Description: Rail Trail Ride from Hopewelll Junction, over the Hudson River Bridge.
Date/Day/Time: Thursday, April 30th - Thursday - 9:45am departure
Who is this Ride For?: C and above ... gravel and road bikes welcome.
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, some 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. Bring money and/or credit card for lunch.
Date: Thursday, April 30th
Time: 9:45am departure
Ride Leader: Roger Van Ausdal
Contact Info: vanausdr@gmail.com 914-475-7835 (cell)
Pace: 12-15 mph
Cue Sheet/Route : https://ridewithgps.com/routes/50480831
Mileage: Rail Trail is about 13 miles, and Walkway adds a mile+, so round trip biking distance is about 28 miles; all paved Rail Trail.
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.
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)
Destination: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xfozvwuKGUrSYtZL9
Driving Directions: (Ridgefield to Hopewell Junction 30-32 miles):
- Route 84 West to Taconic State Parkway North
- Apx 1.5 miles to exit for Route 52---go West( left), toward Fishkill
- Apx 1 Mile to Route 376 toward Hopewell—right turn
- 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
- 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.
Ride Feature Info:
Walkway Over the Hudson
The Poughkeepsie Walkway Bridge
Daddy O's Restaurant, Bar & Grill – Hopewell Junction, NY
Check Wild Apricot for updates and cancellations.
By signing in, you agree to RBSC Waiver and RBC Rules and Etiquette
All Riders are required to
Thank you for your cooperation in keeping us all riding safe.
