The temperature was predicted for over 90 degrees today. Just way too hot for me. So we headed up to the hills to cycle part of the Catskill Scenic Trail. We like to make a base camp at a large public parking lot in Stamford. It is behind TP’s cafe, which makes terrific sandwiches and great homemade lemonade. You can read my Yelp review here.
We made a short ride of it today as we headed east for 6.5 miles to Old Forge–13 miles round trip. There was a thunderstorm predicted for later in the day, and we didn’t want to get stuck out in a storm in open terrain.
The trail is an old railroad of the Ulster and Delaware railroad. A wide two-lane road, it is also used by local farmers to access their fields.
Today’s ride was a leisurely lovely ride, perfumed by honeysuckle and blue skies.
The chipmunks were scurrying about and seemed oblivious the danger my wheels imposed, as they’d attempt to cross the trail right underneath me! It was nerve wracking but I loved seeing all the wildlife activity. Rockets were blooming in long tracts everywhere, and I regret not taking a photo since the colors were amazing.
The trail crosses the Delaware River (it’s mostly just a creek) via well-maintained bridges.
The rolling hills of farms and fields was beautiful; I found a new appreciation for these very old mountains.
I became intrigued with this old railroad depot. Some one should make it an air-conditioned rest stop with snacks, coffee and restrooms for trail users!
Four guys passed us on the way back. They had their touring packs and sleeping bags mounted on their bikes so I guessed they were touring. They were going very fast so I imagined they had a lot of ground to cover. Impressive!
Technical Notes: The Catskill Scenic Trail spans from Roxbury to Bloomville of over 22 miles of gravel path, with towns along the way, and lots of benches. It follows the Delaware River and there are many, many picnic areas with public access to get into the water. I found my mountain bike comfortable to ride this trail due to the culverts, loose gravel and roots. My husband was grateful for his city hybrid bike’s fenders in the muddy patches.
In some places the trail is not clear and were rode through large mud puddles or high grass–both kinds of terrain can cause you to get stuck. Due to the weeds in some places, and buggy nature of the more wet creek sides, bug spray is recommend. I just use the commercially available lemon eucalyptus spray since it is less toxic to beneficial insects.
Unless you stop in towns, there are no bike maintenance kiosks or port-a-potties along the trail.
There are signs to mark the way when you must cross traffic as well as for culverts.
One of my newly discovered areas that I love! Head to this link for more information.
Notes from the Trail 