image of rail trail spur, eastern campus - desktop

Urban Trail Network

Dutchess County Rail Trail

The Rail Trail: Eastern Spur

The Hudson River Valley has miles of connective trails embedded in its communities for cyclists, walkers, and runners. These trails support land conservation, connect our community with the beauty of the Hudson Valley, and provide access to other areas of our community, including local businesses and attractions. 

Through the Dutchess County's Urban Trail Initiative, Dutchess County Government, Dutchess County Tourism, and Scenic Hudson have teamed up to extend the rail trail network through the Town of Poughkeepsie. The trail’s eastern spur runs alongside Marist’s east campus and is scheduled to be completed at the end of 2023. This section of the trail will connect Marist’s east campus to the Hudson Heritage Shopping Plaza, Quiet Cove Park, and MidHudson Regional Hospital. This spur will offer students convenient access to local businesses and will support students' healthy and active lifestyle.

Trail Photos

The Urban Tail Trail under construction
A completed section of the Urban Rail Trail

Marist has taken precautionary measures to further secure east campus:

  • Installation of strategically placed security cameras to enhance ongoing monitoring efforts
  • Addition of a blue light box on east campus for quick access to assistance in case of an emergency
  • Increased security patrols
  • Ongoing collaboration with local government and law enforcement officials

Trail Rendering

Artist rendering of potential Northside portion of Urban Trail (Image: Urban Trail Project)

You can read more about this project at dutchesscountyurbantrail.com.

Questions and comments specific to the rail trail extension can be sent via email to urbantrailproject@dutchessny.gov.

The Empire State Trail safety guidelines provide helpful information and safety suggestions and that can all be found here.