A Striking Trail that Showcases Decades of Conservation

OSI’s River-to-Ridge Trail showcases how protected land not only safeguards our natural resources and provides terrific recreational opportunities, but how it can also strengthen communities and support local economies.

Created in partnership with Mohonk Preserve with support of the Butler Conservation Fund, the trail is a scenic and recreational off-road loop. It meanders through farm fields and over gently rolling hills, connecting New Paltz directly to 90 miles of recreational carriage roads and trails at the Mohonk Preserve and the Minnewaska State Park Preserve; the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail; and the future Empire State Trail.

A vision, fulfilled

The first step in our goal of creating the River-to-Ridge trail was protecting the land. A series of OSI acquisitions along the Wallkill River and adjoining agricultural flats totaling 360 acres set the state for the River-to-Ridge Trail.

In developing the route, OSI gave careful consideration to avoiding sensitive wetland areas, accommodating neighboring farming operations, identifying designated parking options and choosing proper trail materials and design.

The River-to-Ridge Trail marks another milestone in the long legacy of the Shawangunk Ridge carriage roads and trails that have provided pathways to nature for over a century. It is our hope that like the carriage roads, the Trail will continue to serve the community for generations to come.