Taking the first step in creating a new trail that will link neighborhoods in the city and town of Poughkeepsie, Scenic Hudson has negotiated and funded the acquisition of 2.7 miles of a former rail corridor that passes through residential and commercial neighborhoods, as well as alongside Marist College, before ending near the Hudson River. In July, the Dutchess County Legislature voted unanimously to assume ownership of the corridor and to develop and maintain the new rail trail, which will enhance recreational and economic opportunities.

The rail corridor was acquired on December 11, 2019.

A former freight train spur that ceased operating in the early 1980s, the V-shaped corridor extends north from North Clinton Street in the city past the Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital to the future Hudson Heritage development (former Hudson River Psychiatric Hospital). From there, it turns back to the south, abutting Marist College before terminating near Kittredge Place in the city.

The trail will connect Poughkeepsie’s Northside neighborhoods to one another and other resources in the city and town, while providing recreational opportunities and future connections to the William R. Steinhaus Dutchess Rail Trail (which the corridor crosses) and the future Empire State Trail—all of which will help to improve residents’ quality of life and economic opportunity. The trail also will provide a safe way for Marist students and future Hudson Heritage residents to get into and out of the city and access the Dutchess Rail Trail, the developing Fall Kill Greenway and public space along the Hudson River.