A peaceful walk in the woods

Rails to Trails in Fallsburg

JONATHAN CHARLES FOX
Posted 7/26/17

If you look hard enough, there is always something unusual to explore in the Catskills, and I recently discovered an interesting blurb online that caught my attention. “The Peace Walk outdoor …

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A peaceful walk in the woods

Rails to Trails in Fallsburg

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If you look hard enough, there is always something unusual to explore in the Catskills, and I recently discovered an interesting blurb online that caught my attention. “The Peace Walk outdoor art exhibit is now open on the Rails to Trails in Mountaindale,” announced the alert. The walk exhibits wooden signs based on a peace symbol template designed by Resnick Equipment company and decorated by about a dozen area artists. “Take a hike on the scenic Rails to Trails and enjoy the exhibit. Walking along the trail promises to be a creative exercise for both your body and mind,” the alert said, which sounded inviting. So I called a pal to join me, and off we went in search of the Peace Walk.

Ironically, the bucolic installation was difficult to find, since at the heart of the project are the signs themselves, yet there were virtually none to be found until we were less than 100 yards away. Although there were several signs en route pointing to the “Rail Trail” in Woodridge, there was nothing indicating that the Mountaindale exhibit was anywhere nearby.

With perseverance and determination, I eventually stumbled upon the Mountaindale Park. But even at the entrance—not a word, arrow, or even a peace sign of any kind indicated that we were in the right place. After pulling off the road to ask, a friendly fellow pointed out that we had arrived at our destination.

“Park and walk,” he said. “You can’t miss it.” I would heartily disagree, but having found the place, I would encourage all to make the trip to the Peace Walk, for it is an incredibly beautiful stroll through a well maintained rail trail, and the artists’ efforts are truly lovely to behold.

Luckily, I had made notes, since there was basically no information about the project itself, save for signs with the title of the artwork and information about the artist posted at each of the pieces. “Make sure you take a selfie, and use the hashtag #peacewalkfallsburg on social media between now and August 1st,” I shared with my hiking partner, “and you will be entered into a drawing to win tickets to an August concert at Bethel Woods!” The signs are available for purchase and that the opening bid on each is $50. There is an ongoing “silent auction” happening now, ending on August 21, with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the Town of Fallsburg Rails for Trails project.

Some of the works were created by individuals, but most are collaborative efforts, including Fallsburg High School groups, New Hope Community, and a Friends of the Garden “living” peace sign that incorporates a life-sized fairy. Spying a gentleman who had stopped to adjust one of the fairy’s arms that had come loose, I asked if he was connected to the project. “No,” answered Carl Garritt, who served as highway superintendant for the Town of Woodridge before retiring. “I’m not part of the project, but I walk the route every day and make sure the signs are well maintained. Sometimes kids fool around with them—you know how kids can be!” he laughed.

I also ran into Brooklyn’s Rabbi Berkowitz and his wife taking a stroll and asked what they thought of the Peace Walk. “It’s so beautiful here. Being from Brooklyn, we really appreciate the tranquil beauty of the Catskills and this gorgeous trail.”

For more information, “like” their Facebook page (if you can find it!) using the words “Peace Walk,” or call Linda Ingber at 845/434-8810, ext. 5 for directions, which I would strongly recommend. I did, and I still had a hard time finding the place, but it was well worth the effort!

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