Historic Huguenot Street in New Paltz, in Ulster County, NY, has been awarded a $2 million Capital Project grant from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) to support the construction of an Education and Visitor Center. [Read more…] about $2 Million Visitor Center Planned for Historic Huguenot Street
empire state trail
Empire State Trail Report Offers Insights Across New York State
The Empire State Trail is a 750-mile multi-use trail spanning New York State, making it the longest single-state multi-use trail in the United States. Completed in December 2020, the network connects New York City to the Canadian border and Buffalo to Albany, creating a continuous route for bicyclists, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
A landmark 2026 study commissioned by Parks & Trails New York found that the trail generates $1.87 billion in annual economic output, supports 9,680 jobs, produces $640.9 million in employee earnings, and generates $206 million in state and local tax revenue. [Read more…] about Empire State Trail Report Offers Insights Across New York State
Hudson River Valley Greenway Trail Usage Report Issued
A third Hudson River Valley Greenway Trail usage report has been issued for the route that knits together 15 regional trails to create a continuous multi-use trail. Since 2021, 5.65 million visits have been counted at 37 sites along the trail.
The Hudson River Valley Greenway Trail consists of two main components: an overland long trail and a water trail for paddling and boating along both sides of the Hudson River from the Battery in Manhattan to the junction of Lake George and Lake Champlain valleys at Ticonderoga. [Read more…] about Hudson River Valley Greenway Trail Usage Report Issued
Empire State Trail Economic Impact Study Launched
Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) has announced the launch of a groundbreaking economic impact study of the Empire State Trail.
Led by LaBella Associates with support from the Institute for Transportation Research and Education (ITRE) at North Carolina State University, this is expected to be the most comprehensive greenway economic impact analysis ever undertaken in New York State, and perhaps anywhere in the US. [Read more…] about Empire State Trail Economic Impact Study Launched
The Wallkill River Railroad Bridge in New Paltz
The Hudson River Valley Greenway has recently committed $75,000 to support a historic preservation feasibility study for the 325-foot former railroad bridge over the Wallkill River at Springtown Road in New Paltz — a crucial connector on the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail (WVRT), which is part of the Empire State Trail. [Read more…] about The Wallkill River Railroad Bridge in New Paltz
Erie Canal Amenities Study Released
The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and New York State Canal Corporation have released a study of recreational amenities along the Erie Canal.
The study offers a comprehensive conditions evaluation and long-term plan for recreational amenities like rest rooms, water, charging stations, and storage facilities. [Read more…] about Erie Canal Amenities Study Released
Brockport Pedestrian Bridge Completed
The Brockport Pedestrian Bridge, a new pedestrian bridge over the Erie Canal in the Village of Brockport, Monroe County, has been completed. The bridge connects SUNY Brockport to the Empire State Trail and the village’s downtown. [Read more…] about Brockport Pedestrian Bridge Completed
The Putnam County Trailway: Recreating on the Old Put
The nine-mile long Putnam County Trailway is a paved bicycle/pedestrian path located primarily on right-of-way lands of the former Putnam Division of the New York Central Railroad.
The “Old Put” as it was formerly referred to by commuters, provided freight and passenger service from 1881 to 1958 between the Bronx in New York City and Brewster in Putnam County. [Read more…] about The Putnam County Trailway: Recreating on the Old Put
200 Years of Erie Canal History (1825-2025)
In 2025, New York State commemorates the 200th anniversary of the opening of the Erie Canal from Albany to Buffalo. This event was transformative for both the state and the nation, linking the Great Lakes with the Hudson River and the Atlantic Ocean in an unprecedentedly efficient waterway.
During the bicentennial, we are offered an opportunity to reflect on two centuries of rich and complex history and discover how that period’s impacts allow us to explore and enjoy the Canal today. Here is some history, and tips for enjoying the canal. [Read more…] about 200 Years of Erie Canal History (1825-2025)
State Parks History In the New Millennium
Over the past 25 years New York State Parks saw great diversity in its leadership. Following the resignation of Orin Lehman in 1993, the agency spent 26 years with women leading the charge in preserving New York’s public lands.
At the start of this era, Commissioner Bernadette Castro was well into her tenure as the head of the agency, working to expand the park system’s footprint. In the mid-2000s, leadership would change several times with Commissioner Carol Ash assuming the role in 2006 and Commissioner Rose Harvey rising to the role just four years later. [Read more…] about State Parks History In the New Millennium
Albany-Hudson Electric Trail Improvements Planned
This Spring, the Hudson River Valley Greenway will begin paving nine and a half miles of the Albany-Hudson Electric Trail in Columbia County. [Read more…] about Albany-Hudson Electric Trail Improvements Planned
45 Miles of New Greenway Trails Built Across New York; Nearly 600 More Being Planned
A new report conducted by Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) and the New York Office of State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) confirms that statewide greenway trail expansion continues to lead the nation, with 45.2 new miles of trail completed between January 2023 and June 2024.
In coming years, New York will see further trail expansion as 39.4 miles of trail are under construction and an additional 583.2 miles are in various stages of development. [Read more…] about 45 Miles of New Greenway Trails Built Across New York; Nearly 600 More Being Planned
Historic Boquet River Bridge Replaced Along State Route 22
An historic bridge carrying State Route 22 over the Boquet River in the Town of Essex, Essex County, NY, has been replaced with a new $3.4 million single span, steel girder bridge.
Route 22 is one of the longest north-south highways in New York, and one of the oldest components of the State’s highway system, running along the eastern edge of the state from The Bronx to the hamlet of Mooers in Clinton County near the Canadian border. [Read more…] about Historic Boquet River Bridge Replaced Along State Route 22
New 13-Mile Beacon-Hopewell Rail Trail in Dutchess County Being Considered
The Dutchess County Transportation Council is evaluating the feasibility of constructing a 13-mile multi-use rail trail along the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Beacon Line. [Read more…] about New 13-Mile Beacon-Hopewell Rail Trail in Dutchess County Being Considered
Hudson River Valley Greenway Trail Visitation Report
The Hudson River Valley Greenway has released its 2023 Hudson River Valley Greenway Trail Visitation Report. The report includes visitation numbers to 26 different trail sections on the Hudson River Valley Greenway Trail using automated trail counters installed for 12-month periods to collect detailed trail visitation data. [Read more…] about Hudson River Valley Greenway Trail Visitation Report
Trails Across New York: A Guide to Developing Greenway Trails
Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) and the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (State Parks) have released a handbook intended to guide multi-use trail advocates through the steps to take the vision for a new multi-use path from concept to reality. [Read more…] about Trails Across New York: A Guide to Developing Greenway Trails
Hudson River Valley Greenway Director Scott Keller Retiring
Scott Keller, director of the Hudson River Valley Greenway and Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, has announced he will be retiring in March of 2024. [Read more…] about Hudson River Valley Greenway Director Scott Keller Retiring
Putnam County Connector Trail Feasibility Study Underway
The Philipstown Trails Committee in western Putnam County received a Hudson River Valley Greenway Conservancy Trails Grant to create a feasibility study of the proposed Philipstown Connector Trail. [Read more…] about Putnam County Connector Trail Feasibility Study Underway
Sojourner Truth State Park Gets Improvements
A project to better connect people with the Hudson River at New York State’s newest State Park – Sojourner Truth State Park in Kingston, Ulster County – has been completed. [Read more…] about Sojourner Truth State Park Gets Improvements
‘Greenway Trails For A Green Future’ Bills Introduced In State Legislature
On Thursday, New York State Assemblymember Patricia Fahy (D-Albany) introduced a package of legislation known as the “Greenway Trails For A Green Future” aimed at modernizing New York’s greenway and multi-use trail system, while improving cyclist and pedestrian safety and growing the tourism and outdoor recreation industries.
Senator Pete Harckham (D-Peekskill) and Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D-Dutchess/Columbia) are also sponsoring a bill included in the package. [Read more…] about ‘Greenway Trails For A Green Future’ Bills Introduced In State Legislature