Benefit your Mind and Body by Exploring the New York Rail Trail
All it takes is 10 minutes.
A convenient, casual, and free activity for those looking to increase their daily exercise; the mental and psychical health benefits of walking are paramount. “Walking for just a few minutes daily can reduce feelings of anxiety, depression, and a negative mood,” says Ashley Caferro-Rios, a certified fitness and wellness coach in the Hudson Valley. “[Walking] also has the power to help lower blood pressure, and reduce your risk for coronary disease and death,” the founder of fitnessbyashley.com went on to add.
With the Hudson River as the backdrop, refurbished railways line the Hudson Valley with urban and forested walking trails. Follow three locations along the New York Rail Trail throughout the Hudson Valley to explore new areas while benefiting your mind and body.
Poughkeepsie Rail Trail: Walkway Over the Hudson
Spanning across the Hudson River, from Highland to Poughkeepsie, the 1.8-mile bridge offers a birds-eye view fading from an urban grid to mountainous landscapes. Open from sunrise to sunset, changing with the seasons, the Walkway welcomes visitors from near and far. With a strong community culture, the path remains lively with local residents, students, and visitors. Fully paved with extending trails in each direction, as well as elevator access, it is an optimal path for bikes, strollers, rollers skaters, and pets. “It’s a peaceful place to get a nice view of the river, and socialize with some new people,” said Jess, a local student enjoying a morning walk before class. Well kept and overseen by Walkway staff, the bridge trail offers learning opportunities to explore the architecture and history of the Walkway and a safe environment for individuals looking to fit in daily exercise in the early mornings or evenings.
New Paltz: Wallkil Rail Trail
After exploring New Paltz’s main street, take a left on Historic Huguenot Street, to begin the Wallkill Rail Trail. From the parking lot, cross over a quaint bridge overlooking the wooded area and small stream. The gravel trail extends to the right through tall trees and the surrounding forests. Offering shade and privacy, Wallkill is an optimal path for a relaxing afternoon walk through the woods. “Walking on a quiet, forested path can reduce blood flow to the prefrontal cortex, therefore, reduce stress,” said Hudson Valley Magazine when reporting on a 2015 Standard Study discussing the psychological effects of an urban environment. To feel at one with nature, take a left at the trail point. Maneuver through a grassy trail around the Wallkill River to a community garden welcoming visitors to explore the blooming flowers and vegetables. An uncovered gem, the Wallkill trail is perfect for nature lovers and explorers with trees, rivers, and flowers for their senses to enjoy.
Woodstock: Ashokan Rail Trail
A more secluded and tucked away sector of the Rail Trail, this grave trail wanders through birch forest and overlooks the Asokan Resivor offering a beachy serenity in the middle of the woods. Peaceful, the Asokan trail is perfect for birdwatching and distressing among the sounds of nature. Green spaces are associated with better physical and mental health, as reported in a study on the association between green-space availability and overall health by The University of Queensland, Brisbane. Nature walks can offer a relaxing environment undisturbed from the hustle and bustle of anxious cities. Caferro-Rios agrees the gym can be very intimidating. Exercise routines that can be done in a relaxed environment can clear a path of least resistance while trying to implement a new habit. Exploring the Asokan trail on foot or on a mountain bike, visitors enjoy an intimate experience with nature perfect for a morning stroll or afternoon pick-me-up. Before heading home, travel left from the trail point and reach the end of the Rail Trail as the gravel trail fades to grass as the train track remains peak through.
