The Beat

Partnership Between Empire State Trail and the Boilermaker Race

Set a Goal to Run, Walk, or Bicycle the New 750-Mile Recreation Trail this Spring

Registration is Now Open Here for Four-Month Challenge

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced a partnership between the Empire State Trail and the nationally-known Boilermaker race to create the "Empire State Trail Challenge" - a four-month virtual race where participants can register and log their miles to reach milestones tied to virtual progress along the Empire State Trail.  

Earlier this year, Governor Cuomo announced completion of the Trail, now the nation's longest multi-use state trail. Following New York's historic canal systems and rail trails, the new recreational trail spans the state from New York City to Canada and from Albany to Buffalo, and gives bicyclists, hikers, runners, cross-country skiers, snowshoers and others a safe and scenic pathway to experience New York State's incredibly diverse landscapes.

Poughkeepsie, NY – Dutchess Tourism, Inc. (DTI) announced the release of a new brochure designed to get people riding and exploring the recently completed Empire State Trail and encourage further exploration of Dutchess County’s extensive bike routes and trails.

The Dutchess County Bike Tour Guide brochure features a collection of six bike tours, two of which are a part of the larger 750-mile Empire State Trail: Rhinecliff, Rhinebeck & Annandale-on-Hudson; and WRS Dutchess Rail Trail & Walkway Over the Hudson. The Empire State Trail aims to promote outdoor recreation and connect New York’s diverse communities, spanning from New York City through the Hudson River Valley, west to Buffalo along the Erie Canal, and north to the Champlain Valley and Adirondacks.

2.4 Mile Addition Helps Close Gaps in Empire State Trail

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the completion of a new 2.4 mile section of the Empire State Trail in Herkimer County between Erie Canal Lock E-18 in Jacksonburg and State Route 167 in Little Falls. This new section fills a gap in the trail allowing users to travel between Fort Herkimer Church to Little Falls on one continuous off-road path.

"Stretching from New York City to both Western New York and the North Country, the Empire State Trail not only allows users to experience New York's natural beauty, but provides a window into the history of many of the state's distinct regions as well," Governor Cuomo said. "Set alongside the iconic Erie Canal, this new section will give New Yorkers and visitors alike the opportunity to experience the rich history, heritage and culture of the Mohawk Valley as they travel through the heart of the region."…

Customers can bring their bikes for their off-train adventures for only $20

Washington, D.C. – Amtrak has expanded its Carry-on bike program for most Northeast Regional departures, beginning Tuesday, Sept. 8, allowing customers to store their bike inside of the passenger coach in a designated space. In addition, Amtrak has worked with its various Northeast state partners to offer the program on its State-Supported trains. This includes working with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) for Keystone Service, the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA) for Downeaster trains and the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) for Amtrak Hartford Line trains beginning Tuesday, Sept. 15.

Completion of Pedestrian Bridge and New Trail Connections in Onondaga County Bring Visionary Plan for Statewide Pathway Closer to Completion  

Project Complements "CNY Rising" - The Region's Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy  

(August 6, 2020) – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced a major milestone in the construction of the Empire State Trail, the state's historic initiative to create a 750-mile pathway from New York City to Canada, and from Albany to Buffalo. Major construction has been completed on a new pedestrian bridge over Interstate 481 and key sections of the trail in the City of Syracuse and the Town of Dewitt in Onondaga County, helping to connect several of the last remaining gaps in the Empire State Trail, which is expected to be completed in 2020.

3.6-Mile Shared Use Path Is One of the Longest of its Kind in the Nation

Bridge Will Be Lit Blue This Evening in Honor of Governor Mario M. Cuomo

Hudson Link to Offer Free Bus Shuttles This Week and Weekends Through the Summer

Path Features Public Art, Food Vendors and Free Audio Tours

Photos of the New Path are Available Here

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the opening of the 3.6-mile shared bicycle and pedestrian path on the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, providing an environmentally friendly new connection for families, runners, cyclists, walkers and commuters to travel between Westchester and Rockland counties. The path opened to the public at 2 p.m. today with safety protocols in place to limit the potential spread of COVID-19.

Canandaigua, NY – Finger Lakes Visitors Connection, the official tourism promotion agency for Ontario County, has created an Ontario County biking guide section of their website, VisitFingerLakes.com/Biking. The site has downloadable maps for biking locations around Ontario County, from hills to trails to rides with lake views.

Finger Lakes Region boasts over 75 hiking and biking trails

Pittsford, N.Y. - The American Hiking Society has designated the first Saturday in June - this year, June 1, 2019 - as National Trails Days®, a day of public events aimed at advocacy and trail service. The public is invited to hike, bike, run, birdwatch, clean up and more along public lands and trails, with numerous events taking place throughout the Finger Lakes region and even more hiking and biking trails available to explore on one's own.

Ticonderoga, N.Y. – The Ticonderoga Triathlon Festival will be coming to Ti on June 22 & 23, produced by Wilson Endurance Sports (WES). Held at Black Point Beach, the weekend consists of a Sprint Triathlon and AquaBike, Olympic Triathlon and AquaBike, Duathlon and Kids Triathlon. This race offers a wide variety of options for any type athlete of all ability levels. The focus is on fun and fitness.

Relay Teams are welcome for the adult Triathlons and the Duathlon, making this event great for those that aren’t ready to jump in big by themselves but want to share the fun with co-workers, friends and families.

Sunday, August 26, at 10:00 am

Staatsburg, N.Y.  —  On Sunday, August 26 at 10am, historian Kjirsten Gustavson will present “Women on a Wheel” at Staatsburgh State Historic Site, a program that combines history, costumed interpretation, and a short bike ride through the hamlet of Staatsburg, which surrounds the Gilded Age mansion on the Hudson River.