The Beat

Nation’s longest single-state, multi-use trail attracts 9.75 million annual visits, strengthening communities across New York State

Albany, NY – A landmark statewide economic impact study finds that New York’s 750-mile Empire State Trail is delivering transformative economic, health, and environmental benefits to communities across the state, generating $1.87 billion in economic activity while connecting millions of residents and visitors to safe outdoor recreation.

Wilmington, NY (April 13, 2026) - The Whiteface Region of upstate New York is set to welcome athletes and outdoor enthusiasts this June with a lineup of race events. The Wilmington Whiteface Uphill Bike and Foot Races and the Wilmington Whiteface Whiskey Run and Festival have been scheduled.

Utica becomes the largest Trail Town to date, highlighting its role as a central hub for recreation, culture, and community development along the Empire State Trail

Albany, NY – Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) is proud to announce that the City of Utica and the Town of Lyons have been selected to join the Empire State Trail Town program, joining eleven other canal communities that have demonstrated a strong commitment to leveraging the trail as a driver for tourism, recreation, and local economic development.

Utica, N.Y. - Experience history on two wheels by biking along the Empire State Trail. The Erie Canal played a crucial role in moving people, raw materials, finished goods, and ideas, transforming our economy and earning New York the title of the Empire State. In celebration of the bicentennial of the Erie Canal's opening, join the Oneida County History Center for a leisurely ride along the towpath on August 13th at 6:00 p.m.

Multiuse Path in Town of Wheatfield Fills Key Gap in Recreational Trail Stretching From Lake Erie to Lake Ontario

Project Funded With $2.5 Million From New York State Department of Transportation 

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the opening of a new, 2.5-mile, multiuse path in the Town of Wheatfield, Niagara County, that closes one of the last remaining gaps in the scenic Niagara River Shoreline Trail, making it easier for residents and visitors alike to explore the region’s natural treasures by bike or on foot. The $4.3 million project provides walkers, joggers and bicyclists with a protected pathway that runs through a forested former railroad property and connects to existing trail sections in the City of North Tonawanda and the City of Niagara Falls. The New York State Department of Transportation provided $2.5 million to help fund the creation of this new trail segment.

Wilmington, NY (May 6, 2025) - The Whiteface Region of Upstate New York is set to welcome athletes and outdoor enthusiasts this June with a lineup of exciting race events. The Whiteface Mountain Uphill Bike and Foot Races, the Wilmington Whiteface Mountain Bike Race, and the Wilmington Whiteface Whiskey Run are all on the calendar for the month.

Hudson Link Buses Transport Thousands of Pedestrians and Bicyclists to Popular Shared-Use Path Each Year

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that Hudson Link's free weekend shuttle bus servicing the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge shared-use path will restart service this Saturday, May 25, and continue every weekend through Sunday, October 27. Pedestrians and cyclists will once again be able to use this easy and convenient service to access one of the longest and most scenic shared-use paths in the country. The shuttle service will operate from select locations in Westchester and Rockland counties and transport passengers to the path’s landing sites on either side of the Hudson River.