Two communities along the Empire State Trail are taking an exciting step to strengthen their connection to the trail—and the opportunities it brings. The City of Utica and the Town of Lyons have officially been selected as the newest participants of our Empire State Trail Town program.
By joining the program, these two communities become part of a growing network of towns and cities across the state that are embracing the trail as a driver of tourism, recreation, and local economic development. Each brings something unique to the trail experience–from Utica’s vibrant urban energy to Lyons’ historic canal-town charm.
Utica: A Trail Hub in the Mohawk Valley
As the largest Trail Town in the program to date, Utica is uniquely positioned to serve as a key hub for trail users traveling through the Mohawk Valley.
Located along the Erie Canalway Trail, Utica offers trail visitors easy access to lodging, dining, arts, and recreation just steps from the trail. Whether stopping for a meal, exploring the waterfront, or staying overnight, trail users can quickly tap into the city’s wide range of amenities.
Utica’s cultural diversity also shines through its neighborhoods and restaurants, giving visitors a chance to experience the many communities that shape the city today. Through the Trail Town program, Utica will continue strengthening connections between the trail, Harbor Point, and the Mohawk River corridor, building on existing planning and investments that are helping make the city even more welcoming to trail users.
Lyons: Canal History and a Welcoming Downtown
Further west, Lyons offers a classic canal-town experience along the trail. The Town of Lyons invites visitors to explore its National Register-listed downtown historic district, where canal-era architecture, local businesses, and community pride create a welcoming stop along the route. Known for its unique “three-canal” heritage, Lyons has long been shaped by waterways, and today the trail continues that tradition of connection.
Local partners like Active People Healthy Wayne and the Lyons Main Street Program have already been investing in bike-friendly infrastructure, pedestrian improvements, and programs that link the trail directly to the heart of town. Participation in the Trail Town program will help Lyons build on that work by promoting active transportation, celebrating its canal heritage, and encouraging more visitors to discover the community.
Supporting Communities Along the Trail
The Trail Town program, supported by the New York State Canal Corporation, provides selected communities with expert guidance, workshops, and practical recommendations from PTNY over the course of a year.
Working alongside local leaders, businesses, and residents, PTNY helps communities assess trail use, identify opportunities for improvement, and develop strategies that make the trail a bigger asset for both visitors and locals.
Since the completion of the Empire State Trail in 2020, the Erie Canalway Trail and Champlain Canalway Trail have grown steadily in popularity. In 2024, the canalway trail system saw nearly 4 million visits, while the Empire State Trail overall generates more than 9 million visits each year.
Programs like Trail Town help ensure those visitors experience more than just the trail, they discover the communities that make the journey memorable.
Learn more about the Empire State Trail Town program at www.ptny.org/empire-state-trail-towns