Empire State Trail

The Empire State Trail is a 750-mile trail system that crosses the state of New York from Buffalo to Albany, then from Plattsburg to New York City. The system is roughly divided into three zones: the Erie Canalway (Buffalo-Albany), the Champlain Valley (Plattsburg-Albany), and the Hudson Valley (Albany-New York City). The Empire State Trail offers an incredible opportunity to bike through the varied scenery, cultures, and history of New York State.

The Empire State Trail is a mix of paved bike path, crushed gravel canal towpath, and on-road riding. The Erie Canalway Trail between Buffalo and Albany, N.Y., is an accessible trail with very little elevation change which runs primarily (85%) on bike paths with short sections on-road.

The Hudson Valley Greenway runs from Albany to New York City. This section of the Empire State Trail is moderately difficult with some on-road riding and rolling elevation changes. That said, the majority of the route is on dedicated bike trails/paths, including the segment into NYC.

The Champlain Valley Trail starts at the Canadian Border and follows road routes to Albany. This segment is almost entirely on-road and is recommend for experienced cyclists only.

The Empire State Trail is an incredible opportunity to bike tour across the state of New York and experience …

Highlights of the route include sites of national and international interest, including Niagara Falls, New York City, and historic sites like Fort Stanwix and Fort Ticonderoga. The trail system also crosses surprising and less-well-known parks and sites such as Ausable Chasm, Little Falls, and the Walkway Over the Hudson.

Our blueprints itineraries are designed to give you the tools to create an itinerary that matches your goals and abilities. The Empire State Trail offers bike tourists a multitude of itinerary options to enjoy the ride and experience the region’s natural beauty.