Several things need to happen to create a trail. First, ownership rights have to be established .
     Several areas have already done this, such as Ulster County, the Towns of Mamakating and Deerpark and the City of Port Jervis.
Then permission must be obtained to use that part of the trail from the owner.
     Most of the trail where the ownership is public is approved for public use. Unfortunately, this constitutes less than one third of the length of the trail.
Next, the trail must be brought to a condition where walking is safe.
     Unfortunately much of the trail, even publicly owned, is not passable.
Breaches must be filled or bypassed.
     There are dozens of towpath washouts. Some can be repaired, others cannot. Bridges over the breaches or alternate routes are needed.
Rivers and streams need to be crossed.
     Smaller streams can be crossed with lightweight bridges. Larger rivers will need more attention, perhaps steel rope suspension bridges.
Maps and signs need to be made.
     A trail isn't very good if you don't know where you are going. And a Heritage Trail needs to tell you about what happened where you are walking.
A myriad of other items.
     Maintenance, ongoing property rights issues, natural disasters, ensuring proper use, preparing for future problems, preparing for future enhancements, preventing further destruction, etc.
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