The Best Large Towns To Visit On The Trail (And Where To Stay!)
As you are traveling along the Trail, you’ll likely want to visit iconic cities and towns along the way. Whether you are on a long bike ride and simply want a break, or you want to see the City that Never Sleeps in person — and go for a two or three-day trip on the trail while you're at it — we've got you covered! Here are the best cities to visit along all three branches of the Empire State Trail.
We’ve also provided hotel recommendations for you on where to stay in these cities, so you can plan ahead for your journey.
And as you plan ahead, visit our shop to get any additional gear you may need!
MANHATTAN, NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK
Manhattan is arguably the most famous borough of New York City: It's the one we see in all of the movies with an enormously high cost of living and an abundance of luxurious amenities. Naturally, it is also home to some incredible hotels, even if you are on a bit of a budget. This is the place to be for so many people, and it will likely be thrilling to experience it firsthand. While you are there, you should probably check out the Guggenheim Museum, located on the Upper East Side: Even its architectural design is absolutely iconic, and the art contained within its walls is superb.
Most Affordable: 31 Street Broadway Hotel
Best Value: Hudson River Hotel
Most Unique: Arlo Midtown 4-Star Hotel VIP Access
Best Vacation Rental: Right Near Central Park
When visiting the iconic New York City, you might want to relax in Battery Park, grab a slice of its famous pizza, and take a ferry on the gorgeous Hudson bay before you begin your trip north up the trail.
ALBANY, NEW YORK
Believe it or not, Albany is actually the capital of New York State. It's nestled in the southern part of the Hudson Valley Greenway trail. This is essentially the city where New York conducts its business, but it is also home to charmingly historic buildings if you visit the downtown area. There are a myriad of lovely lodging options here.
Most Affordable: Motel 6 Albany, New York
Best Value: Hilton Garden Inn
Most Unique: Victorian B&B The Morgan State House
Best Vacation Rental: Historic Queen Studio Across from the Washington Park
There are a lot of breathtaking museums in Albany, not to mention The Egg: an eye-catching performing arts center.
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NEW YORK
If you are a fan of horse racing, performing arts, and gorgeous parks, chances are high that you will love Saratoga Springs. There are also plenty of beautiful museums to explore. If you want to relax and soothe your sore muscles from all of that adventuring, you can soak in beautiful mineral springs during your visit.
There are some awesome hotels that you might want to check out:
Most Affordable: The Nest on Saratoga Lake
Best Value: Saratoga Casino Hotel
Most Unique: Surrey-Williamson Inn
Best Vacation Rental: In the Heart of Saratoga Springs—Health, History, Horses
Basically, Saratoga Springs is great for anyone who is a fan of horses and vintage automobiles: There are museums for both.
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK
Syracuse, New York is far west on the Erie Canalway Trail. Here, you can cheer for your favorite team at a Syracuse University game, explore the breathtaking Erie Canals and enjoy the lakes in the process. You can also just rest for a night at a hotel before hitting the trail again the next morning if that's more your style!
There are plenty of hotels to check out in Syracuse:
Most Affordable: HomeTown Inn by Red Rood East Syracuse
Best Value: The Parkview Hotel
Most Unique: Hotel Skyler Syracuse Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Best Vacation Rental: Cozy Lake Cottage
This is a haven for water lovers of all bents. It also offers a wonderful respite from the challenge of being on the trail day in and day out for hardcore cyclists and hikers.
BUFFALO, NEW YORK
Buffalo is one of the farthest west points on the Erie Canalway Trail, which is one of the three routes that make up the entire Empire State Trail. You can catch a Bills or Sabres game here. You can also travel 30 minutes north to Niagara Falls or explore the newly renovated downtown area. If you're craving Cheerios, you can head straight to the local General Mills factory.
You can also rest for a while at some amazing hotels:
Most Affordable: Buffalo Airport Hotel
Best Value: Hyatt Regency Buffalo/Hotel and Conference Center
Most Unique: The Edward Hotel
Best Vacation Rental: Buffalo Townhome
Most importantly, you should congratulate yourself for making it this far along the Empire State Trail!
CONCLUSION
Bicycling or hiking such a long distance is absolutely incredible, but it can also be daunting. After all, part of the appeal of such an epic adventure is that it tests your grit, so it's important to rest at a nice hotel every now and then to reward yourself and rejuvenate before you continue to explore the Empire State Trail.
Whether you are planning a long trip across the Empire State Trail as part of your visit to New York City or an epic bicycling adventure, these lodging options are simply phenomenal.
By the way, we provide a ton of recommendations when it comes to gear you might need during your journey, whether you are bicycling, camping, hiking, or all three. You can find more information around our website. Keep looking around!
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