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Home , Adirondack Park, Catskill Park, Cohoes Falls, Empire State, Finger Lakes Trail, Fort Stanwix

Long Distance Northville-Placid landowner’s rights and do not Contact: Department of trespass. The trail is marked with Environmental Conservation blue markers and requires an aver- Regional Headquarters age of 19 days to hike. Ray Brook, NY 12977 The trail follows a northerly (518) 897-1200 course from the scenic Adirondack foothills to the breathtaking High Route: Northville, Fulton Peaks region to the north. Lakes and to , Essex ponds of all sizes and uncounted County. streams lie near the trail as it winds Distance: 133 miles. northward up valleys, along ridges and over mountains. The land is The Northville-Placid Trail mostly forested, and though none of runs through approximately 133 the timber is virgin, trees of consid- miles of Adirondack . The erable size reflect over 50 years of trail crosses state and private lands, state ownership and conservation. with a large portion of trail mileage Excellent trout fishing in the in wilderness areas. The terrain on spring, bass, pickerel and pike this trail may be rugged because fishing in the summer and fall and more remote trail segments receive big game in the fall, are limited maintenance. When you permitted according to state rules encounter private land, please stay and regulations. on the trail. Respect the

81 Trail System Contact: Much of the Finger Lakes Trail Conference is on private land. The continued PO Box 18048 use of the trail and trail system Rochester, NY 14618 depends on the rights of the private Route: From Allegany property owners who have given and the Lewiston- permission for people to walk Queenstone Bridge on the through their property. There are a Niagara River to the number of branch trails which Finger Lakes National emanate from the main cross state , and then eastward trail. These trails take you to to the where interesting natural features and it connects with the Long villages of State. Path Trail. Distance: 800 miles (in the system.)

82 The Contact: New York- Trail Thacher State Park just west of Albany. Conference The NY-NJ Trail Conference is working 156 Ramapo Valley Road on extending the trail to the Mohawk Mahwah, NJ 07430-1199 River and into the Adirondacks. The (201) 512-9348 trail offers hikers a variety of experi- Route: Fort Lee, New Jersey to John ences from partial day hikes to back- Boyd Thacher State Park. packing adventures. For most of it’s length the trail is marked with turquoise Distance: 326 miles. paint blazes except within the Catskill Park, where plastic discs of various In the 1930s, Paul and Vincent colors mark the trail. Within the Catskill Schaefer developed the idea of creating Park, several lean-tos are available for a New York version of Vermont’s Long overnight . Sections of the path Trail. Vincent Schaefer envisioned New are on private property and in use York’s Long Path as an unmarked through the permission of the land meandering route from the George owner. When traveling these segments, Washington Bridge to Whiteface respect the rights of the landowner by Mountain in the Adirondacks. Currently, staying on the trail and do not camp, the trail travels from Fort Lee on the build fires or litter. Contact the New New Jersey side of the George Washing- York-New Jersey Trail Conference for ton Bridge through the Palisades, many more information regarding the route of State Parks and State Forest lands, the the Long Path. Shawangunk Mountains, the , the to reach its terminus in John Boyd

83 National Scenic Trails Scenic Trail Contact: turns north and eventually intersects Association with the old towpath of the Old Erie 49 Monroe Center, Canal State Park. The trail reaches Suite 200B Rome, NY, and National Grand Rapids, MI 49546 Monument, then follows the Old (616) 454-5506 Canal to Booneville, NY. Route: to At this point the trail enters the Crown Point State Historic . The trail’s original Site, Port Henry, NY. legislated route was proposed to cross the High Peaks Wilderness of the Distance: 250 + 300 miles of the . A more Finger Lakes Trail. widely accepted route through the The trail enters New York State southern Adirondacks has since been at Allegany State Park from Pennsyl- proposed and is shown on the map. vania. The trail is not complete When completed, the trail will cross through New York but follows 300 this six-million-acre park and reach its miles of the existing Finger Lakes eastern terminus at Crown Point State Trail. The trail crosses the Genesee Historic Site on the shores of Lake River in and Champlain. continues eastward to . Near Cortland, the trail

84 Appalachian Scenic Trail Contact: southwesterly direction to Conference Fahnestock State Park, crosses the PO Box 807 via the Bear Mountain Harpers Ferry, WV 25425 Bridge and heads toward the Bear (305) 535-6331 Mountain/Harriman State Park Route: Schaghticoke Mountain section. This section was the first to Greenwood Lake. part of the Appalachian Trail to be Distance: 95 miles. completed. The trail continues through the new Sterling Forest® The trail is primarily a wilder- State Park, skirting around Green- ness footpath which extends from wood Lake, and enters into New Baxter State Park in Maine to Jersey. Springer Mountain in . The entire length is 2,100 miles. Travel- ing from north to south, the trail enters New York at Schaghticoke Mountain. The trail continues in a

85 Greenways Hudson River Valley trails created from abandoned railroad rights-of-way, as well as simple footpaths. Trails designated as part of Contact: Hudson River Valley this regional system allow for strolls Greenway to the river’s edge, mountain hikes, Capitol Building horseback rides, walks through Room 254 riverside villages, to bike rides along Albany, NY 12224 country roads, access to hunting or (518) 473-3835 fishing areas, and visits to historic Route: to the sites or heritage areas. The historic Village of Waterford. Hudson River is a major shipping lane also open to recreational boaters. Distances: 137 nautical miles, 156 Efforts continue to be made to miles of bike route, and increase access to the river for 135 miles of community- recreational uses. based trails. When completed, the Greenway This state program works with will have a network of interconnect- state agencies, municipal govern- ing, various-use trails that will help ments, non-profits and citizen groups recreationists to explore the Hudson to identify, link, and develop local River Valley from New York City to trails as part of a regional trail system. the Village of Waterford in Saratoga This network includes scenic byways, County. heritage trails, on-road bike routes,

86 Contact: Friends of the Genesee road. The Canal operated in the mid- Valley Greenway 1800s as a link between the and the . It PO Box 42 ceased operation in 1878 and the Mt. Morris, NY 14510 right-of-way was taken over by the (716) 658 - 2569 railroad, which ran passenger trains Route: From Rochester, NY, to until the time of the Depression and Letchworth State Park. freight service into the 1960s. The trail now follows the canal’s bed, Distance: 50 miles open for use. towpath and railroad bed. The trail is complete from its The Greenway is a multiple- junction with the Barge Canal in use trail with a natural surface that Rochester to a few miles south of provides opportunities for walking, Mt. Morris (30 miles). More than jogging, cross-country skiing, seven miles are open from Nunda biking, birding, and more. The trail through Letchworth State Park, and winds through scenic woodlands, in Allegany County there are five rolling farmlands and peaceful miles open in Cuba. valleys. When complete, this trail The Greenway follows the path will extend to the Pennsylvania of the old and border making the trail approxi- the abandoned Pennsylvania Rail- mately 90 miles long.

87 The Canalway Trail NY Thruway Authority Erie Canal Heritage Trail 200 Southern Blvd. Route: Lockport, NY, to Fairport, Albany, NY 12201 NY. (518) 436-3034 Distance: 70 miles. Route: Lockport, NY, to Albany, NY, to Glens Falls, NY. This segment follows the towpath of the Erie Canal. The trail Distance: 220 miles (524 miles is also designated as a National when completed). Recreation Trail. Most of the trail The Canalway Trail is a multi- has a gravel surface, but some use trail following the canal system sections are paved. Motorized that opened the Atlantic Ocean to the vehicles are not allowed, but uses Great Lakes. Currently, the trail such as biking, , cross-country system is comprised of four major skiing and horseback riding are trail segments. These segments permitted on the trail. follow old canal towpaths and abandoned railway corridors.

88 Old Erie Canal State Historic Park Contact: Andrus Road RD #2 Kirkville, NY 13082 (315) 687-7821 Route: Dewitt, NY, to Rome, NY Distance: 36 miles. This trail segment follows the old Erie Canal. The trail is abandoned portions of the original surfaced with stone dust and accom- Erie Canal. This segment is also modates trail uses such as hiking, designated as a National Recreation biking, cross-country skiing and Trail. The linear park which makes horseback riding. No motorized up this trail segment offers picnic vehicles are allowed. areas, parking, restrooms, and foot bridges for access to the towpath of

89 Mohawk-Hudson Bikeway Route: Rotterdam Junction, NY, to Cohoes, NY, to Albany, NY. Distance: Approximately 30 miles. This trail segment is built on Rivers converge. From this point the the abandoned towpath of the old trail heads southward to Albany, Erie Canal and the old Penn Central where it stops at the Erastus Corning Railroad bed. There are a number of Preserve. The trail is paved asphalt, small parks to stop at along the way except when it travels through the for a picnic or a rest. There are Colonie Town Park, where it is some short on-road trail sections surfaced with stone dust. Motorized along the way, and one brings you to vehicles are not allowed. The trail is the overlook of the , used most often by bikers, hikers where the Mohawk and Hudson and cross-country skiers.

90 Glens Falls Feeder Canal Trail Route: Glens Falls, NY, to Fort Edward, NY. Distance: 8 miles. This trail segment follows the in Fort Edward. towpath of the Feeder Canal, which The trail is surfaced with stone dust. is one of the last surviving sections Trail uses include hiking, biking and of New York State's original 1820s cross-country skiing. No motorized canal system. The Feeder Canal was vehicles are allowed. completed in 1829 to help maintain the water level in the Champlain Canal, which runs from Fort Ann to Fort Edward. The Feeder Canal runs from the Feeder Dam on the Hudson River through Glens Falls and to the

91 Trails and Routes Bike Route Contact: Lake Champlain This interstate and interna- Bikeways tional bike route encircles Lake C/O Lake Champlain Champlain, for the most part Visitors Center following paved, rural roads, al- RR1, Box 220, though some sections are unpaved. Crown Point, NY 12928 These unpaved roads provide (518) 597-4646 interesting views as well as other Route: Whitehall, NY, to types of biking experiences. The Chambly, Quebec, bike route provides access to local Canada. services and spectacular scenery. Distance: 163 miles (New York Also, some alternate routes are side) 200 miles (Vermont provided to allow the cyclist to side). customize his/her personal experi- ence.

92 Greenbelt Trail System Contact: Long Island Greenbelt northern end offers a surprising challenge in Trail Conference contrast to “flat” Long Island. Both the 23 Deer Path Road Long Island Greenbelt Trail and the Nassau- Central Islip, NY 11722 Suffolk Greenbelt trail have been desig- (516) 360-0753 nated National Recreation Trails. The Walt Whitman Trail and Loop Long Island Greenbelt Trail: 31.8 miles. Trail take the hiker on a trip through history. Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt Trail: 19.5 miles. The Walt Whitman Trail begins at Walt Walt Whitman Trail: 5.5 miles. Whitman’s birth place, a world renowned Walt Whitman Loop: 4.2 miles. historic site, and ends at the Nassau- Suffolk Pine Barrens Trail: 50 miles. Greenbelt Trail giving users access to more The system consists of five major hiking opportunities. The Loop Trail stays trails which provide opportunities to on the property of a county park. This loop experience diverse ecosystems and solitary offers views of the Atlantic Ocean as it experiences. travels through hills of oaks, maples, and The Long Island Greenbelt Trail is hickories mixed with beech, mountain laurel the oldest in the system and travels in a and trailing arbutus. north-south direction from Sunken Mead- Lastly, the Pine Barrens Trail bisects ows State Park to Hecksher State Park the core area of a fire adapted ecosystem. following the routes of the Connetquot and The Long Island Pine Barrens incorporate Nissequogue Rivers. The trail features the largest tract of undeveloped land on the beaches, pine barrens, deciduous forests, island. Walt Whitman noted that the area and tidal marshes. Observant hikers may has a peculiar aroma. This aroma is derived spot deer, fox, , opossum, egret, from the pitch pines, scrub oak, blueberry, kingfisher and many other species. huckleberry, bearberry, wintergreen and The Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt Trail sweet fern found throughout the area. is also a north-south route from Cold Spring Hikers may find deer, fox, flying squirrels, Harbor State Park to Massapequa. In an grouse and pheasants. The trail is marked area of heavy development, this trail is a narrow with blazes from Rocky Point to the belt of green space that offers sights of picturesque Shinnecock Canal. Because of the area’s ponds, morainal ridges, open fields and susceptibility to fire, the route is subject to incredibly diverse flora and fauna. The frequent changes.

93 Notes

94 Notes

95 Notes

96 Helpful Advice Use caution and be sure that out” facilities. This means if you carry it children are supervised while using the in, carry it back out with you. This on- trails. It is advisable that you hike with your-honor policy helps to keep our trails, someone. state parks and forests clean. Litter is a Trails often lead to remote loca- problem for the environment and un- tions. You should: sightly to others. - Let someone know where you are Know the symptoms of hypo- going and when you expect to return. thermia, its causes and how to treat it. In - Take a map and compass, and know the winter, wear or pack additional warm how to use them. clothing and take other necessary precau- - Wear proper clothing and shoes. tions. Clothes should be loose-fitting and Only a few poisonous snakes are offer protection from wind, rain and found in New York State, and snake bites cold. The weather at the foot of a are rare. If you are bitten and are in doubt mountain is often quite different from as to whether the snake is poisonous, that at the top. assume that it is and seek medical help as - Sign in at trailhead registers, where quickly as possible. available. If someone is injured, treat the - Bring your own water. Never assume injury and make the injured person as that any water found along the trail is comfortable as possible. Do not leave the completely clean and safe to drink. injured person alone, if possible. Some- Insects can be annoying and may one should go for help, using the trail. cause illness. Mosquitoes are common Contact a forest or , state throughout New York. Black flies are employee or police officer with informa- troublesome in the Adirondack and tion about the person, where the injured Catskill Mountains in the spring. Deer person may be located, the extent of the ticks can cause Lyme Disease. Know injury and how it happened. about the precautions to prevent tick bites If you get lost, STOP where you and the symptoms of Lyme Disease. are, make yourself comfortable, rest and Poison Ivy may be found along prepare to stay warm and overnight. You New York State trails. Know the charac- have notified people where you are going teristics of the plant and be careful. and have signed a register. Help will Be careful with fire. When building arrive. a campfire use only dead and down wood. Be Careful and Enjoy New York Please stay on the trail, especially State Trails. when crossing private lands. Many trails are in “Carry-in, Carry- Equipment Checklist

For a safe recreational experi- • Insect protection ence, please determine which of • First aid kit, personal medica- the following items you may need tions, spare eyeglasses whenever hiking within New York • Rain gear and / or warm cloth- State. It is advisable to carry the ing following items: • Small plastic garbage bag to • Map and compass carry out your trash. • Full canteen or water bottle In addition, it is recom- • Knife mended that you check: • Flashlight with new batteries • Local weather forecasts • Sun protection (glasses, hat, • Hunting seasons / Fishing sunscreen) regulations • Emergency food • Permits

97 A Guide to Weather in the Empire State New York State experiences four Mountainous regions will have distinct seasons and the weather can be widely varying temperatures, even in unpredictable at times. The following summer. In winter, special precautionary information is provided to give outdoor measures should be taken, such as taking enthusiasts a basis for planning their appropriate equipment and notifying activities to compliment the potential someone where you will be and when weather conditions. These seasonal you will be back. Also, windchills can averages are to be used for general make the temperature much colder, so planning purposes only. Plan ahead and pay attention to wind speeds as well as be prepared. Contact the National temperature when planning your trip. Weather Bureau of a local airport for up- to-date forecasts before starting out.

Average High and Low Temperatures ekaL gnoL kroYweN ynablA notmahgniB olaffuB nwotretaW dicalP dnalsI ytiC rehtaeW )815( )513( )617( )212( noitamrofnI 7436-968 1114-927 4444-448 1000-679 hgiH.gvA.naJ °03 °82 °03 °62 °83 °83 °82

woL.gvA.naJ °21 °41 °71 °4 °42 °62 °8

hgiH.gvA.rpA °85 °35 °45 °05 °65 °16 °35

woL.gvA.rpA °63 °53 °63 °62 °14 °44 °83

hgiH.gvAyluJ °38 °87 °08 °77 °18 °58 °08

woL.gvAyluJ °06 °06 °16 °25 °66 °86 °16

hgiH.gvA.tcO °26 °75 °95 °55 °26 °66 °85

woL.gvA.tcO °93 °04 °24 °33 °54 °05 °04

Wind Chill Factors

dniW deepS )FseergeD(erutarepmeTriA )hpm( mlaC 54 04 53 03 52 02 51 01 5 0 5- 01- 51- 02- 52- 03- 5 34 73 23 72 22 61 11 6 0 5- 01- 51- 12- 62- 13- 63- 01 43 82 22 61 01 3 3- 9- 51- 12- 72- 43- 04- 64- 25- 85- 51 92 22 51 9 2 5- 21- 81- 52- 23- 83- 54- 25- 95- 56- 27- 02 52 81 11 4 3- 11- 81- 52- 23- 93- 64- 35- 06- 86- 57- 28- 52 22 51 8 0 7- 51- 22- 03- 73- 44- 25- 95- 76- 47- 28- 98- 03 02 31 5 3- 01- 81- 52- 33- 14- 84- 65- 46- 17- 97- 78- 49- 53 91 11 3 5- 21- 02- 82- 63- 44- 15- 95- 76- 57- 38- 09- 89- 04 81 01 2 6- 41- 22- 03- 83- 64- 35- 16- 96- 77- 58- 39- 01- 1 54 71 9 1 7- 51- 32- 13- 93- 74- 55- 36- 17- 97- 78- 59- 01- 3 05 71 3 1 7- 51- 32- 13- 04- 84- 65- 46- 27- 08- 88- 69- 01- 4

98 Useful Telephone Numbers Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) Main Office, Albany (518) 474-0456 OPRHP Regional Offices: New York City Region, New York City (212) 866-3100 Long Island Region, Babylon (631) 669-1000 Palisades Region, Bear Mountain (845) 786-2701 Taconic Region, Staatsburg (845) 889-4100 Saratoga-Capital District Region, Saratoga Springs (518) 584-2000 Region, Alexandria Bay (315) 482-2593 Central Region, Jamesville (315) 492-1756 Finger Lakes Region, Trumansburg (607) 387-7041 Genesee Region, Castile (585) 493-3600 Allegany Region, Salamanca (716) 354-9101 Niagara Region, (716) 278-1770 Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Main Office, Albany (Campgrounds) (518) 457-2500 Main Office, Albany (Trails) (518) 402-9428 DEC Regional Offices Region 1 - Stony Brook (631) 444-0200 Region 2 - Long Island City (718) 482-4900 Region 3 - New Paltz (including the Catskill Preserve) (845) 256-3000 Region 4 - Schenectady (518) 357-2234 Region 5- Ray Brook (including the Adirondack Preserve) (518) 897-1200 Region 5 - Emergency Assistance (Forest Rangers) (518) 891-0235 Region 6 - Watertown (315) 785-2239 Region 7 - Syracuse (315) 426-7400 Region 8 - Avon (585) 226-2466 Region 9 - Buffalo (716) 851-7000 ------State Trails Coordinator (518) 486-2909 Lake Champlain Bikeways (802) 652-2453 NYS Canal System 1-800-422-6254 Appalachian Trail Conservancy (304) 535-6331 North Country Trail Assoc. 1-866-445-3628 Hudson River Valley Greenway (518) 473-3835 Parks and Trails New York (518) 434-1583 I Love NY (Department of Economic Development) 1-800-225-5697 State Police - Capital District Headquarters (518) 783-3211 Emergency (most localities, check before you go) 911 NYS Thruway Road Conditions 1-800-847-8929 Useful World Wide Web Sites Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation www.nysparks.com Department of Environmental Conservation www.dec.ny.us New York State Canals www.nyscanals.gov I Love NY www.iloveny.com Weather conditions www.weather.com United State Geological Survey www.usgs.gov U.S.G.S. map orders http://store.usgs.gov www.nps.gov New York-New Jersey Trails Conference www.nynjtc.org www.adk.org Rails-To-Trails Conservancy www.railtrails.org GeneseeValley Greenway www.fogvg.org Finger Lakes Trails Conference www.fingerlakestrail.org North Country Trail Association www.northcountrytrail.org New York State Horse Council www.nyshc.org Parks and Trails New York www.ptny.org State of New York • David A. Paterson, Governor NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation • Carol Ash, Commissioner Department of Environmental Conservation • Alexander B. Grannis, Commissioner New York State Canal Corporation • John Buono, Chairman