Rosendale Trestle Bridge

The Kingston City Dock – Rosendale Trestle Bridge loop offers a diverse road cycling experience, winding through woodlands, open fields, and past serene lakes. You'll enjoy vistas of Third, Fourth, and Fifth Lakes before reaching the iconic Rosendale Trestle Bridge, which provides expansive views of the Hudson Valley from 150 feet (46 meters) above Rondout Creek. This route blends natural beauty with historical landmarks, making for a memorable ride.

This moderate 27.1-mile (43.6 km) cycling route, with 1028 feet (313 metres) of elevation gain, can typically be completed in just under two hours. While much of the trail is well-paved, some sections, especially north of Rosendale, feature rougher surfaces that might be challenging for road bikes with very narrow tires. It's a good idea to check local weather conditions before you head out, as this can impact your ride.

Part of the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail and the larger Empire State Trail, this loop is well-marked and maintained, ensuring easy navigation. The Rosendale Trestle Bridge itself is a historic marvel, once the highest span bridge in the United States, adding a unique cultural dimension to your ride. This trail is an excellent choice for cyclists looking for a blend of scenic beauty, historical interest, and a good workout in the Hudson Valley.

This Rosendale Trestle Bridge cycling route offers a moderate 26.8-mile (43.1 km) journey with 1062 feet (324 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in about 1 hour and 52 minutes. You'll ride through a diverse landscape of woodlands, open fields, and river valleys, with the historic Rosendale Trestle Bridge providing truly spectacular panoramic views over the Rondout Creek. While the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail sections are mostly flat, be prepared for predominantly unpaved surfaces of hard-packed gravel or stone-dust, making a hybrid or mountain bike a more comfortable choice than a traditional road bike.

Planning your visit to this area is straightforward, with parking generally available in Rosendale. Since the trail is multi-use, you'll be sharing the path with hikers and equestrians, so always be mindful of others. Starting your ride earlier in the day is a good idea to enjoy the views and avoid potential crowds, especially on the popular trestle itself.

The Rosendale Trestle Bridge is the undisputed highlight, a massive 940-foot continuous truss bridge soaring 150 feet above the creek, once the highest span bridge in the United States. This route is part of the larger Empire State Trail and connects several towns, offering a blend of natural beauty and historical significance, including remnants of the Rosendale Cement Works in the Binnewater Historic District.