The Dutchess County Rail Trail (DCRT) runs from Hopewell Junction in Dutchess County over to Poughkeepsie on the Hudson River, where it links up to the old RR bridge over the river, the Walkway Over the Hudson. The course is in excellent condition, completely paved, quite flat and has only a few street crossings. An inside rest room is available at the Hopewell Junction Depot start point and Port-o-San type facilities are located at several points along the route, as well as at the Bridge.
The ride has us biking over to Poughkeepsie/Hudson River where we’ll spend some time on the bridge,200 feet above the Hudson River breaking for snacks at the Welcome Center after enjoying the view. Afterwards, we return on the DCRT to Hopewell Junction. Those who wish may join the group for lunch at DaddyO's, located just off the trail in Hopewell Junction.
Even though we will be stopping for lunch at the end of the ride, remember to put a snack in your rear pocket.
Links:
http://www.co.dutchess.ny.us/CountyGov/Departments/DPW-Parks/17081.htm
http://www.walkway.org/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poughkeepsie_Bridge
http://hudsonvalleyrailtrail.net/index.php
Video: https://vimeo.com/164915259
Daddy O's Restaurant, Bar & Grill – Hopewell Junction, NY (daddyoshopewell.com)
Mileage: Rail Trail is about 13 miles, and Walkway adds a mile+, so round trip biking distance is about 28 miles; all paved RT.
Pace: 12-15 mph
Level: All levels welcomed. Given the easy terrain, expectation is that any C rider and better will have no problem with the ride. This is a more social vs competitive ride, and we will be sharing the trail with walkers and casual bikers, especially on the return leg.
Cue Sheet/Map : https://ridewithgps.com/routes/7784090
Approximate duration of ride:
9:30/9:45: Arrive Hopewell Junction Depot-
10:00: Start ride
11:30: Arrive at Walkway—bike over Hudson, take in the view, pics etc
11:45/12:00: Snack break
12:00: Depart back to Hopewell Junction Depot
1:30: Arrive HJ Depot (lunch at DaddyO's)
Driving Directions—Ridgefield area to Hopewell Junction Depot (30-32 miles):
1-Route 84 West to Taconic State Parkway North
2-Apx 1.5 miles to exit for Route 52---go West( left), toward Fishkill
3-Apx 1 Mile to Route 376 toward Hopewell—right turn
4-Apx 2.5-3 miles on Route 376 to Railroad Ave---past Route 82( you get on and off Route 82 very quickly—about 100 yards) and over RR tracks---Railroad Ave is a straight continuance when Route 376 turns left to Bridge St
5-Depot and parking lot for Rail Trail are straight ahead—look for Hopewell Junction Train Depot signs. The Depot is a restored train station at the trailhead.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/oHmvZTviP61qpmM6A
Rain Date if applicable: TBD
Ride Leader: Alan Stempel
Email: alan.stempel@gmail.com Mobile Phone: 203-417-8845
