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Appalachian Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 59 Google reviews · Running trail in Pawling, New York · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Appalachian Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Kid-friendly hiking area belonging to a conservancy with boardwalks.
What runners say about Appalachian Trail
“Brutal in spots, but moderate mostly, with some views, well marked and maintained.”
The geolocation is slightly off since MetroNorth’s station is a little further to the south. The trailhead itself is great, with unpaved parking for roughly four cars. Informative bulletin board with basic maps. Footbridges spanning Swamp River’s boggy banks in which beavers swim.
So many choices for long or short hikes on sections of the AT in the Pawling, NY vicinity. The trail is well marked and not busy during the week. Views are remarkable at Cat Rock, near the Boardwalk, and around Nuclear Lake.
Walked on a bike path that was part of the AT. Nice area with a stream running on the side. Follow it towards Pawling and it leads you right to the Appalachian Trail. Added some pics of the boardwalk that crosses over the Great Swamp which is considered one of the largest wetlands in NYS and also part of the AT.
The walk from the entrance to around the lake and back to the entrance is about 3.7 miles
Trail conditions & character
“A great moderate difficulty uncrowded trail where you can walk completely around the lake or just sit and enjoy the view from the dam.”
“The trailhead itself is great, with unpaved parking for roughly four cars.”
“A great moderate difficulty uncrowded trail where you can walk completely around the lake or just sit and enjoy the view from the dam.”
“Added some pics of the boardwalk that crosses over the Great Swamp which is considered one of the largest wetlands in NYS and also part of the AT.”
“Brutal in spots, but moderate mostly, with some views, well marked and maintained.”
Plan your run at Appalachian Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Pawling
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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