Follow the construction of the ORT here.

The Oneida Rail Trail is a 11 mile non-motorized, multi-use trail located in the City of Oneida. The Oneida Rail Trail (ORT) preserves and utilizes existing rail beds (no tracks remain) to create a cultural corridor along three former rail lines: the New York Central, West Shore Division, and New York Ontario & Western. These former rail beds run through the heart of downtown Oneida and connect to the Village of Wampsville to the west and the City of Sherrill to the southeast.

Through the use of these rail beds, the Oneida Rail Trail links three communities, multiple neighborhoods, businesses, offices, parks, tourist destinations, education facilities, and other trails including the Old Erie Canal Towpath to create a new economic engine in the area and source of community pride.

3.9 miles of the trail was completed in 2020 thanks to funding awarded by the NYS Department of Transportation. This section stretches from the Old Erie Canal State Park through the Village of Wampsville and then east along the former New York Central Railbed and West Shore Railbed into the downtown of Oneida.  For more info go to NYS DOT TEP/TAP Funded Segment.

One of the unique features of the ORT project is that because it involves three intersecting railbeds it is not just an out and back trail but instead will offer the option for a loop around the city.

The ORT is a City of Oneida trail system. The project is identified in City’s Comprehensive Plan to “formally designate railroad right-of-ways as greenways and initiate implementation of trail system.”  The project partners represent a collaboration across various City departments with support from Madison County and the Oneida Improvement Committee, the non-profit partner. An ORT Committee was assembled to help move the project from a goal in the City’s Comprehensive Plan to reality.

The ORT Logo you see above was designed by Oneida native John Rice.  John has been working as an outdoor artist and illustrator for more than three decades. Born and raised in Oneida, John’s roots are firmly reflected in much of his work. Clients include: Outdoor Life, Field and Stream, Ralph Lauren Fabric, Sweetheart Designs, Highlights for Children, Scholastic, NY Times Magazine, Esquire, ESPN Sports and now he can add the Oneida Rail Trail to his list!

Find more info including ORT Annual Reports at Links & Resources!  Be sure to also like the Oneida Rail Trail Facebook page!