The Rail Trail provides a chance to see scenery not able to be viewed from highways and to experience a sense of remoteness and history. The Rail Trail is suitable for a family experience and as such for any child who is keen on biking and uses a 16 inch bike or bigger with no trainer wheels. As long as they are keen and encouraged, the ride is worthwhile. The gradient is fairly even all the way and therefore does not cause the problems of hill climbs. The Rail Trail is the access way to Central Otago and share the hot summer climate.
Riding is suitable all year round, except through snow.
There are no sheltered points along the way yet, and on a hot day riding in the morning or late afternoon is recommended. To the top Origins of the Rail Trail 150 km of the former railway line from Middlemarch to Clyde was acquired by the Department of Conservation in 1993 for redevelopment as a recreational facility for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. The former railway was renamed the Otago Central Rail Trail. The Rail Trail is modelled on Rails to Trails projects elsewhere in the world. Over 60 bridges, several over 1 00m in length, were redecked and have had hand rails erected to make them safe for Rail Trail users.