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The Rail Trail

4.7 ★★★★★ 68 Google reviews · Running trail in Vestal, New York · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Paved
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from The Rail 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.

PavedDog-friendly

Paved and blacktop trail for walking and running, plus kids' activities. Playground.

What runners say about The Rail Trail

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (68 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 3 mentions

“Love the rail trail nice clean quiet and beautiful definitely recommended for just stroll run etc”

🏃 great for running 2 mentions

“The trail is a great place to walk, run or bike.”

The rail trail is very nice we go almost everyday to rollerblade, bike, jog, and even just for a nice walk. On one end there is the coal house and the other has lots of stores.

★★★★★ — Hope , Mar 2021

The trail is a great place to walk, run or bike. There are many running races, for families with young kids there's a playground off of the trail. When the weather is warm you'll see several people on the trail. Enjoy

★★★★★ — Y , Jan 2018

An asset to the community it's a place to walk your dog get some exercise and enjoy nature and maybe even meet a few new people I suggest everybody go visit

★★★★★ — James , Jun 2021

Nice walking path that's paved. Beautiful surroundings. Great for biking, walking, roller skating, running or just walking. Dog friendly.

★★★★★ — Elizabeth , Aug 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 68 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🛣️ Paved surface 5 mentions

“This is a nicely paved, popular walking path.”

More trails like this →

🐕 Dog-friendly 5 mentions

“An asset to the community it's a place to walk your dog get some exercise and enjoy nature and maybe even meet a few new people I suggest everybody go visit”

More trails like this →

Plan your run at The Rail Trail

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
  • 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.
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Websitevestalny.gov
  • Social Facebook

Hours

Monday 8 AM–6 PM
Tuesday 8 AM–6 PM
Wednesday 8 AM–6 PM
Thursday 8 AM–6 PM
Friday 8 AM–6 PM
Saturday 8 AM–6 PM
Sunday 8 AM–6 PM

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find The Rail Trail

Vestal Rail Trail, Vestal, NY 13850

Get directions

Running trails near Vestal

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Twin Orchard Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 22 reviews

Vestal, NY

under a mile away

Arnold Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 594 reviews

Vestal, NY

Shaded

Large park featuring ball fields & a sizable playground with a covered sandbox, plus nature trails.

under a mile away

Vestal Rail Trail

4.7 ★★★★★ 128 reviews

Vestal, NY

4 miPavedScenicDog-friendly

Easy, level trail for hikers, cyclists, runners and dog walkers.

under a mile away

West Endicott Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 245 reviews

Endicott, NY

Family park, popular with kids, featuring a carousel, playground, pool and picnic area.

2.2 miles away

Grippen Community Park

4.2 ★★★★☆ 125 reviews

Endicott, NY

Informal park featuring an indoor skate park, plus fishing and boating facilities.

2.3 miles away

Highland Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 461 reviews

Endwell, NY

Kids' playground, carousels and pools are among this park's attractions.

2.4 miles away

All running trails in Vestal, NY →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.