Visit an Empire State Trail Town
aunched in 2022, PLarks & Trails New York’s Empire State Trail Town Program recognizes and promotes New York’s exceptional trailside communities. The following communities have everything you would hope to find along the trail: overnight accommodations, local Bike Friendly businesses where you can find a bite to eat, restrooms, drinking water, and a visitor information center, and bike parking in the business district.
In addition to offering these baseline amenities and services, each of these Trail Towns has made a commitment to pursuing trail friendly policies, programs and infrastructure to continue to improve the trail user experience in years to come.
Trail Towns Map
Explore the certified trail-friendly communities by clicking on a Trail Town and navigating to the Town's landing page, which lays out everything you need to know to have a great visit. From Bike Friendly accommodations and restaurants to welcome centers and trailheads, these Trail Towns have got it all!
Lockport: The Gateway Trail Town
Lockport is home to the historic Erie Canal Flight of Five Locks, connecting the Empire State Trail to the history and beauty of our region.
Brockport: The First Empire State Trail Town
Known as the “Victorian Village on the Erie Canal,” Brockport was the first community along the Erie Canalway Trail to be officially designated an Empire State Trail Town. From its walkable Main Street lined with quaint shops to the Brockport Welcome Center right on the canal, the village is the perfect place to experience all that the Erie Canal and Canalway Trail have to offer.
Newark: The Heart of Wayne County
Located along the Erie Canal, the Village of Newark is a welcoming community that offers all of the services and amenities of a larger city while still having that small town feel everyone loves.
Rome: The Birthplace of the Erie Canal
Contracted and commemorated as the city where the first shovel of dirt was turned for the construction of the Erie Canal, Rome is a city full of cultural, natural, and historic gems. Explore the small businesses and artwork in the Arts District on W. Dominick Street, Fort Stanwix National Monument and surrounding historic districts, and the different openspace and greenway networks that Rome has to offer.
Little Falls: The Perfect Place to Call Home
The friendly, scenic city of Little Falls is a vibrant cultural gem that sparkles among the Mohawk River's whitewater rapids. Indeed, Little Falls owes its very existence to the waters of the Mohawk River and the Erie Canal.
Amsterdam: Small City, Big Heart
The mill town of Amsterdam is the only Mohawk Valley City built on both sides of the Mohawk River. The former “Carpet City” grew along the North Chuctanunda Creek that plunges through Amsterdam to the Mohawk River. Its warm residents will always welcome you and gladly assist you in this Limestone City.
Schuylerville: Experience Old Saratoga on the Hudson
Rich with history, Schuylerville is home to a variety of galleries, gift shops, lodging, and culinary experiences offering American, international, and gluten-free fare in a peaceful setting. Visit parks, historical sites, obtain expert bicycle repair, and explore a network of trails while enjoying expansive views of the Hudson River, the Old Champlain Canal, and the Vermont mountains.
Fort Edward: All Paths Lead Here
Riverfront views, lively community events, abundant historical attractions, and a welcoming small town atmosphere - these are just a few of the many great reasons to visit Fort Edward. Situated on the beautiful upper Hudson River just south of the Adirondack Park, Fort Edward is an idyllic place to stop and rest as you pass through on the Empire State Trail.
