Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

More than 500 additional miles to be added to the nation leading 2,000+ mile network

A new report conducted by Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) and the New York Office of State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) confirms that statewide greenway trail expansion continues to lead the nation, with 45.2 new miles of trail completed between January 2023 and June 2024.

In coming years, New York will see further trail expansion as 39.4 miles of trail are under construction and an additional 583.2 miles are in various stages of development. 

New York State is a leader in greenway trails progress, with over 2,000 miles of multi-use paths across the state–including the 750-mile Empire State Trail, the longest statewide shared-use trail network in the US.

The report documents nearly 200 projects total, including 36 completed trail projects (new construction, trail renovation, and new amenities), 26 construction projects nearing completion, and 133 projects that have advanced during the last eighteen months (plans and feasibility studies completed or in progress, or grants awarded for planning or construction).

This expansion of New York's greenway trail network reaches every corner of the state, including the Adirondacks, North Country, Western New York, Capital Region, Central New York, Hudson Valley, Long Island and New York City.

Notable projects include:

• Design progress on 25 miles of the Long Island Greenway and funding for the design of 50 additional miles
• Six key trail corridors to advance with implementation planning in New York City's outer boroughs, expanding the network with 40 new miles of trail
• Completion of the first 10 miles of the Adirondack Rail Trail from Lake Placid to Saranac Lake and major progress on phases 2 and 3
• Initiation of a feasibility study for the 57-mile O&W Rail Trail from Kingston to Port Jervis. Completion of nearly five miles of the O&W Rail Trail in the Hudson Valley, and a 1.8-mile O&W Connector to Kingston
• 2 miles of the Harlem Valley Rail Trail resurfaced, with design in progress for an 8-mile extension
• Plan for extension of the Black Diamond Rail Trail in Ithaca north to Trumansburg, south to Buttermilk Falls State Park, and on to Robert Treman State Park
• A major federal planning grant for 52 miles of the Southern Tier Trail in Cattaraugus County 

The report further details projects in each region of the state, sources of funding, legislative advocacy, and programs to support greenway expansion, including PTNY's Trail Towns initiatives. These programs support trailside communities by identifying opportunities for economic growth and developing plans to capitalize on their location along the Empire State Trail and Genesee Valley Greenway State Park.

View the full report: https://www.ptny.org/our-work/support/nys-greenways-plan

To learn more about greenway trail expansion in New York State, attend the Greenways Across New York: Growth & Updates webinar hosted by Parks & Trails New York on Nov. 25 at 12p.m. Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_IN76GF6IRpuJUC2lkprGZA#/registration

Parks & Trails Executive Director Paul Steely White said, "Greenway trails are beneficial on so many levels. They're a transportation asset, recreation resource, economic driver, and root of improved health and wellbeing. As trail visitation grows year after year, we're excited to see statewide investment follow suit. It's important we continue trending upward across all development stages and lay the groundwork for continuous expansion in all regions of the state."

State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said, "New York residents and visitors greatly benefit from the trail improvements documented in this report – improvements that we know expand recreational and economic opportunities throughout the state. State Parks is grateful to PTNY and all of the partners involved in these projects, and we encourage everyone to get out there and explore New York's breathtaking scenery and the variety of communities made more accessible by these trail expansions."

OSI President & CEO Erik Kulleseid said, "The Open Space Institute is proud to work with PTNY and countless other partners at the state, local, and grassroots levels to build, improve, and expand New York's burgeoning greenway trails network. As part of OSI's work to fully restore the 57-mile O&W corridor into a multi-use greenway trail connecting three counties in the Hudson Valley, we are working closely to engage communities around the trail to ensure our efforts are aligned with local needs. We are happy to see our work showcased in the Greenway Trails Progress Report, and we thank PTNY for continuing to highlight and quantify the immense value greenway trails bring to communities across the state."

Trust for Public Land New York State Director Tamar Renaud said, "New York's greenway network connects neighborhoods to the outdoors, fostering stronger, healthier communities. We're proud to be part of this transformative effort—and to partner with organizations like Parks & Trails New York—to bring nature closer to home for all New Yorkers, building a greener and more inclusive future across the state."

Scenic Hudson President Ned Sullivan said, "We applaud OPRHP and PTNY for the release of this important report and share their vision and passion for expanding greenway trails in the Hudson Valley and across the state. Connecting people with nature is one of Scenic Hudson's highest priorities. Greenway trails achieve this important goal, providing an incredible mix of environmental, economic, resiliency and quality-of-life benefits. We look forward to continuing our partnership with OPRHP, PTNY and the many others groups and individuals dedicated to creating new greenways for all to enjoy."

Brooklyn Greenway Initiative Executive Director and NYC Greenways Coalition co-chair Hunter Armstrong said, "As an advocate and steward for the Brooklyn greenway system for two decades and a founder of the NYC Greenways Coalition, Brooklyn Greenway Initiative is delighted to see major investment and developments in greenways across New York City and the state as a whole. The upcoming citywide greenway plan and the six in-progress planning studies made possible by a federal planning grant from US DOT will lay the groundwork for filling in gaps in the city's greenway network, including in many underserved communities, and they will provide millions more New Yorkers with safe commuting and recreational options by foot and by bike. Cycling, walking and running are the cleanest, greenest, and healthiest ways to get around. Cycling has reached an all-time high in New York City, and major infrastructure investments like this greenway expansion are critical to keep up this positive trend."

Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) is New York's leading statewide advocate for parks and trails, dedicated since 1985 to improving our health, economy, and quality of life through the use and enjoyment of green space. Our mission is to expand, protect and promote a network of parks, trails, and open spaces throughout our state for use and enjoyment by all.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which saw a record 84 million visits in 2023. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation website and download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518-474-0456. Join us in celebrating our Centennial throughout 2024, and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and the OPRHP Blog.