Connecting Communities: Sullivan O&W Rail Trail Spurs Health, Tourism, and Regional Growth

The Sullivan O&W Rail Trail, a multi-use trail system built along the historic Ontario & Western Railroad corridor, is at the center of a regional initiative to connect communities, promote healthy lifestyles, and boost economic development through tourism.Shannon Cilento, Director of Community Development & Communications at Sullivan 180, and Heather Jacksy, Sullivan County’s Director of Planning are members of the Sullivan O&W Rail Trail Alliance, a coalition leading the charge on trail development across the county.They discuss the current status of the project, including a major infrastructure component—the Neversink Crossing bridge in Fallsburg—as well as details about the upcoming ROAM multi-day trail hike, and how the trail vision connects with broader planning efforts like the Sullivan County Bike & Pedestrian Master Plan.