New Study Finds Empire State Trail Drives $1.87 Billion in Economic Activity Annually

Nation’s longest single-state, multi-use trail attracts 9.75 million annual visits, strengthening communities across New York State

Albany, NY – A landmark statewide economic impact study finds that New York’s 750-mile Empire State Trail is delivering transformative economic, health, and environmental benefits to communities across the state, generating $1.87 billion in economic activity while connecting millions of residents and visitors to safe outdoor recreation.

Stretching from New York City north to Canada and from Albany west to Buffalo, the Empire State Trail is the longest multi-use trail network in the nation. The 750-mile trail spans 26 counties and hundreds of urban, suburban, and rural communities, attracting an estimated 9.75 million visits annually.

In addition to the approximate $1.87 billion in total economic output each year, the report finds the Trail supports 9,680 jobs statewide, produces $640.9 million in annual employee earnings, and generates $206 million in annual state and local tax revenue.

According to the report, every $1 invested in the Empire State Trail generates $5.43 in sales revenue, with off-road trail segments producing four times the economic impact of on-road segments. Each off-road mile contributes $3.9 million in annual economic output while also supporting local jobs and tax revenues.

Communities Across New York Benefit

The study highlights the Trail’s unique ability to drive economic activity in communities that are often underserved by traditional economic development strategies, including small towns, legacy downtowns, and rural corridors.

Approximately two-thirds of the Empire State Trail, roughly 540 miles, serves communities identified by Empire State Development as moderately or severely distressed, meaning areas facing elevated poverty, unemployment, or stagnant income levels.

Businesses located near the Trail report significant economic benefits:

• Nearly one in four business owners surveyed cited the Trail as a deciding factor in their business location.
• More than 40% of businesses are investing in bicycle amenities, trail access improvements, and visitor accommodations.
• Businesses surveyed reported that trail-related visitors account for 26.2% of annual sales.

The study also found that proximity to the Trail increases residential property values in many communities. Single-family homes on 0.25–0.5 acre lots near the Trail command a 14.3% premium, averaging $51,000 higher than comparable properties. Residences on 0.5–1 acre lots see a 3.6% value premium, reinforcing the Trail’s role as a vital asset.

A Major Driver of Tourism and Recreation

Trail visitors contribute directly to local economies through spending an average of $30.32 a day on lodging, restaurants, groceries, retail purchases, entertainment, bicycle rentals, and recreation.

While day trips account for the majority of annual visits, overnight visitors represent a substantial economic engine, contributing an average of $540 per visit. 

Significant Public Health Benefits

Beyond economic impacts, the report documents major public health benefits generated by the Trail. By providing safe and accessible spaces for walking, biking, jogging, and rolling, the Empire State Trail generates an estimated $78 million in annual health-related savings.

Survey results show:

• 70% of trail users engage in more than one hour of exercise per visit.
• More than half of users visit the Trail at least twice weekly.
• 38% rely on the Trail for at least half of their weekly physical activity.

The report concludes that increased physical activity associated with trail use helps reduce healthcare costs and improves quality of life for millions of New Yorkers.

Environmental and Climate Benefits

The Empire State Trail plays an important role in New York’s climate and sustainability goals. The network preserves 23,300 acres of off-road land, where vegetation removes 78,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually while storing 4.3 millions of additional metric tons of carbon.

The Trail also reduces reliance on passenger vehicles by enabling multimodal transportation and active mobility options, eliminating more than 96 million vehicle miles traveled annually.

Extensive Public Engagement Informed the Study

The economic impact study incorporated extensive public outreach conducted between September and December 2025 by PTNY.

Engagement efforts included:

• More than 1,000 responses to comprehensive long-form user surveys
• In-person intercept surveys conducted directly on the Trail
• Dedicated business surveys distributed through chambers of commerce, tourism organizations, and PTNY’s Trail Town network

The study examined impacts at three geographic scales: statewide, by trail segment, and by county, providing the most comprehensive analyses ever conducted on the Empire State Trail network. Analysis of data was based on rigorous academic standards, leading to a truly groundbreaking and defensible set of outcomes that will make the case for the economic benefit of greenway investments for years to come.

The full report can be viewed here: https://www.ptny.org/reports/the-economic-impact-of-the-empire-state-trail/

Parks & Trails New York Executive Director Paul Steely White said, “What makes the Empire State Trail so special is its ability to connect. It connects New York City to Canada, Albany to Buffalo, and hundreds of communities in between. It connects people to local businesses, cultural destinations, outdoor recreation, and one another. This study confirms that those connections are generating real economic benefits across the state, particularly in communities that have often been overlooked by traditional development strategies. The stronger and more connected this network becomes, the greater its value to New York.”

New York State Parks Commissioner Kathy Moser said, “PTNY’s findings reinforce what we have long known — the Empire State Trail and New York’s Greenways are powerful assets for recreation, tourism, and economic development. They provide opportunities for New Yorkers and visitors to ‘Get Offline and Get Outside,’ while also strengthening local economies, supporting small businesses, creating jobs, and generating revenue for communities across the state.”

LaBella Associates Recreation Development Specialist Michael Cocquyt said, “These study results capture the tremendous economic value of greenways, with the Empire State Trail as a powerful example. From scenic rural rides to busy, walkable downtowns, the users LaBella surveyed along the Empire State Trail emphasized the important role it plays in their lives. Through recreation, connection, and economic activity, greenways are improving the lives of New Yorkers while strengthening our economy every day.”

Steve Bert, Program Manager, Economics & Policy Assessment Group, Institute for Transportation Research and Education, said, “The Empire State Trail has proven to be a powerful investment for the State of New York, bringing new visitors and spending to urban centers and rural communities along the Trail. For every $1 invested in the Trail, New York’s economy generates $5.43 in sales revenue, a return that supports local businesses, creates jobs, and expands opportunities for workers across the state.”

New York State Canal Corporation Director Ben Walsh said, “We have always known the benefits the Erie Canalway Trail brings to New York State are significant, and this report will help us amplify its impact to bring even more people to the Trail as we continue to advocate for this critical public resource and improve on amenities. It took the hands of many to bring this report to life, just as it does to keep the Trail in good shape, and we are grateful for our partners at PTNY, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Hudson River Valley Greenway, the Natural Heritage Trust and the Institute for Transportation Research and Education.”

Sally Drake, New York State Natural Heritage Trust (NHT) said, “The NHT is proud to support its partners in the development of this report. The Empire State Trail has transformed the way people experience New York, expanding access to outdoor recreation, connecting communities, and strengthening local economies. This report underscores the significant economic impact of the Empire State Trail and reinforces what communities across New York have experienced first-hand. We are honored to be a part of the Trail’s ongoing success and the positive impact it is having across the state.”

Assemblymember Ron Kim, Chair of the Committee on Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development, said, “Parks & Trails NY have done an exemplary job capturing the full, concrete benefits of the Empire State Trail for all New Yorkers. This report shows that the enormous economic, environmental, and health benefits our state has gained by building after completing this outdoor network. With nearly 10 million visits generating almost $2 billion in economic output and returning five times the investment for every dollar spent on it, it is clear that we must continue to support and expand on this successful initiative.”

Empire State Development Vice President and Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said, “The Empire State Trail demonstrates the importance of strategic investments in the state’s outdoor recreation infrastructure. The trail welcomes domestic and international visitors and introduces them to communities where they support local businesses and make lifelong memories. I LOVE NY continues to promote the trail around the world as a unique opportunity to discover the depth and breadth of New York State, its beauty and its diverse attractions, where every traveler can find what they love.”

About the Empire State Trail

The Empire State Trail is a 750-mile multi-use trail network connecting New York City, Albany, Buffalo, and Canada through three major corridors: the Hudson Valley Greenway Trail, the Erie Canalway Trail, and the Champlain Valley Trail. The Trail provides safe access to outdoor recreation, tourism destinations, historic sites, and communities across New York State.

About Parks & Trails New York

Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) is the statewide advocate for parks, trails, and public lands. 

Since its founding in 1985, PTNY has fought to improve the health and wellbeing of all New Yorkers through the enjoyment of statewide greenspaces. PTNY is the leading voice for the protection and expansion of New York’s incredible state park system and multi-use trail network, including more than 2,000 miles of greenways, bike paths, and river walks. Learn more at www.ptny.org