Ashokan Reservoir Promenade loop

Parking is available at key trailheads. For the Promenade itself, you can find facilities at the Woodstock Dike Trailhead. Both the Promenade and Boiceville entrances also have Porta-Sans available.

Dogs are generally not allowed on the paved Promenade section. However, they are welcome on the Ashokan Rail Trail sections, which are often combined with the Promenade to form a larger loop.

The route offers beautiful scenery year-round. Autumn is particularly vibrant with fall foliage. The car-free sections provide a pleasant environment in warmer months, and the views are spectacular in any season.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to access and cycle the Ashokan Reservoir Promenade or the Ashokan Rail Trail sections.

The Promenade itself is a paved, flat, and ADA-accessible path, ideal for smooth cycling. When combining it with a full loop around the reservoir, you'll encounter a mix of surfaces. The Ashokan Rail Trail (ART) features a well-maintained crushed cinder or crushed stone surface. The remainder of a full loop typically involves riding on lightly traveled roads like Route 28A.

While the paved Promenade is suitable for any touring bicycle, a gravel bike is ideal for the crushed stone sections of the Ashokan Rail Trail. Road bikes can also navigate the rail trail at a steady pace. Given the varied surfaces of a full loop, a touring bicycle or gravel bike offers the most versatility.

Yes, restroom facilities are available at key trailheads, including the Woodstock Dike Trailhead. Porta-Sans are also located at both the Promenade and Boiceville entrances.

The route offers spectacular and continuously changing views of the Ashokan Reservoir and the majestic Catskill Mountains, including prominent peaks like Sugarloaf Mountain and Overlook Mountain. You'll pass by the Small Ashokan Gorge and enjoy a View of Ashokan Reservoir and Catskill Mountains. Wildlife sightings, such as bald eagles and deer, are also common.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the B W S Road.

The Ashokan Reservoir Promenade itself is considered easy and flat, making it very suitable for beginners. A full loop around the reservoir, which can be around 31 miles and includes road riding, is still manageable for touring cyclists, with significant climbs being limited to sections like High Point Mountain Road.

While the trail itself focuses on natural beauty, the surrounding towns and villages near the Ashokan Reservoir offer various cafes, pubs, and accommodation options for pre- or post-ride refreshments.

A significant appeal is the car-free nature of the Promenade and the Ashokan Rail Trail, offering a peaceful and safe riding experience. The ability to combine the paved Promenade, the crushed stone Ashokan Rail Trail, and scenic road sections allows for a varied and engaging touring experience, showcasing different aspects of the Catskills landscape.