There are several unofficial rail trails in Orange County. From Harriman to Monroe is good for hiking although the rock balast is in place and makes things a bit rough. The village of Harriman has resisted improving the route fearing that it might attract too many people. The old station there is in awful shape and looks like one side could collapse at any time. It is a shame as it had been one of the nicest on the Erie. The "telegraph" monument is still there too, but has been grafittied and the metal plaque is long gone. Does anyone know what happened to it? About a mile west of Harriman, there were ice ponds and a huge ice house, reached by a spur north from the main line. The ruins of it are still there and quite impressive although hard to get to now due to the undergrowth. The Newburgh branch ROW from Vails Gate to Greycourt is intact except for under the Thruway. There are small detours necessary at a couple points but on the whole, it is better hiked than biked due to parts being eroded. Also parts of the "Newburgh Short Cut" north of Highland Mills are usable, but not easy to find. The old original main line from Guymard to Otisville is a dirt road in good shape, and used by fire patrols. I think the railroad still owns it but other people seem to use it too. Of particular interest is the remains of the "subway" where it joins the Graham line at Guymard. Far from Orange County but still very interesting is the Jefferson Division from near Carbondale, PA north to Lanesboro (Starrucca Viaduct). This is officially called the D&H trail but it was built by the Erie and owned by it until 1955. There are a couple bridges gone near Thompson and Ararat and one near Stevens Point but otherwise is very good biking. The nearby O&W trail can be used to make some nice circle trips. The DL&W Montrose branch is in the same general area and is a trail but I have yet to do it. RH ------------------------------ End of EL List Daily V3 #1455 *****************************
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