New Hiking Trail Links NYC To Canadian Border

NEW YORK CITY – Hikers lacing up their boots in Battery Park City can now journey all the way to the shores of Lake Erie or the Canadian border thanks to a 750 mile trail that opened Thursday.

The Empire State Trail winds north through Manhattan, into the Hudson and to Albany, where a fork will take long-distance walkers either towards Montreal or along the Erie Canal to Buffalo.

It's expected to draw 8.6 million users a year and is open to cyclists, runners, snow-shoers and cross-country skiers along with hikers.

"Nearly four years ago, we announced plans to build the Empire State Trail and I am excited to announce it's been completed on time and will open on New Year's Eve," Governor Cuomo said Wednesday.

"There's no trail like it in the nation - 750 miles of multi-use trail literally from Manhattan to the Canadian Border, from Buffalo to Albany. Not only does it provide an opportunity to experience the natural beauty and history of New York, but it also gives New Yorkers from every corner of the state a safe outlet for recreation as we continue to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic."

The project connects 20 regional trails to form one, with 180 miles of new off-road path created to fill in gaps.