But three decades ago the train stopped, then around 2011 the pub closed, along with the town's school and shop and people began to leave.

However, now the Balldale Hotel is reopening and there is renewed push for a rail trail Cr Longmire can already envisage visitors returning to the town of 150.

"There's been a decline in the number of people who want to live in Balldale," Cr Longmire said.

"If we can turn it around the other way and get people to come back to places like Balldale, why not?"

Cr Longmire said he was certain the newly proposed rail trail from Corowa to Burrumbuttock would come to fruition, pointing out there were only two landowners along the trail between Balldale and Corowa - and he was one of them.

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He said the trail could link up with the Mountains to Murray trail in Wahugunyah and the approved trail between Mulwala and Corowa.

Across the weekend rail trail advocates met with landowners in Balldale, Burrumbuttock and Brocklesby to discuss any concerns ahead of a project launch on Sunday, attended by Albury MP Justin Clancy andMP Benambra Bill Tilley.

Rail Trail for NSW's John Moore said they were pleased with landholders responses.

Balldale resident Annie Melein supports the trail and said it would help bring money and people into town.

Jindera cyclists Eileen White and Cheryl Ingrey rode 46 kilometres to be at the launch and said the trail would draw plenty of visitors, like them, to the town to ride.

Mr Clancy said there were many steps ahead before any rail trail plans were finalised, but it was important to look into ways to keep small towns alive.

"What is it that we can do to keep our communities alive and reinvigorated?," he said.

"We need to look at what opportunities are there and certainly we see what rail trails can bring to an area and the opportunities tourism [creates]."

The state government must officially close the rail corridor before a trail can be established.

Brothers Leigh and Glenn Booth, along with their partners Jo Monger and Michelle Booth, will reopen the Balldale Hotel on November 2.

"Pubs are the heart and soul of any community," Leigh Booth said.

"We hope it's a bit of a stimulus for the town and we hope it sparks a bit of interest in the area."

He said the trail would bring money into the region and if the town supported the idea they would as well.

"We'd love to see people walking up and down the street," he said.