Non-motorized Facilities in Orange County

Shared-Use / Multi-Use Paths

Although the majority of the shared-use/multi-use paths outlined below are off-road, some portions of the trail systems may use on-road facilities in order to continue the off-road paths. It is recommended that users review the “rules of the road” in the appropriate sections of the Vehicle and Traffic Laws of New York State.

Some of the shared-use/multi-use paths outlined below may be within facilities or near facilities that allows hunting. Various legal hunting season take place between September 1st and May 31 in New York State, refer to the  New York State Department of Environmental Conservation informational page on hunting for more information. Always use caution when utilizing facilities that allow hunting.

D&H Canal Towpath

Located in the town of Deerpark within the D&H Canal Park, the one mile walking trail follows the only section of the D&H Canal that is still filled with water. The path is unpaved, starting near the Neversink Valley Area Museum which contains classic canal era exhibits and memorabilia, and ending at Oakland Valley Road. The trail is the original towpath used by mules pulling barges through the canal.

Heritage Trail

The Heritage Trail has been an ongoing effort since the mid-nineties to develop a shared-use path through the central portion of Orange County via a linear multi-modal pedestrian oriented trail. Starting in 1988 the County of Orange began purchasing the R.O.W. associated with the mainline of the New York & Erie Railroad, which ended service to Middletown as of 1983. When completed, the trail will extend from the City of Middletown to the Village of Harriman. The current 14 mile trail winds through a bird/wildlife sanctuary, historic landmarks, murmuring streams, rolling meadows and friendly communities. Trail users may enjoy biking, walking, rollerblading, nature study as well as shopping and dining in the local villages. Access points are in Monroe, Chester and Goshen, all with convenient parking. 

Walden-Wallkill Rail Trail

The Walden-Wallkill Rail Trail consists of 2.5 miles of rail trail in Orange County that utilizes the former rail bed of the Wallkill Valley Railroad. The Rail Trail starts in Wooster Memorial Grove Park in the Village of Walden.