Schenectady to Cohoes

Trip Planning

Trail Route Maps

This website’s on-line map allows you to zoom in to see the detailed trail route, parking areas, and nearby attractions. In addition, you can order a printed, large-format Empire State Trail paper map, or download a KMZ or GPX file to import into your GPS or mapping software.

Empire State Trail Map
Free Paper Map

The foldable 36-inch by 25-inch map depicts the statewide 750-mile route, provides maps detailing the route through major cities, lists nearby attractions, and provides trail user information.

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Navigation
Download GPS Routes

New York State has created free digital GPX and KMZ files of the 750-mile Empire State Trail route, for use with GPS units and mapping software.

Download GPXDownload KMZ

Import Instructions


Lodging Options

A wide variety of lodging and camping options are available near the Empire State Trail.

Bed with Pillows
Overnight Lodging

NYS has identified hundreds of hotels, inns, bed & breakfasts, resorts, and other lodging options within five miles of the trail.

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Camping
Camping

Access information about public and private campgrounds near the Empire State Trail.

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Guidebooks

New York State has partnered with the non-profit group Parks & Trails New York to develop detailed guidebooks providing a wealth of information about the Empire State Trail. The highly-rated Guidebooks can be purchased on PTNY’s website.

EST West of Little Falls
Cycle the Erie Canal

This 142-page guidebook, updated in 2021, includes 38 full-color maps of the 350-mile trail route from Buffalo to Albany, plus information about nearby lodging, bike shops, visitor centers, parks, and tourism attractions.

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Along the Champlain Canal
Cycle the Hudson and Champlain Valleys

This detailed guidebook includes full-color maps of the 400-mile trail route from New York City to Albany to Canada, plus information about nearby lodging, bike shops, visitor centers, parks, and tourism attractions. 

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Train Service

One-way train service provides a good option for planning multi-day trips on the Empire State Trail. Amtrak train stations are located in 20 cities and villages along the statewide route. Metro North Railroad also provides service to the locations on the east side of the Hudson Valley.  Train station locations are identified on the interactive trail map.

Please Note: Some Amtrak trains allow bicycles to be wheeled onto passenger cars for a small fee (bicycle transport should be reserved; there is limited bike capacity on each train). Other Amtrak trains can accommodate bicycles but require them to be boxed and shipped in a baggage car. For more information, read Parks and Trails NY's: Bikes on Board: A Guide to Using Amtrak to Ride the Erie Canalway Trail or visit Amtrak’s website here. For bicycle information on Metro North Railroad service click here.