The trestle was originally built with iron before being replaced by steel in 1895 to accommodate heavier train loads.
The structure is nicknamed 'the bridge that cement built' due to its role in transporting local limestone cement used in projects like the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty pedestal.
The bridge's elevation allows visitors to look directly down onto the historic remains of the Rosendale cement mines along the creek banks.
In 2009, the bridge was acquired by the Wallkill Valley Land Trust and the town of Rosendale for just one dollar to preserve it for public use.
The deck's restoration involved replacing rotting wooden ties with durable planking designed to handle pedestrian and bicycle traffic.
The Rosendale Trestle is a 940-foot-long decommissioned railroad bridge spanning the Rondout Creek, elevated 150 feet above the water. Originally constructed in 1872 as part of the Wallkill Valley Railroad, it served as a critical transport link for the region's cement industry. The structure was rehabilitated and opened to the public in 2013 as a pedestrian bridge on the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail. It provides expansive views of the town of Rosendale, the Binnewater Lakes, and the Shawangunk Ridge. The steel bridge deck is surfaced with wood planks and features safety railings throughout its length. It remains a key landmark for regional trail connectivity.
The center of the bridge offers the clearest panoramic view of the Rondout Creek valley.
Bring a pair of binoculars to spot raptors and migratory birds that often circle the Rondout Creek valley.
Use the parking area at the Joppenbergh Mountain trailhead for the most direct access to the trestle segment.
Wear comfortable, flat-soled walking or cycling shoes as the wood plank surface can be uneven.
Do not attempt to climb down the steep embankments near the bridge piers, as the terrain is unstable.
Stay on the designated path; keep pets leashed and remove waste.
