How to Visit the Empire State Trail in Any Season
There is Something For Everyone, Winter, Spring, Summer, & Fall.
Just a short commute from New York City or Albany, the Hudson Valley is dotted with small town utopias — boasting history, natural beauty, and a variety of outdoor activities. In an effort to connect all that New York has to offer, the longest multi-use trail system in the United States was completed in 2020. The Empire State Trail. Consisting of three major sections including the Hudson Valley Greenway Trail, The Erie Canalway Trail, and the Champlain Valley Trail. Each section of the trail is unique in its geography, history, and experience. The trail can be enjoyed in winter, spring, summer, and fall. The Hudson Valley Greenway trail is a roughly 200-mile journey through the heart of upstate New York starting in lower Manhattan and ending in the state capitol of Albany.
Empire State Trail Rentals is opening campgrounds along the Hudson Valley Greenway and supplying bikes, snowshoes, and any equipment needed to promote outdoor enjoyment of everything the Empire State Trail has to offer.
Visit our other resources on the Hudson Valley Greenway Trail:
Winter – Snowshoeing the Scenic Putnam Trailway
Have you ever felt utterly stir crazy in the middle of winter and need a weekend getaway? Snowshoeing is the perfect way to enjoy the Hudson Valley Greenway Trail throughout the winter. Visit our shop to purchase snowshoes and make your way to the Putnam Trailway. The Putnam Trailway spans nine miles from Mahopac, NY to Brewster, NY. For a scenic day, we recommend traveling South on the Putnam Trail from Carmel, NY. You can go as far as you please before turning around back toward Carmel. Your walk will pass through wooded areas and scenic lakes, likely covered in a blanket of snow. We recommended you dress accordingly for winter weather in wool or synthetic base layers, with water-wicking outer shells, hats, and gloves.
Spring – Picnic in the Park with the Cherry Blossoms
The smell of Cherry Blossoms signals spring is in the air. Enjoy a picnic in the park and a day on the Manhattan Greenway Trail. The Manhattan Greenway Trail is the southernmost section of the Hudson Valley Greenway Trail and stretches from Battery Park to Inwood Hill. Walk or bike the trail throughout the year, but be sure to pack a picnic in the spring and enjoy the Cherry Walk. The Cherry walk is part of Riverside Park and consists of a continuous four-mile-long path along the Hudson River from 72nd to 158th Street. As part of the 100th anniversary of steam power on the Hudson River, the Committee of Japanese Residents of New York presented 2,000 cherry trees as a gift to the city. The surviving trees can be found elsewhere in New York City, in Sakura Park and Central Park, and come from the same batch of trees planted in Washington DC’s Tidal Basin.
Summer – Bike Touring the Maybrook Trail
Grab your bike and hop on the Maybrook Trail. The Maybrook Trailway from Pawling to Hopewell Junction once served as a railroad bed and has been repurposed as a paved walking and biking trail. This section of the trail spans nearly 15 miles with little crossroads in between. Bike through wooded areas, lakes, and end at a railroad museum with access to parking and local businesses. Enjoy the warm summer weather and be sure to pack plenty of water on this scenic ride.
Fall Foliage on the Walkway Over the Hudson
Fall is arguably the most picturesque time in the Hudson Valley. For a truly epic view, visit the Walkway Over the Hudson, the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge. Access public parking at the Walkway over the Hudson State Park in Poughkeepsie NY, or take the train in from New York or Albany. Once a train bridge, the Walkway over the Hudson is a 1.5-mile scenic walk across the Hudson River. Enjoy lunch or a cup of coffee in one of the local restaurants in Poughkeepsie.
Wrap Up
It is so important to get outside, get exercise and enjoy the great outdoors throughout the winter, spring, summer, and fall. The Empire State Trail and Hudson Valley Greenway Trail serve as a way to get away from the hustle and bustle and to get out in nature. For any of your biking, camping, or snowshoeing needs, visit our shop. We can’t wait to see you on the trail!