New Henry W. Dubois Greenway Connector in New Paltz Officially Open
New Paltz Community Welcomes Trail with Community Walk/Bike Ride and Ribbon Cutting
New Paltz, NY – The New Henry W. Dubois Greenway Connector along the Empire State Trail in New Paltz officially opened on June 15 with a community walk and bike ride. The new 1.7-mile trail enhances greenway connectivity, promoting outdoor recreation and active transportation.
Participants gathered at 10:00 AM at the New Paltz Firehouse, where they welcomed the trail with a ribbon cutting. The group then embarked on a scenic walk or bike ride along the newly completed greenway connector. The route culminated with a celebratory gathering at Avocado Bikes. Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) distributed free helmets at the start and end of the route.
The Henry W. Dubois Greenway Connector was the longest on-road section of the Empire State Rail Trail between Kingston and New York City. The project connects the Hudson Valley Rail Trail to the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail, improving connectivity along the 750-mile statewide Empire State Trail.
The creation of the Henry W. Dubois Greenway Connector is collaborative effort between the community of New Paltz, The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Hudson River Valley Greenway (HRVG), Ulster County, New Paltz Joint Village/Town Bicycle/Pedestrian Committee, and Alta Planning. Support from these organizations has been instrumental in bringing this project to life, creating a safe and accessible pathway for residents and visitors alike.
Parks & Trails New York Executive Director Paul Steely White said, "The Henry W. Dubois Greenway Connector is a game changer for the New Paltz community and the larger Empire State Trail. Corridor gaps stand in the way of greenway use, discouraging active transportation and outdoor recreation. We thank the people of New Paltz, OPRHP, and DEC for their commitment to enhancing our state's trail network and promoting a healthier, more sustainable future."
New Paltz Mayor Tim Rogers said, “HWD will be used by a large cross-section of pedestrians and cyclists. It will be like River-to-Ridge: well-used and enjoyed. Our community will have a hard time remembering how we endured life before its existence.”
New Paltz Town Supervisor Amanda Gotto said, “The HWD bike/pedestrian path, a major undertaking that started in 2018, has finally been completed. There were plenty of challenges along the way and probably a few more to be discovered but it is already being enjoyed by so many walkers and cyclists. It offers a safe and pleasant east/west alternative to car travel for our residents and visitors.”
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Regional Director Kelly Turturro said, “The Henry W. Dubois Greenway Connector Trail is part of New York State’s ongoing efforts to promote outdoor recreation and sustainable transportation while providing a safer and more scenic experience for bicyclists and pedestrians navigating the Empire State Trail. DEC is proud to have played a role in the completion of this essential project that will help get more New Yorkers outdoors.”
Executive Director of the Wallkill Valley Land Trust Christie DeBoer said. “Connecting these trails is about more than recreation—it’s about connecting people. This link strengthens our communities and makes it easier for everyone to enjoy the outdoors together.”
SUNY New Paltz Professor Daniel Lipson said, "Former Town Supervisor Neil Bettez deserves high praise for seeing the need for a separated path on Henry W. Dubois Road and for his persistence in securing funding for this project. Despite opposition from some residents and skyrocketing costs due to pandemic supply disruptions, town leaders -- together with village leaders -- committed to seeing this crucial project to completion. Thanks also to the amazing Alta Planning for their thoughtfulness and expertise in designing and completing this major upgrade, which enables safe access to Moriello Pool, to the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail, and to the entirety of the Empire State Trail."
re:Charge-e Co-Founder Jeff Olson said, “The Dubois improvements were discussed during the 2007 Ulster County NonMotorized Transport Plan, and that led to the project being included as a key link in the EST. It’s great to see a community stay with its vision and get the job done.”
Photos attached, credit Parks & Trails New York.
About Parks & Trails New York
Parks & Trails New York is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health, economy, and quality of life of all New Yorkers through the use and enjoyment of green space. Since 1985, PTNY has been a powerful advocate for the protection and enhancement of New York’s parks and trails for all to enjoy.
For more information, visit www.ptny.org.