A Walk Down Memory Lane - The Andes Rail Trail

The Andes Rail Trail, off county Route 2, also known as Cabin Hill Road and/or Depot Street, in Delaware County, is a short one-mile flat trail that provides a glimpse into the area's geological and industrial history.

The trail is clearly marked and well-maintained by local hiking group Catskill Mountain Club, which has positioned interpretive history signs throughout its length.

Seasonal wetlands have been considered by the construction of several foot-bridges and higher-ground mud-avoiding trails.

Glimpses of days-gone-by can be spotted on the trail itself where grass has not yet taken hold and cinders darken the path.  Subterranean rails-ties lend themselves to the rhythmic landscape.

The remnants of an engine turnabout can be spotted near the beginning of the trail which is now outfitted with a shaded bench.

The rail trail ends with an invitation to hikers to challenge themselves on the Bullet Hole Spur, which is an easy, well-marked trail, with occasional short climbs that Catskill Mountain Club has dubbed "moderate."

The spur trail criss-crosses the face of the hillside on a mostly-dirt, narrow switchback foot path. The path guides hikers through a lightly forested but well-shaded section of the mountain marked with artistic and surprising cairns.

Many hiking purists, naturalists and environmentalists  discourage the creation of these mini-stone sculptures for a variety of reason, but I found them aesthetically pleasing.


Completion of the one mile in-and-out Bullet Hole Spur adds two miles to the in-and-out rail trail.

* Lillian Browne is exploring the world around her, one step at a time, with her dog - Charlie. Follow her on Instagram @lillian.browne, on Twitter @browneinwalton or on Facebook.