Proposed Work on State Parklands Comments

Notice of Proposed Work on State Parklands for NYSDOT PIN: 8762.89 - Ulster & Delaware Rail Trail: Highmount to Giggle Hollow (aka the Shandaken Rail Trail) - November 7, 2025

The project proposes to repurpose the existing Ulster & Delaware Railroad Corridor, including the existing bridges, for use as a recreational trail from Galli Curci Road in Highmount to the Giggle Hollow Bridge in the Belleayre Beach Day Use Area. Parking areas and trailheads will be built at Highmount and in the Belleayre Beach. Other improvements along the corridor include drainage, culvert replacements, safety railing, removal of the railroad tracks and infrastructure, and the installation of a crushed stone multi-use path.

This project invokes Section 4(f) of 49 U.S.C. 303 and Section 6(f) of 54 U.S.C. 2003 since the Belleayre Beach Day Use Area and Ski Area are classified as State Parkland. The NYSDEC has determined that this project will not adversely affect the activities, features, or attributes that make the Belleayre Beach Day Use Area or the Belleayre Mountain Ski Area eligible for Section 4(f) and 6(f) protection. A de minimis finding by FHWA is anticipated.

Please see the documents that explain the 4(f) and 6(f) process and drawings of the proposed impacts in the documents section on the right side of this website. Any comments concerning the project's effect should be submitted through this form on this website on or before December 5, 2025.