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Empire State Trail Towns

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.

network building

We help communities build networks with local partners committed to the initiative’s success.

education

We hold public workshops to drive placemaking and educate business owners and community leaders on trail tourism.

research

We conduct trail use research and assessment of existing conditions within the community and on the trail.

promotion

We provide promotional support using PTNY’s channels to highlight communities as must-visit destinations along the Empire State Trail.

A child walks their bike along a path.

Explore the Empire State Trail Towns

Explore certified trail-friendly communities using our interactive map, which lays out everything you need to know to have a great visit–from Bike Friendly accommodations and restaurants to welcome centers and trailheads.

View the map

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.

Learn more

making strides

Action agendas

These plans serve as a blueprint for making trail-friendly improvements, like installing signage and wayfinding, enhancing trail access, beautifying business districts or promoting bike-friendly infrastructure.

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Become a trail town

trail town handbook

Our guide for Canalway Trail communities to become certified Empire State Trail Towns details every step of the application process and the program for chosen Trail Towns.

learn more