Land trusts reinforce vast Empire State Trail
New York’s extensive Empire State Trail is now complete, thanks in part to the role played by several land trusts. Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced plans for the nation’s longest multi-use trail in 2017. The 750-mile bicycle and walking trail spans north-to-south and east-to-west, connecting New York City to Canada and Buffalo to Albany. Along the way, it links 20 regional segments to create a continuous statewide route.
Near Kingston in the Hudson Valley, the trail includes the 1.9-mile Hudson River Brickyard Trail, which passes through a 520-acre waterside property — and future state park — protected by the accredited Scenic Hudson in 2019. “It’s one of the few places along the Empire State Trail offering a direct connection with the river,” writes Scenic Hudson. “The trail will directly connect you with the Hudson River, majestic views of nearby cliffs, and the joy of watching a soaring bald eagle, waterfowl, kayakers and sailboarders.”
The accredited Rensselaer Land Trust also recently celebrated the completion of a critical segment of the 36-mile Albany-Hudson Electric Trail, which follows a former electric trolley corridor, passing through scenic farmland, historic Hudson Valley communities and multiple crossings of the picturesque Valatie Kill stream. “Our land trust partnered with the Hudson River Valley Greenway and New York state to create a trailhead,” says Rensselaer Land Trust Executive Director John Winter. “Besides owning and maintaining the trailhead, we also maintain about 6.5 miles of the multiuse trail in the town of Schodack.”
Visit empiretrail.ny.gov to view interactive maps, segment descriptions, access points, trail distances and attractions along the trail.