Dover-Pawling Designated Appalachian Trail Community

The towns of Dover and Pawling combined have been designed as an Appalachian Trail Community, only the second one in the state. The other, named last year, is also in the Hudson Valley – the Town of Warwick.

The designation, from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, will translate into a host of benefits, said regional Trail Director Karen Lutz.

“One of the requirements of the designation is that a steering committee of local officials including representatives from the business community, elected officials, the local Appalachian Trail Club, work together to reach out into the community and leverage what the A.T. brings in terms of natural resources and, of course, the iconic recreation resource of the A.T. to leverage the business community including tourism,” Lutz said.

The new Dover-Pawling Trail will be known as the Harlem Valley Appalachian Trail Community.

The designation “brings greater attention to our wonderful natural treasures and enhances Dutchess County’s appeal as a world-class destination for outdoor and heritage enthusiasts,” said County Executive Marcus Molinaro.