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MILESTONESIs your home along the Corkscrew Rail Trail? Read on, and reach out if you’d like to connect your parcel to the rail trail!
❋ 2015 2.5-mile section openSThe initial 2.5-mile section of trail opened on June 6, 2015, after securing permission from four current landowners. It runs to the west of and parallel to NYS Route 22, for much of this distance parallel to the Wyomanock Creek to the east through southern Stephentown into New Lebanon..
❋ 2019 Parcel purchasedOn March 20, 2019, the Association purchased a 3.44-acre parcel at 16 Lovers Lane in New Lebanon through a foreclosure auction.
The FutureThe Association envisions a continuous, improved trail using the abandoned rail bed wherever possible. In New Lebanon, the rail bed runs along the Wyomanock and Kinderhook Creeks to the Town of Chatham. An improved trail would join trails in Chatham that continue south through Columbia County to join the Harlem Valley Rail Trail in Dutchess County. In the longer term, the trail would become an integral part of a trail network starting in Dutchess County and running through Columbia and Rensselaer Counties to Bennington, Vermont.
LOCAL LANDOWNERS3 Ways to Share Land
The Corkscrew Rail Trail Association continues to seek approval from landowners for public access to other stretches of the abandoned rail bed. There are three ways for landowners to help expand our community trail. Be a part of local history! Interested landowners should reach out to Board member Bruce Shenker.
Donation of subdivided landThis option shows the highest support for our vision and the continuity of a public community trail that can be enjoyed for generations.
permanent easementA permanent easement allows the trail to be officially marked on our trail map for community members to enjoy. Please reach out and we will provide the next steps for this option.
revocable easementThis is an easy starting point for partnering with the rail trail. A revocable easement establishes a temporary right-of-way on your property along the rail bed for public use. A copy of the agreement can be found here.