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After our walk along the Erie Canalway Trail in Newark a few weeks ago, we got mail from fans of the canal urging us to explore further. Despite last week’s big snowstorm, I decided to drive up to Pal-Mac Aqueduct Park in Palmyra.
I say, “I” because Rosie took one look at the snow and headed for the sofa. Said she had to stay home and catch up on her fan mail.
Pal-Mac Aqueduct Park, covered in snow or not, is worth a visit. The Erie Canalway Trail runs through the park that features remains of the early canal days.
New York has finally put the finishing touches on a 750-mile multipurpose trail that stretches from the southern tip of Manhattan to the Canadian border.
The Empire State Trail connects about 400 miles of previously unlinked off-road trails and adds nearly 180 miles of new off-road trails to the state s network. As part of the project, the state also upgraded 170 miles of on-road bicycle routes and incorporated several bike racks to accommodate the nation s growing interest in cycling. 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, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said in announcing the project s completion.
The Empire State Trail can be broken down into three separate sections: Hudson Valley, Erie Canal Trail and Champlain Canalway. Among those are sub-sectional paths, nearly all costing in the millions to construct the most expensive being the Albany-Hudson Electric Trail, a $45 million venture that spans 36 miles following the historic route of the electric trolley system from the early 1900s.
The entire trail includes activities outside of biking, such as overnight camping sites and access to cultural attractions. It is estimated it will bring in 8.6 million residents and tourists annually, which will hopefully give the state an economic boost post-COVID recovery.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the Empire State Trail nearly 4 years ago.
The trail was announced as complete on Wednesday and is the longest multiuse state trail in the nation with 750 miles for outdoor enthusiasts to explore.
Three trails will run through sections of the state and will connect in Albany, according to the map provided on the website. The Erie Canalway Trail will start west in Buffalo, the Hudson Valley Greenway Trail will start south in New York City, and the Champlain Valley Trail will start north in Plattsburgh.
The trail will also provide a place for outdoor recreation while supporting tourism and community revitalization through areas across the state.