Ashokan Quarry Trail: Easy, Family Friendly 2‑Mile Catskills Hike with Big Views & Quarry Ruins
An Easy, Family Friendly Hike in the Catskills filled with views and history - the Ashokan Quarry Trail
The easy 2‑mile Ashokan Quarry Trail offers Catskills views, quarry ruins, railroad history, and family‑friendly hiking near the Ashokan Reservoir.
The Ashokan Quarry Trail is one of the easiest and most rewarding short hikes in the Catskills, and it packs a surprising amount of scenery and history into just about two miles. Tucked just north of the Ashokan Reservoir on NYC DEP land, this lollipop‑loop trail is a fantastic option if you’re searching for “Ashokan Quarry Trail,” “Catskills hikes,” or an easy Catskills trail near the water with real views and interesting ruins.
Ashokan Quarry Trail Facts
🧭 Trailhead: Route 28A Trailhead, Olivebridge, NY (Google Maps)
🗺️ Route: Trailhead → Ashokan Quarry Trail → Trailhead
🥾 Distance: ~2 miles round trip
📈 Elevation Gain: ~2,20 ft
⚠️ Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Quarry top views, historic ruins, interpretive signage and info
GPS Information: Trail Route in GPX Format
📱AllTrails Information: Trail Route and Information in AllTrails
Seasonal Trail Closure
The Ashokan Quarry Trail is closed to hikers during the Big Game (rifle) Hunting Season, which generally runs from mid-November to mid-December. Details on hunting seasons are available on the NYSDEC website.
Ashokan Quarry Trail Overview
The Ashokan Quarry Trail starts from a small trailhead on Route 28A in Olivebridge, New York, a short drive from the Ashokan Reservoir Promenade and Ashokan Rail Trail. The route forms a roughly 2‑mile lollipop loop that most hikers complete in about an hour, with only a modest amount of elevation gain and steady, easy grades that make it accessible for beginners and families. For our hike, we follow the loop clockwise from the Route 28A trailhead.
Ashokan Quarry Trail Description
After leaving the parking area, the trail heads gently uphill through the woods before beginning the short climb to the top of the quarry wall, where the forest suddenly opens to big views of Ashokan High Point and other Catskill peaks. From these open ledges above the quarry, you can look west and north to the mountains that frame the reservoir, getting a feel for the wider Catskills landscape while still being on a very approachable trail.
Once you’ve taken in the views from the quarry rim, the trail descends into the heart of the old Yale Quarry and then continues on a gentle path across the quarry floor. This site supplied stone for the construction of New York City’s Ashokan Reservoir dams and dikes in the early 1900s, and the remains of that industrial era are still scattered throughout the woods.
As you follow the loop, you pass stone foundations, an old rail loading area, and piles of quarried bluestone that hint at how busy this hillside once was. Interpretive signs along the way help connect the dots between the quiet forest you’re walking through today and the huge public works project that flooded the nearby Esopus Valley to create the Ashokan Reservoir and help supply New York City’s drinking water.
The terrain on the Ashokan Quarry Trail stays friendly throughout, with only one short, steeper push up to the quarry rim and otherwise mostly smooth, rolling trail that’s suitable for newer hikers and kids who are up for a bit of exploring. In season, a corridor of mountain laurel near the top of the ascent explodes into white and pink bloom, turning an already scenic walk into a tunnel of color.
After passing the quarry floor, the loop joins the old railroad grade that once carried stone away from the site, now a quiet forest path that leads you back toward the start of the lollipop. It’s a satisfying section that blends natural beauty, human history, and easy walking, wrapping up what might be one of the best short Catskills hikes if you’re looking for big payoff with very little effort.
Tips for Hiking the Ashokan Quarry Trail
Footwear: The trail is rocky and muddy in a few places - wear sturdy boots or trail shoes.
Navigation: Trail junctions are marked and trails are easy to follow, but you should always bring a map or GPS.
Parking: The lot on Route 28A is moderate in size, but can and does fill up on weekends.
Timing: Allow 1-2 hours for the full hike, depending on your pace and how long you linger at the viewpoints and historic sites.
For More Information on hiking the Ashokan Quarry Trail in the Catskills
Catskills Visitor Center
Additional Catskill Park information is available at the Catskills Visitor Center located at 5096 Route 28 in Mt. Tremper.
Hire Hike On Guides for the Ashokan Quarry Trail hike
Need help on a hike like this? Moe is a NYS licensed hiking and backpacking guide. You can hire him for Hiking, Backpacking and Camping Guide Services at Hike On Guides for hikes in New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts.
Hikes near the Ashokan Quarry Trail
More of our Catskills hikes on YouTube
Gear we used and/or carried on the Rocky, Lone, and Table Mountains Loop hike:
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Important Hiking Considerations:
Weather: Check the weather forecast before your hike and be prepared for changes in conditions.
Safety: Some sections of trail can be steep and rocky, others can be muddy, so use caution and always watch your footing.
Leave No Trace: As with any outdoor activity, remember to follow the principles of Leave No Trace. Pack out any trash, stay on the trail, and be respectful of the natural environment.
The Catskills have more than 400 miles of marked hiking trails and many more miles of bushwhacks. Explore all the Catskill Mountains have to offer in our Hiking the Catskills Playlist on YouTube!
Our Hiking Advice and Hiking Gear Recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions: Ashokan Quarry Trail
How long is the Ashokan Quarry Trail?
The Ashokan Quarry Trail is about 2 miles round trip, making it a great option for a short hike with big scenery. Most hikers can complete it in about an hour, depending on how long you linger at the viewpoints.
Is the Ashokan Quarry Trail family friendly?
Yes! This is a family-friendly, beginner-friendly hike with gentle grades and wide paths. It’s a solid choice for kids, casual hikers, and anyone looking for an easy walk with rewarding views.
Are dogs allowed on the Ashokan Quarry Trail?
Yes — dogs are allowed on leash. As always, be sure to follow local rules, keep your dog under control, and pack out any waste.
Where do you park for the Ashokan Quarry Trail?
Parking is available along Route 28A near the trailhead. Make sure to park legally, avoid blocking traffic, and pay attention to posted signage.
What are the highlights of the Ashokan Quarry Trail?
The trail features beautiful views over the Ashokan Reservoir, wide gravel paths, and historic quarry ruins that offer a glimpse into the area’s industrial past — all without a big climb.
When is the best time to hike the Ashokan Quarry Trail?
This trail is great year-round, but it’s especially nice in spring and fall. Summer offers leafy shade, while winter can be beautiful if you’re prepared for snow and ice. Note that the trail is closed during Big Game Hunting Season (generally mid-November to mid-December).
