Hike-bike trail to Beacon sought

Backers of a proposed “Hudson Fjord Trail’ stretching up and down the river in the Highlands invite the public to a brainstorming workshop on “connecting our town to our trails,” this Saturday, April 27, at 1 p.m., at Winter Hill in Garrison.

As envisioned, the Fjord Trail would parallel the river, Metro-North railroad tracks, and Route 9D as a safe venue for pedestrians/hikers and bicyclists and likely begin with a link between Cold Spring and Beacon. The concept has been the subject of efforts by governmental and nonprofit leaders in recent years, who now seek wider input.

According to organizers, Saturday’s program will include an update on the planning for the trail and then involve a back-and-forth of ideas on how to help visitors know where they are, know what local trails are like, and connect to local businesses and cultural and natural sites. In a news release, they emphasized that “Breakneck Ridge is the most popular day hike in the United States! And as we know, there are many great trails besides Breakneck.”

On Saturday, they added, “we’ll discuss how we can become a better, more helpful gateway to this treasure in our backyards, creating better access for our own families as well as the world. This is an opportunity for us to meet, formally and socially, to talk about our trails, and to organize around common interests, be it providing better signage or creating map and Cold Spring business ‘apps.’ Please bring your questions, diverse thoughts, and skill sets.”

Coffee will be served for participants. Although no childcare will be available, the organizers point out that kids are welcome to play on the hill. Winter Hill is located at 20 Nazareth Way in Garrison (just off of Snake Hill Road). Advance notice to Dar Williams, one of the organizers, is helpful: [email protected].

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