Creating Trail Friendly Destinations
Alongside our partners at the New York State Canal Corporation, the Empire State Trail Town Program celebrates and supports the vibrant communities along the Empire State Trail—the longest single-state, multi-use trail in the nation.
Through a competitive application process, this program recognizes trail-side communities that are ready to fully embrace the economic, recreational, and cultural benefits of being connected to this iconic trail. Over the course of 10 months, selected communities receive expert guidance from PTNY to help boost local access to high-quality outdoor recreation, create welcoming, trail-friendly destinations, strengthen their identity as a trail town, support local businesses, and promote tourism.
The goal? To help communities turn their location on the iconic Empire State Trail into a lasting advantage, making them great places to live, visit, and explore.
2026 Empire state trail town application now live
Applications are now open for the 2026 round of the Empire State Trail Town program, managed by Parks & Trails New York with support from the NYS Canal Corporation! Eligible applicants include cities, villages or towns located directly on or in close proximity to the Erie or Champlain Canalway Trail that are ready to unlock the economic potential of outdoor recreation.
Informational Webinar
Please join us for an informational webinar to learn more about the application process and program process on Thursday, December 11 at 10-11am. Register now!
Program and application resources:
Explore the Empire State Trail Towns
Explore certified trail-friendly communities by viewing each community’s landing page, which lay out everything you need to know to have a great visit–from Bike Friendly accommodations and restaurants to welcome centers and trailheads.
Meet our 2025 Towns
This year, PTNY is working with three communities along the Erie Canalway Trail that are looking to build on existing planning efforts, and coalitions of partners that are invested in enhancing their communities as walkable, bikeable trail-friendly hubs.
