We’ve collected some of the most frequently asked questions here, but if you don’t see an answer to yours please use our FAQ form to add it.
In addition to these general questions, check out our detailed FAQ about the rail-or-trail debate on the undesignated section of the corridor by clicking here.
What is the KAT?
“KAT” stands for Kingston Ashokan Trail. The KAT is a proposed trail connection between Kingston and the Ashokan Rail Trail in Ulster County, NY. The vision for the project is to connect the Catskill Mountain communities along NYS Route 28 – West Hurley, Morgan Hill, Woodstock, Glenford, etc. – to the ever-growing system of multi-use trails that converge in Kingston. The KAT would serve as a recreation asset for walking, running, biking, skating, bird watching, and more, while also providing a non-motorized transportation route to reduce reliance on cars for short trips between destinations along Route 28.
Where is the KAT?
The KAT is a proposed trail connection on the U&D corridor, starting at Westbrook Lane in Kingston and extending approximately 6.25 miles northwest to milepost 10, near the intersection of NYS Route 28 and Basin Road in the Town of Woodstock.
Who is developing the KAT?
The KAT is only a vision and a concept at this stage. This website was developed by advocates for the KAT, spearheaded by the Woodstock Land Conservancy and the Friends of the Catskill Mountain Rail Trail. The proposed route of the KAT follows the former Ulster & Delaware (U&D) railroad corridor, which is owned by Ulster County. In 2014, the County Legislature passed Resolution 275, which established a policy for uses of the corridor and called for eventual trail connection from the Ashokan Rail Trail to Kingston.
What about the tourist train in Kingston?
The Catskill Mountain Railroad (CMRR) operates its tourist train rides from Kingston under a 5-year permit issued by Ulster County. In order to accommodate both tourist trains and the KAT, a significant investment would be required to construct a trail alongside the current railroad tracks. This is an option that the County Legislature is considering, but at an estimated cost of $50 million for both rail and trail from Kingston to the Ashokan Rail Trail, we believe that train operations should be limited to the shortest viable portion in order to reduce the cost of a trail connection.
What are the reasons for building the KAT?
The KAT will provide a vital link between the County’s extensive trail system — which comprises over 75 miles of multi-use trails on four main corridors and includes a portion of the 750-mile long Empire State Trail — and the communities, trails and recreation areas of the Catskill Park. Based on a 2022 economic impact analysis conducted by Camoin Associates, this link will increase visitation to the highly-successful Ashokan Rail Trail by over 100,000 visits per year, driving a total of $17.4 million in annual spending by trail visitors (direct and indirect spending, all visits including in-county residents). While the economic case is compelling on its own, the KAT will generate a host of additional benefits for existing residents of the region, including a safe and accessible non-motorized route between neighborhoods, commercial districts and parks along the busy Route 28 corridor.
