Introduction and Objectives

Philipstown Advocates for Trails (PAT) is a local community group that exists to help build and maintain mixed use trail infrastructure in the Philipstown, NY area. The group was founded by local residents in the spring of 2023.

One of our main objectives is to help shape the Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail (HHFT) project. PAT comprises local residents (Philipstown, Cold Spring, Nelsonville and Garrison) who are generally supportive of the HHFT. We believe that many residents in the local community share this position. However, we have encountered large numbers of people who are afraid to share these positive views in public, in print or on social media.

We are a grass roots organization and receive no funding from HHFT or any other public or private institution involved with the HHFT project. We have more than 120 members in Philipstown and the number is growing. Not every member is in favor of each and every aspect of the proposed HHFT project. However, we are united by a common goal of working with the HHFT and local government to shape the Fjord Trail project into something that improves the quality of life of local residents.

To realize our objectives we need to be a strong, coordinated and constructive voice.

Connecting Cold Spring to the Fjord Trail

We believe the Fjord Trail is inevitable. The land in question is owned by the state, not Philipstown or the Village of Cold Spring. What has yet to be decided is how the trail connects to the Village of Cold Spring. This is a complex issue. All alternatives will impact Cold Spring in some way. But we recognize that the HHFT is eager to engage with residents of Cold Spring, Nelsonville and Philipstown on this matter.

This recent Chronogram article provides a balanced summary of the present state of play. So far, those opposing the trail have tended to dominate the conversation and wrongly assume that they are speaking for the majority of local residents. We believe that getting informed and engaged in a constructive manner is the best way forward for Philipstown.

People who have spoken out against the Fjord Trail fall in to two broad categories: those wanting to stop the project altogether or to have the trail end outside of the village (i.e. at Breakneck Ridge or Little Stony Point). If this happens we fear that Philipstown and the Village of Cold Spring (VCS) in particular will miss out on an opportunity to obtain funding for vital infrastructure that will benefit all local residents. Furthermore, this approach may leave the pedestrian traffic issue from the Cold Spring Metro North station to the start of the Hudson Highlands State Park trails unresolved.

An HHFT Trail Data Committee, using external consultants with committee members selected by the local municipalities to oversee their work, is investigating visitation and assessing various route options from the VCS to Little Stony Point. On November 8, 2023 the VCS Board received its first update from its representatives on the committee as The Highlands Current reported.

New public restrooms, improved trash collection, new and improved sidewalks through the village, wayfinding (signage) to direct visitors to the trail, a public shuttle service to move visitors and residents between areas of interest, and more are under discussion. All of these amenities are to be constructed at the HHFT’s expense financed by NY State and private donors. To date, there is no proposal on the table that will directly cost Philipstown tax payers for the construction or upkeep of the trail or associated infrastructure.

If we walk away from the HHFT project, the problems caused by our current and growing number of visitors will not go away. Unfortunately, the opportunity to obtain funding to deal with these issues will go away.

Upcoming Group Gatherings

Our Events page summarizes past and upcoming meetings and events.

We have already met with HHFT leadership and had social gatherings of our members. Over the next couple of months we plan to meet with local elected officials and continue to directly engage with HHFT to discuss route alternatives and review findings from the traffic and visitation studies underway.

Please join our mailing list to find out details on these activities. We promise to provide an environment where your voice will be heard.

Call to Action

As always, the best ways to share your enthusiasm for the Fjord Trail is to do any of the following:

• submit letters to the editor of the local papers (editor@highlandscurrent.org at The Highlands Current and editor@pcnr.com at PCNR);

• share a supportive comment on social media (for example, Philipstown Neighbors and Philipstown Locals Facebook groups)

• send email to your local elected officials expressing your support (see their contact details on our ‘Resources‘ page); and

• discuss why you support the Fjord Trail (recreational benefits, visitation management, safe and inclusive access, community-centered process, etc.) with your friends and neighbors.

Misinformation and conspiracy theories about the HHFT are rife. You do not have to listen to hearsay. Contact us and we will help you get directly informed.