Discover Rosendale: Rail Trail, Trestle, and Local History

Rosendale is well suited to a stay that combines outdoor activity with local history. The Wallkill Valley Rail Trail runs through Rosendale; the town is also home to the Rosendale Trestle, the museum at Century House, the Rosendale Theatre, and a seasonal farmers market. Highlights range from activities on a long rail corridor to railroad infrastructure and industrial history, as well as film and a visit to the market. Different schedules are important when planning: the trail is open daily and year-round during certain hours, while the summer market is seasonal.

Wallkill Valley Rail Trail and Rosendale Trestle

The more than 22-mile-long Wallkill Valley Rail Trail is a rail-trail and linear park that runs through Rosendale. Hiking, jogging, cycling, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing are possible on the trail. It is open to the public free of charge every day, year-round, from sunrise to sunset. These clear hours give you a framework for planning your day; the long, linear route can make outdoor activity a focus of your visit.

The Rosendale Trestle is also part of the trail: a former railroad viaduct that is 940 feet long and rises 150 feet above Rondout Creek. Since 2013, it has served as a pedestrian bridge on the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail. This structure brings together its former railroad function and its current use as a bridge. Those interested in the trail will find here not only the route itself but also a striking piece of its architectural history.

Local History, Museum, and Cinema

Century House maintains a museum devoted to the history of the Snyder Estate, the industrial history of the Rosendale Cement District, and the history of Rosendale. The museum also commemorates the workers who produced Rosendale Natural Cement for almost a century and a half. Together, these subjects trace the story from the Snyder Estate and the local cement industry to the people who made the cement. This offers a different way to explore local history than looking at the former railroad viaduct.

The Rosendale Theatre adds film to these historical themes. This family-run independent cinema has one auditorium and a diverse film program. Thus, film offerings are among Rosendale’s cultural attractions, alongside its architectural and industrial history. If you plan your stay around your interests, the museum and cinema offer two different points of interest.

Farmers Market and Practical Information

The Rosendale Farmers Market offers baked goods, prepared foods, local crafts, and weekly live music. The summer market is held Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. from early June through the end of October at 408 Main St., outdoors behind the Rosendale Theatre. Check the current schedule before visiting, as seasonal market hours may change. With its food, crafts, and music, the market offers a different focus from the trail, museum, and cinema.

For visitors with electric vehicles, the Town of Rosendale provides a public Level 2 charging station with two charging ports. It is located in the municipal parking lot behind Main Street (Route 213). Municipal infrastructure details may change, so check the station’s current status before traveling.

Discover more destinations: Ellenville, Accord, New Paltz, Oliverea, Kingston, Hurley, Kerhonkson, Saugerties

For the main travel overview: Ulster.