Empire State Trail Generates $74 Million in Annual Economic Output for Ulster County, New Report Finds

ALBANY, NY – A new economic impact report from Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) finds the Empire State Trail generates $74 Million in annual economic output, while also delivering significant health and environmental benefits to communities across Ulster County.

The report, the most comprehensive study of a trail’s economic impact ever conducted in the United States, examines the 750-mile Empire State Trail and measures visitor spending, broader economic activity, public health outcomes, and environmental benefits generated by New York’s statewide trail network.

In Ulster County, the Empire State Trail serves as a vital connection between Kingston, New Paltz, and surrounding communities, supporting local businesses, expanding access to outdoor recreation, and strengthening the regional economy.

Ulster County by the Numbers

• The EST generates $2.3 million in annual economic impact per mile of the trail in Ulster County
• 31.8 miles of the Empire State Trail run through Ulster County, including 22.9 miles of off-road trail.
• The trail welcomes 398,180 visits annually within the county.
• Trail visitors generate $74 million in annual economic output for Ulster County.
• 874 businesses and 62,811 residents are located within one-quarter mile of the trail.
• 16.2 miles of the trail serve distressed communities, helping improve access to transportation and recreation.
• Trail users generate an estimated $3.19 million in annual health benefits for county residents.
• Trail use eliminates approximately 3.93 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT) each year, resulting in $467,000 in annual carbon emissions savings.
• Visitors spend an average of $19.61 per trip while using the trail in Ulster County.

Home to more than 181,000 residents, Ulster County sits in New York’s Mid-Hudson Region along the west bank of the Hudson River, bordered by the Catskill Mountains. With a median household income of $87,847 (approximately 2% higher than the statewide median) the county’s trail network plays an important role in supporting both residents and visitors while enhancing quality of life.

A press event with local leaders, community members, and Cyle the Hudson Valley riders was held on Wednesday, Aug 5 at SUNY Ulster to unveil the findings and illustrate the impact of the trail. Cycle the Hudson Valley brings riders from across the country to experience the Hudson Valley over multiple days of supported cycling. Photos from the event can be found here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/rVbf2bvnaDgP2Xjf7

The report was conducted by LaBella Associates and the Institute for Transportation Research and Education and supported by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Hudson River Valley Greenway, the Natural Heritage Trust, and the New York State Canal Corporation. The findings are the result of months of data collection, field interviews, and detailed analysis conducted across the length of the Empire State Trail.

The report underscores the growing importance of trail infrastructure in strengthening communities like Ulster County by supporting local businesses, improving public health, reducing transportation emissions, and expanding access to affordable outdoor recreation.

Paul Steely White, Executive Director of Parks & Trails New York, said, “Living in Ulster County, I’ve seen firsthand how the Empire State Trail has become part of the fabric of our community. It connects people to places, supporting local businesses and creating new recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. These findings put data behind what we see every day: investing in trails strengthens our economy and helps communities across Ulster County thrive.”

Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger said, “In Ulster County, we’ve long understood that trails are one of our most valuable public assets. As the study by Parks & Trails New York makes clear, the Empire State Trail delivers enormous economic benefits to our county, drawing nearly 400,000 visitors and generating $74 million in annual economic output. Beyond the economic benefits, the community benefits of our trail system are tremendous, improving physical and mental health and quality of life, and providing an affordable, safe, and environmentally-friendly way to get around. Ulster County is proud to be a premier destination for outdoor recreation, and we’re excited to keep building on this momentum. Thank you to PTNY for your tireless advocacy for our trail system statewide, and for showcasing Ulster County trails as part of Cycle the Hudson Valley!”

Tait Simpson, Co-Founder of Kingston Standard Brewing Co., said, “We love seeing people pull up on their bikes and end their ride with a beer at the brewery. The Empire State Trail has become part of what makes Kingston such a great destination, and businesses like ours benefit when visitors slow down and spend time exploring the community on two wheels and on foot. The trail doesn’t just connect places, it helps connect people (both residents and visitors) to one another, to the businesses and to the experiences that make Kingston unique.”

View the full report here: https://www.ptny.org/reports/parks-and-greenways-are-essential-infrastructure/

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 worked to improve the health and well-being of all New Yorkers through the enjoyment of parks, trails, and green spaces. PTNY is the leading voice for the protection and expansion of New York’s 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.