Cycling the Empire State Trail: A Journey Through New York’s Diverse Landscapes

Photo byEmpire State Trail, empiretrail.ny.gov

In 2017, New York State unveiled the Empire State Trail, a visionary project designed to promote outdoor recreation, foster healthy lifestyles, enhance community vitality, and stimulate tourism-driven economic growth. Spanning an impressive 750 miles, this trail highlights New York’s unique places, diverse history, and iconic landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a casual cyclist, the Empire State Trail offers an adventure that appeals to both the body and the mind. Let’s dive into what makes this trail a true gem of New York State.

At one point along the Maybrook Trailway in Pawling, the Appalachian Trail crosses the Empire State Trail.Photo byJohnny Milano

Route Overview

The Empire State Trail is divided into three major sections: the Hudson Valley Greenway Trail, the Erie Canalway Trail, and The Champlain Valley Trail. Each segment offers unique experiences and challenges, catering to different levels of cycling expertise.

1. Hudson Valley Greenway Trail: Starting in the heart of New York City, this trail takes you along the Hudson River, passing iconic landmarks like the George Washington Bridge and the Tappan Zee Bridge. The route continues north through charming towns like Poughkeepsie and Rhinebeck, offering stunning river views and lush landscapes. Highlights include the Walkway Over the Hudson, a converted railroad bridge offering panoramic views of the river and surrounding hills. The city portion of the trail concludes in Van Cortlandt Park, transitioning to the Putnam Greenway, which follows the old New York Central railroad line.
2. Erie Canalway Trail: This section stretches from Albany to Buffalo, following the historic Erie Canal. Cyclists can enjoy the flat, easy terrain and explore the quaint canal towns along the way. Must-see stops include the picturesque town of Pittsford, the bustling city of Syracuse, and the scenic Lockport Locks. The trail is rich with history, featuring numerous interpretive signs and museums that tell the story of the canal’s construction and its role in shaping New York State. During navigation season from May through October, the New York State Canal Corporation offers primitive campsites along the trail, equipped with porta-johns but requiring users to bring their own potable water, first aid kits, and camping supplies.
3. Champlain Valley Trail: Running from Albany to the Canadian border, this trail takes you through the stunning landscapes of the Champlain Valley. Highlights include the historic city of Saratoga Springs, known for its horse racing and mineral springs, and the charming village of Lake George, nestled on the shores of a pristine lake. The trail continues north, offering breathtaking views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains. Some sections, especially in the Adirondacks, involve challenging on-road riding with limited shoulders and elevation gains.

Cycling the Erie Canal.Photo byDemocrat & Chronicle

Attractions Along the Way

Cycling the Empire State Trail is not just about the ride; it’s also about the attractions you encounter along the way. Here are some must-see stops:

Hudson Valley Greenway Trail: Varied Views From New York City to Albany

• New York City: Start your journey at the southern tip of Manhattan in The Battery. Cycle along the 20-kilometer paved Manhattan Greenway Trail, taking in impressive views of the skyline and the Hudson River as you head north to Dyckman Street, near The Met Cloisters museum.
• Hopewell Junction: Visit the interactive Hopewell Depot Museum to learn about the area’s railroad roots, then follow the 22-kilometer William R. Steinhaus Dutchess Rail Trail through small parks, wooded areas, and residential communities to Poughkeepsie.
• Walkway Over the Hudson: Marvel at the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, built above the Hudson River on a historic railroad bridge.
• Albany-Hudson Electric Trail: This nearly 60-kilometer section follows a former electric trolley rail corridor, passing picturesque farms, old depots and mills, lakes, streams, and woodlands between eight towns and two cities.

Walkway Over the Hudson.Photo byThe Poughkeepsie Journal

Champlain Valley Trail: Waterfront Activity from Albany to the Canada Border

• Albany: Begin with the Mohawk Hudson Bike-Hike Trail segment, traveling north 18 kilometers to Peebles Island State Park, where you can enjoy memorable scenes along the Hudson River.
• Champlain Canalway Trail: Traverse this historic and working canal completed in 1823. Outside of Schuylerville, stop at the iconic Dix Bridge over the Hudson River.

Erie Canalway Trail: History and Scenery from Albany to Buffalo

• Eastern Erie Route: Start from Albany towards Green Island, passing through countryside with rolling hills and well-groomed paths. The Erie Canalway Trail spans 579 kilometers from Albany to Buffalo, offering ample trail-side camping and passing through canal locks, small villages, and farmlands.
• Utica to Rome: Enjoy a 26-kilometer stretch between these cities, with attractions like the Utica Zoo and Munson Museum in Utica, and Fort Stanwix National Monument in Rome.
• Syracuse: Visit the Erie Canal Museum to learn about the canal’s history and impact.
• Buffalo: Conclude your journey at Buffalo Harbor State Park on the shores of Lake Erie, where a formal gateway marks the end of the Empire State Trail. Explore the city’s many entertainment options.

The Champlain Valley Trail.Photo byhttps://www.empirestatetrailoutfitters.com

There’s So Much More

One-way train service provides a good option for planning multi-day trips on the Empire State Trail. Amtrak train stations are located in 20 cities and villages along the statewide route. Metro North Railroad also provides service to the locations on the east side of the Hudson Valley. Train station locations are identified on the interactive trail map.

The Empire State Trail website on-line map allows you to zoom in to see the detailed trail route, parking areas, and nearby attractions. In addition, you can order a printed, large-format Empire State Trail paper map, or download a KMZ or GPX file to import into your GPS or mapping software. They also offer a wealth of resources regarding accomodations from available camp sites (rugged and glamping) to AirBnb’s and BnB’s.

Moss Island in Little Falls.Photo byJohnny Milano

The I Love New York website provides comprehensive information for visitors looking for locations of breweries, wineries, and distilleries. Additionally, the NYS Brewers Association has developed an app for IOS mobile devices, identifying all craft breweries near the Empire State Trail, available at https://newyorkcraftbeer.com.

Cycling the Empire State Trail is a journey through New York’s heart and soul. With its diverse routes, historical attractions, and stunning scenery, it offers an adventure that appeals to both the body and the mind. So, gear up, plan your trip, and get ready to experience the Empire State Trail – an unforgettable ride through the Empire State.