The 3.8 mile Phillip A Rayhill Memorial Trail is located in Oneida County, connecting the towns of New Hartford and Whitestown. This paved trail is plowed in the winter, making it a year round recreational trail. The Rayhill Memorial Trail was built in 2006 as part of the Judd Road (NY 840) connector project. While most of the trail follows close to the busy NY 840, a short interesting stretch of trail travels through a wetland with two overlooks. There are four parking areas, many benches along the trail and kiosks with trail maps/brochures.

The Rayhill Memorial Trail begins near the Ramada Inn off New Hartford Street. There is a monument to Phillip A Rayhill, who was dedicated in this trails design and construction, located near the parking area.  The GPS coordinates to the New Hartford Street parking area is N43 05.113 W75 17.843 for those who have a GPS devise.  The trail leaves the parking area, following busy NY 840 with a noise wall separating the highway from the trail. This highway is not shown on our topo map below.

At 0.7 miles reach the Clinton Street parking area. The GPS coordinates are N43 05.446 W75 18.379 for the parking area along the cul-de-sac. At 0.8 miles the trail makes its way along busy NY 5A (Commercial Drive). Follow the sidewalk (path) along the side of the road to the traffic light and cross here. This is a very busy stretch of highway. After crossing the path makes its way back toward NY 840.

At 1.4 miles the paved trail follows the off ramp to Middle Settlement Road. The trail turns right, still following a paved path near the traffic light. Across the traffic light is the road to BOCES and the BOCES Parking Area. The GPS coordinates are N43 05.720 W75 19.218 for the parking area. A 0.1 mile access trail leaves the parking area to bring you to the main trail.

Back on Middle Settlement Road, the trail turns left at 1.65 miles heading on an old railroad bed. This is the best stretch of the trail. First the trail skirts some woods before entering a wetland at 2.25 miles. Reach an overlook at 2.45 miles and then another overlook at 2.7 miles. At 2.9 miles the trail bends right and again is next to busy NY 840. At 3.35 miles reach the Clark Mills Road parking area on your right. The GPS coordinates are N43 06.202 W75 20.878 for the parking area. The paved trail continues ahead, crossing Clark Mills Road at the traffic light.

The trail continues to run parallel to NY 840 and ends with NY 840 at the intersection of Halsey Road after 3.8 miles. Their maps have the trail at four miles, however we did GPS the trail at 3.8 miles. Our calculations could be incorrect, however the difference is close. There are signs that mark each mile of the trail. Look below for a few pictures and a map of the Phillip A. Rayhill Memorial Recreational Trail.

 

Rayhill Memorial Trail

Overlooking the wetland