The Finger Lakes Land Trust (FLLT) helped the Village of Odessa acquire two and a half miles of rail trail in Schuyler County. The FLLT provided technical guidance and a $17,500 grant, half of the funds needed to purchase the trail corridor.

The 43.8-acre rail corridor passes through hardwood forests extending from the village of Odessa to Hayes Road in the town of Montour. The northern end of the trail lies just east of Watkins Glen and Montour Falls. The village intends to manage the corridor as a multi-use trail, accommodating public access for pedestrians, cyclists, and horseback riders. Expanding trail offerings in this area will provide recreational opportunities and improve the quality of life for the residents of Odessa and the surrounding rural community.

“The Village of Odessa is excited to partner with FLLT and other private donors to secure our very own “Rail to Trail” that connects right into Odessa,” said Mayor Gerry Messmer. “Our residents will have their own beautiful trail to hike which connects several municipalities. We look forward to clearing the trail, building a couple of bridges, and making this a fully functional addition to our community for years to come.”

“We are delighted to support the village’s acquisition and we commend their leadership for seizing this rare opportunity,” said Land Trust executive director Andy Zepp. “Across the region, we see growing demand for trails like this and we are recognizing how much they can enhance a community’s quality of life.”