By definition, there are no steep gradients on rail trails. Cootamundra is 318 metres above sea level, while Gundagai's elevation is 232, meaning there's a descent of 86 metres over the 53km of former track.
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Perfect for the cyclist, walker or horse rider who's not over-fond of steep climbs.
From Gundagai there's a gentle climb in the 15km to Tumblong, elevation 303 metres, but overall the 68km from end to end is well within a day's ride for an average cyclist, and enthusiastic cyclists (and there are plenty of those crazy people!) could easily do it both ways.
The railway from Cootamundra to Gundagai operated for just short of a century, built in 1885 but closing in 1984 after floods near Cootamundra damaged the track.
The extension to Tumut, via Tumblong, was completed in 1901.
Some of the track was buried under the new Hume Highway, but parts of it still run through farmland and will need to be lifted and replaced with a pathway to create the trail.
There are still some buildings, notably the Gundagai station, faithfully restored by a local group.
As Councillor Sheahan pointed out to council this week, Victoria has shown the lead in rail trails, capitalising on the economic boost they bring to regional economies.
Many of Victoria's rail trails, he said, were developed as a regional economic stimulus following the horrendous Black Saturday fires in early 2009.
"Many communities were devastated after this tragic fire season which claimed 174 lives," he said.
"To attract tourism back to these communities it was decided to repurpose many of the disused rail corridors.
"I personally have witnessed a growth in the popularity of this over the years.
"Visit Wangaratta, try to get a car park in Bright on the weekend, and at the camping ground at Tallangatta I've watched the steady trail of bike riders along the trail overlooking Lake Hume.
"Why hasn't it happened in NSW?
"Having lived on the old disused Cootamundra to Tumut line at Coolac for 20 years I am fully aware of the potential boost in tourism and the local economies along this line if it were developed as a trail.
"The small villages of Muttama, Coolac and Tumblong would all benefit as well as the major towns of Cootamundra and Gundagai."
"A rail trail would be a massive benefit to the region."