The Empire State Trail is a 750-mile multi-use trail network across New York State, completed in 2020. It forms a large T-shape, connecting New York City north to the Canadian border and Albany west to Buffalo. The extensive network gives cyclists and other trail users an opportunity to experience everything from major cities to quiet rural landscapes.
Much of the route uses paved or crushed-stone, traffic-free rail trails and canal paths, although some sections use roads and bike lanes. Major portions include the Hudson Valley Greenway Trail, Champlain Valley Trail, and Erie Canalway Trail. Along the way, the route passes through the Hudson Valley, Albany, the Mohawk Valley, Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo.
The Empire State Trail offers an impressive variety of scenery. Depending on the section, trail users can encounter wooded corridors, rivers, historic communities, farmland, canals, small towns, and urban waterfronts. The route also provides access to restaurants, lodging, parks, historic sites, and other attractions, making it well suited to everything from short recreational outings to multi-day bicycle trips.
The New York City–Poughkeepsie section is especially attractive for cyclists and walkers because much of it follows converted rail trails. These include the North County Trailway, South County Trailway, Maybrook Trailway, and Walkway Over the Hudson. The spectacular Walkway Over the Hudson carries the route high above the Hudson River and provides expansive views of the river and surrounding valley.
Farther west, the route follows long stretches of the historic Erie Canal corridor, while the northern portion travels from the Albany area toward the Canadian border. Surfaces and riding conditions vary considerably from one section to another, so cyclists planning longer trips should check individual segments before setting out.
With hundreds of miles of connected trails and greenways, the Empire State Trail provides an unusually ambitious way to explore New York by bicycle or on foot. It can be enjoyed as a local trail, a weekend adventure, or a challenging long-distance journey across the state.
Trail Map
Photos
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- Empire State Trail map
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- beautiful New York bike trail
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- Empire Trail sign
Suggested Lodging
Suggested lodging available on the Empire Trail website. https://empiretrail.ny.gov/ Booking.comSuggested Bike Rental / Repair
Gotham Bicycle Tours https://gothambiketours.com/portfolio-item/bike-rental/
Companies That Provide Tours on This Trail
Gotham Bicycle Tours https://gothambiketours.com/
