email protected] or by mail to Pine Roehrs, NYS DEC, 21 South Putt Corners Road, New Paltz, NY, 12561.
Governor Hochul’s Get Offline, Get Outside initiative promotes physical and mental health by helping New York’s kids and families to put down their phones and computers, take a break from social media, and enjoy recreation and outdoor social gatherings.
DEC encourages all visitors to be prepared and Hike Smart by staying on designated trails and wearing proper gear and attire, including footwear appropriate for trail conditions.
