In The News

February, 2023

Area’s state parks help system set new attendance record

Rome Sentinel

ALBANY — Gov. Kathy Hochul announced late last week that annual attendance at state parks, historic sites, campgrounds and trails operated topped 79.5 million total visits in 2022, continuing a robust increase in attendance that began during the COVID-19 pandemic. Parks & Trails New York Incoming Executive Director Paul Steely White said the visitation numbers are “truly staggering.”

Governor Hochul Announces Record Attendance at New York State Parks for 2022

Governor's Press Release

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced annual attendance at state parks, historic sites, campgrounds and trails operated by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation saw a record 79.5 million visits in 2022.

January, 2023

Registration is Open for Cycle the Erie Canal 2023

Oswego County Today

ALBANY, NY – Registration is now open for Parks & Trails New York’s 25th annual Cycle the Erie Canal tour, an unforgettable opportunity to bike across New York State and take in the rich history of the legendary canal that transformed America.

Bike from Buffalo to Albany in Cycle the Erie Canal 2023

News10 ABC--Albany

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Registration is open for Parks & Trails New York’s 25th annual Cycle the Erie Canal Tour. The eight-day tour allows cyclists to bike across NYS from Buffalo to Albany taking in the history and canal that transformed America.

December, 2022

Parks & Trails New York Executive Director Robin Dropkin To Retire In 2023

Oswego County Today

ALBANY, NY – Parks & Trails New York announced the planned retirement in 2023 of its long- time Executive Director, and distinguished environmental advocate, Robin Dropkin.

November, 2022

Traffic safety advocates push for changes in Albany

Albany Times Union

ALBANY – A group of pedestrian and bicycle safety advocates gathered Friday afternoon in Academy Park to honor walkers and cyclists killed by motorists in the city since 2017. The event, organized by the Albany Bicycle Coalition, Walkable Albany and Parks & Trails New York, also served as a chance for the organizations to push for specific policies they would like to see the city and state adopt.

Environmental Educator Comes Home To CNY To Enliven Rogers Center Programs

The Evening Sun

SHERBURNE ― Environmental Educator and Hamilton native Ellen Rathbone wanted to return to Central New York, and Rogers Center in Sherburne needed someone exactly like her. A grant through our Park and Trail Partnership Grant program made that happen.

New Empire State Trail cycling guidebook highlights route through Hudson, Champlain Valley

Press Republican

ALBANY — Parks & Trails New York has announced the publication of a new trail travel guidebook, Cycling the Hudson and Champlain Valleys. The 400-mile north-south route of the Empire State Trail, the longest statewide trail in the nation, is the focus of the new book.

October, 2022

Cycling guidebook highlights route through Hudson and Champlain Valleys

The Saratogian

ALBANY, N.Y. — Parks & Trails New York announced the publication of a new trail travel guidebook, Cycling the Hudson and Champlain Valleys. The 400-mile north-south route of the Empire State Trail, the longest statewide trail in the nation, is the focus of the new book.

New Empire State Trail cycling guidebook released

WTEN Channel 10 News (Albany)

ALBANY, N.Y. (WTEN) — Parks & Trails New York recently published a new trail travel guidebook, dubbed “Cycling the Hudson and Champlain Valleys.” The 400-mile north-south route of the Empire State Trail, the longest statewide trail in the nation, is the focus of the new book.

Plan outlines ways to better connect people to nature

Rome Sentinel

ALBANY — Parks & Trails New York has announced its support of Open Spaces for All, a report issued by the Open Space Institute, in partnership with the New York Outdoor Recreation Coalition, which presents a set of state-level recommendations designed to improve equity and access to parks and other open spaces for residents and visitors of New York.

John Brown Lives! receives $26,500 from Parks and Trails New York to expand strategic planning initiatives

Adirondack Almanac

On October 6, Senator Dan Stec (R,C-Queensbury) joined several state and regional representatives and John Brown Lives! Executive Director Martha Swan at a press conference and check presentation on the John Brown Farm State Historic Site in Lake Placid.

August, 2022

LIC Non-Profit Awarded More Than $15,000 For Landscape Improvements at Gantry Plaza State Park

LIC Post

A Long Island City non-profit group that helps with the upkeep of the waterfront parks has been awarded a large grant to buy plantings and upgrade the landscape at Gantry Plaza State Park.

July, 2022

‘Big check’ awarded to Rochester inclusive rowing group

Rochester First

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — Rochester Community Inclusive Rowing is receiving funding in the name of accessibility. The statewide non-profit Parks and Trails New York presented a check for just under $12,000. The funds will go towards improving the pathway to the boat launch at Black Creek near the Genesee River.

Ceremony to formalize funding for preservation of stone tables at Letchworth State Park

Livingston County News

Parks and Trails New York will formally award a grant to the Friends of Letchworth State Park to preserve historic and popular stone picnic tables in the park’s Upper Falls area at a check presentation ceremony on Tuesday.

Here's where Cycle the Erie Canal 2022 is stopping in Rome, Utica

Observer Dispatch

Cyclists on the Cycle the Erie Canal 2022 tour will be passing through the Mohawk Valley as part of an eight-day, 750-mile ride along the Erie Canalway Trail.

Multiple stops will be made at local spots including Utica Coffee Roasting Co. and Heelpath Brewing Co. in Frankfort.

Cycle the Erie Canal Passing Through the Finger Lakes Tuesday

Finger Lakes Daily

After holding the tour at reduced capacity in 2021 due to the pandemic, the annual eight-day, cross-state Cycle the Erie Canal bike tour has returned at full capacity this year, departing from Buffalo Sunday with expected arrival on July 17th. 750 from 40 states will cross New York State as part of the 24th “Cycle the Erie Canal” tour organized by the statewide nonprofit Parks & Trails New York.

‘Cycle the Erie Canal’ passes through Brockport

Rochester First

BROCKPORT, N.Y. (WROC) — Back in the 1800s when it was first built, the Erie Canal revolutionized the travel of goods and people. Fast forward to 2022 and it’s still doing the same thing, albeit with less focus on the water.

Cyclists prepare for annual trek through New York along the Erie Canal

WAER 88.3

Cyclists from 40 states are making a 400-mile trek during the 24th Annual Cycle the Erie Canal Bike Tour. About 750 participants left Buffalo over the weekend for the annual eight-day tour and will be cycling all the way to Albany. Most will only travel about 40 to 60 miles per day.

Big caravan of cyclists reach Medina on day 1 of canal trek

Orleans Hub

MEDINA – Cyclists, totaling 750 from 40 states, arrived in Medina on Sunday enroute to Albany on the Cycle the Erie Canal Tour.