HOME > TRAIL GUIDES > NEW YORK > VESTAL RAILROAD TRAIL

Vestal Railroad Trail

Location: Vestal, New York
Ride Type: Out and Back
Trail Type: Fire/Gravel Road 0%
Dirt Road 0%
Distance: 5.00 miles (8.05 KM)
Duration: not specified.
Elevation Gain: not specified.
Climbing: Flat
Skill Level: Something for everyone
User Density: not specified.

Trail Description:
This trail is on an old railroad bed. The tracks have been removed, and plans are under review (for the third time) to convert it to pavement (Rails-to-Trails), which we mountain bikers of course don't want! If you don't want to ride on the gravel, you can ride on the dirt/grass trail next to it. You'll love this trail!

How to get there:
From the West: SR-17 (Future 1-86) to exit 68 (Old Vestal Road [or Vestal Road if they change the sign, they most likely will because the road named changed]). Proceed two blocks to Vestal Road (stop sign). Take a left, proceed a long while, until you get to the first trafic light. Take right, park right there, you're at the rail bed! Begin to cycle in the direction you came form.

From the East: SR-17 (future I-86) to exit 70S (Johnson City). Proceed a while to the trafic circle, keep right, follow SR-201 south. Take first exit after the river bridge (Old Vestal Road [or Vestal Road if they change the sign, they most likely will because the road named changed]). Take right, go on a long time until you come to a set of trafic lights. Around the first one you will see the old railroad bed. At the second take a left, and park. Start the trail in the direction you were heading by car (west).

From the North: Take I-81 north, go on to SR-17 (future I-86) west, follow "From the East" directions.

From the South: Take I-81 north, go on to SR-17 (future I-86) west, follow "From the East" directions.

Additional Notes:
If you're coming from any direction but west, when you cross the river, look to the right and yo