About Wallkill Valley Rail Trail - hiking
Wallkill Valley Rail Trail - hiking is a easy hiking trail near Tillson in Ulster County, New York.. Managed by Wallkill Valley Land Trust. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.
⚠ Note from contributors: The trail from New Paltz to Kingston forms part of the Hudson Valley section of Empire State Trails. Some of the original WV railway (and not in use) from Montgomery, Walden and Wallkill can also be walked but are not recognized as part of the WVRT for ma
What “Easy” Means
Gentle terrain, well-marked. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Difficulty is derived from OpenStreetMap’s Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) hiking scale, trail visibility, surface, distance, and elevation gain. Always verify current conditions before heading out.
What to Pack & Wear
Personalised to this trail’s length, elevation, difficulty, and the live forecast.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
- 🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- 🧢
Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- 🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Trail Safety in New York
Trail conditions in New York change with weather, season, and fire activity. Closures, washouts, and rerouting are common. Before heading out:
- Check with the land manager for current conditions and closures
- Tell someone your plan and expected return time
- Know your turn-around limits — conditions can change fast
- Carry the 10 essentials: water, food, navigation, first aid, light, fire, shelter, knife, sun protection, extra clothes
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is Wallkill Valley Rail Trail - hiking?
Wallkill Valley Rail Trail - hiking is rated Easy. Suitable for most hikers including families.
When is the best time to hike Wallkill Valley Rail Trail - hiking?
New York has trail conditions that vary by season. Spring and fall usually offer the best mix of temperature and trail conditions. Check the 5-day forecast above for current outlook. Always verify trail status (closures, washouts, fire restrictions) with the local land manager before going.
Who manages Wallkill Valley Rail Trail - hiking?
Wallkill Valley Rail Trail - hiking is managed by Wallkill Valley Land Trust as part of the lwn network. Check the operator’s website for current permits, fees, and restrictions.
References & Maps
