WURTSBORO –  In the spirit of Volkssport, family-themed, casual adventurous activities, members of Edward M. Maier Memorial VFW Post 4947 and American Legion Post 1266, invite you to an Autumn trek in the Shawangunks along the O&W rail trail Sunday, Oct. 13, starting at 9 a.m. 

The 10K, 6.25-mile trek starts at the VFW Post 4947 hall on VFW Road, off Mamakating Road, east of Wurtsboro. Enjoy a free breakfast offered by the VFW before heading north for 2 miles along the Upper O&W rail trail toward Summitville. The return trek will head south and follow the Lower O&W rail trail that parallels the D&H Canal back to Wurtsboro. The final leg of the trek will be a .75-mile walk east along Mamakating Road back to VFW Road. 

Above is the option for the entire round-trip trek. Other choices are simply walking the 2 miles down the rail trail and then back to the VFW hall. Or you could turn south from the hall and take a short hike to the O&W High View tunnel. Finally, for the adventurous, you could head up the Long Path and enjoy a view of the Shawangunk Ridge. 

Autumn is a season of color, so come enjoy a casual walk, but remember safety is the responsibility of the individual, guardian or parent. 

Proper clothing and adequate footwear is recommended for this trek, which includes a hilly, wooded descent and maneuvering around downed trees on the former rail corridors. Attention and personal safety is also important when walking along Mamakating Road.  

For more information, contact Bond Brungard at towpathrun@yahoo.com