The Beat

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.

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.

Inclusive and Accessible Day of Family-Friendly Recreation and Fun Taking Place at DEC, State Parks, and Other Public Lands Across New York State 

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced “Get Outdoors & Get Together Day” will be held on Saturday, June 8, with events at more than 20 select locations across New York State to bring people of all abilities, ages, identities, and backgrounds together for a day of fun, healthy activities.

Bear Mountain, NY (May 24, 2024) – Ten months after the historic storm that led to its closure, the Appalachian Trail at Bear Mountain State Park will reopen for Memorial Day weekend 2024. Additionally, the previously closed sections of the Major Welch and Suffern – Bear Mountain trails will also open to hikers.

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.

Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) and the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) release a new handbook to guide grassroots advocates through the steps to take the vision for a new multi-use path from concept to reality.

Albany, NY (January 16, 2024) – PTNY and OPRHP today announced the release of the Trails Across New York: A Grassroots Guide to Developing Greenway Trails. The new resource provides detailed information to support Greenway trails development in communities around the state.