Empire State Trail – 750-Mile Hiking and Biking Trail

In 2017, NYS Governor Cuomo launched the Empire State Trail to promote outdoor recreation, encourage healthy lifestyles, support community vitality, and bolster tourism-related economic development. The 750-mile Empire State Trail showcases New York State's places, diverse history, and iconic landscapes.

The Trail welcomes bicyclists and walkers of all ages and abilities to experience NYS's urban centers, village main streets, rural communities, and diverse history, from New York City through the Hudson River Valley, west to Buffalo along the Erie Canal, and north to the Champlain Valley and Adirondacks.

Most of the Empire State Trail route follows "rail-trails," which are repurposed historic railroad beds, and "canal way trails" built adjacent to sections of the Erie and Champlain Canals. These trails are generally flat, with little change in elevation.

Off-road Empire State Trail sections are 10-12 feet wide with a paved asphalt or stone dust surface (stone dust is compacted, finely-ground material that provides a stable trail surface).

The Empire State Trail is accessible to walkers of all ages, abilities, and fitness levels – children to seniors, families and friends out for a slow stroll, parents pushing strollers, longer-distance hikers, and joggers and runners. The trail is accessible to people with mobility challenges and meets Americans with Disabilities (ADA) standards.

Walking - The trail is available to walkers, strollers, runners, and hikers of all ages and fitness levels. Dogs are welcome (on leash).

Biking - The trail welcomes bicyclists of all abilities, from children and casual riders, to experienced cyclists.

Winter Fun - Winter activities include hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The Empire State Trail is open every day of the year and provides a variety of winter outdoor recreation opportunities. During winter months, trail activities are dictated by weather.

Picnicking Along the Trail - Informal picnicking opportunities are available all along the trail. Picnicking is a common activity along the Empire State Trail. Picnic tables are located at many locations along the trail, primarily in local parks and trailheads adjacent to the route. Picnic tables generally are not found along more rural sections of the trail.

Camping - Campgrounds are available on or near the trail route. There are limited locations along the Empire State Trail route where overnight camping is available

Overnight lodging - B&Bs, historic inns, and modern hotels are available for visitors seeking overnight accommodations.

Cultural Attractions - Visit one of the hundreds of historic sites, museums, and cultural attractions located near the trail.

Breweries & Wineries - Experience a craft brewpub, winery, or distillery near the Trail. New York State is home to a flourishing craft beer, wineries, and distilleries scene, including hundreds of facilities located within 10 miles of the Empire State Trail route.

Horse Riding - Some trail sections are open to equestrian riders. However equestrian use is not allowed on most of the Empire State Trail route. The exceptions are that recreational horse riding is allowed on the trail in the following locations: Old Erie Canal State Park (Oneida, Madison, and eastern Onondaga) and the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail in Ulster County. For the trail sections where equestrian use is allowed, there are no paddocks or stalls along the trail (horse users should be self-supported).

More information on the Empire State Trail can be found online at: https://empiretrail.ny.gov/activities/camping