All Aboard the Clarke Rail Trail w/ a Stop at the Train Museum

Escape the holiday frenzy with an easy, energizing walk and a short tour of the Piermont Train Museum! All aboard!

This local rail trail crosses above Rt 303, goes thru several towns, by wetlands and open fields.
This will be about a 3 hour walk at a slow/moderate pace which includes a few breaks and will cover approx. 4-7 miles. Lots' of options for a shorter or longer walk. I plan to return from the train museum.

Bring credit cards and cash in case you want to purchase a souvenir at the train museum or and make a donation. Possible stop at the Noble cafe coffee shop in Sparkill on the way back.

This is a mostly level paved path with one small incline at the start and end. The trail to Piermont is gravel and dirt and may have some wet areas(weather dependent) so Water resistant/proof hiking shoes or boots are recommended if you plan to do that section. If not, then supportive walking or hiking shoes/ boots or sneakers will suffice.

REMEMBER TO STAY TO THE RIGHT TO ALLOW CYCLISTS AND EVERYONE To pass safely. Bring WATER which is MANDATORY, Bugspray, sun protection and snacks.

Keep your eyes to the sky for possible Osprey, Hawk and Eagle sightings, along with other migratory birds.

MEETUP ON THE FAR North SIDE OF THE LOWES PARKING LOT BY THE GARDENING SECTION.

Restrooms available inside the store, in the back, near the middle.

Optional dinner at the reputable Orangetown Classic Diner, just a few minutes north of Lowes on Rt. 303 on the left or other local venue such as Fiesta Mexico with outdoor dining, depending on interest and availability.

From the trail link: These three contiguous trails—the Raymond G. Esposito Memorial Trail (http://www.traillink.com/trail/raymond-g-esposito-trail.aspx),Old Erie Path (http://www.traillink.com/trail/old-erie-path.aspx) and Joseph B. Clarke Trail—occupy the former right-of-way of the Erie Railroad's Nyack and Piermont Branch. Each trail is fairly short but taken together they make for a wonderful experience along the banks of the Hudson River. The Joseph B. Clark Trail travels between Greenbush Road and Oak Tree Road, traversing neighborhoods, the village of Sparkill and forested areas. There are bridges over, and viaducts under, busy highways and roads, with some street-level crossings to be cautious of. Northeast of Sparkill village the trail links up with the Old Erie Path along Piermont Avenue.

As with all of our events, you are responsible for your own safety and the safety of your guests. Knowing this you agree to walk/hike at your own risk and we cannot be held responsible for any injuries you or your guests may incur. If you wander off from the group you are responsible for finding your way back. Times' are an estimate and can vary depending upon conditions, size and pace of the group.

DIRECTIONS to Lowes: Palisades Pkwy. South to Exit 5N, merge onto Rt 303 North toward Orangeburg .6 mi turn left, Lowes will be on your right. Lowes is a few miles South of the Palisades Center Mall on Rt 303.

ALWAYS CHECK THE DAY OF AN EVENT FOR ANY POSSIBLE CHANGES Inclement weather cancels.

Feature photo taken by our member Steve Schnell