Explore Blairstown's Natural Beauty!
Discover Early Spring Along the Paulinskill Valley Trail: Footbridge Park to Sycamore Park
Alternatively, begin at the trailhead along Lambert Rd, just past the entrance to Sycamore Park. This end offers the grassy expanse of Sycamore Park, a large playground, and recreational sports fields, making it a perfect family-friendly start. From here, you can also catch planes flying in and out of the Blairstown Airport just across the street. The Blairstown Airport is also home to Wings Café, where you can grab some delicious traditional diner food — a perfect way to end your adventure.
Echos of an era of Railroading
The full 27-mile “rail-trail” was created from a former segment of the New York, Susquehanna & Western railroad main line. The old train bed was converted into a trail, and while the tracks and ties were removed, remnants of the old railroad remain prominent, including many of the mileage markers, telegraph poles, and the classic Paulinskill Viaduct. The trail itself is relatively flat, well maintained, and offers a softer impact to joints. Rail-trails tend to feel softer underfoot because they’re resurfaced with engineered materials designed for walking and biking, while maintaining the base of the original train track, which promotes drainage and flexibility. Not to mention the decades of decaying plant life and manure from horses that add organic matter back into the soil making the earth more porous. All of these factors lead to better cushioning for runners and walkers!It Really is the Perfect Low-Effort Hike with High Reward
Beyond the benefits of gentle exercise and fresh air, and taking in the history of this beautiful landscape, hiking the Paulinskill Trail in early spring is a fantastic opportunity to embrace and reconnect with nature as we transition from winter to early spring. Take a leisurely stroll and bask in the steady rebirth of nature— listen to early birdsongs, watch unfurling leaves, and see early wildflowers pushing through the forest floor. This hike is a celebration of spring’s subtle beauty and a gentle reintroduction to the hiking season.
This trail is perfect, whether you’re a solo hiker craving a quick adventure or a family looking for an easy outdoor escape, this section of the trail is a gem worth exploring. Whether you’ve got an hour or an afternoon, this section of the Paulinskill Trail is an easy choice— so take our advice and grab a light jacket, bring your camera, and take advantage of this beautiful trail.
Beyond the benefits of gentle exercise and fresh air, and taking in the history of this beautiful landscape, hiking the Paulinskill Trail in early spring is a fantastic opportunity to embrace and reconnect with nature as we transition from winter to early spring. Take a leisurely stroll and bask in the steady rebirth of nature— listen to early birdsongs, watch unfurling leaves, and see early wildflowers pushing through the forest floor. This hike is a celebration of spring’s subtle beauty and a gentle reintroduction to the hiking season.
This trail is perfect, whether you’re a solo hiker craving a quick adventure or a family looking for an easy outdoor escape, this section of the trail is a gem worth exploring. Whether you’ve got an hour or an afternoon, this section of the Paulinskill Trail is an easy choice— so take our advice and grab a light jacket, bring your camera, and take advantage of this beautiful trail.