Sep 30, 2025
The Empire State Trail (EST) isn’t just the longest multi-use state trail in the country — it’s a vital driver of tourism and economic growth across New York. From bed-and-breakfasts in Western NY to breweries in the Hudson Valley to farm stands in the Adirondacks, the trail fuels local economies and connects travelers with the best of what New York has to offer.
Now, we have an opportunity to measure — and elevate — that impact. And we need your help.
A Landmark Study with Big Potential
Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) has launched a first-of-its-kind economic impact study of the 750-mile Empire State Trail, in partnership with LaBella Associates and Institute for Transportation Research and Education at North Carolina State.
This comprehensive, statewide research effort will quantify the trail’s contributions to:
- Tourism-related spending
- Local real estate values
- Small business growth and recruitment
- Public health and wellness
- Community revitalization
It’s the most ambitious greenway economic analysis ever done in New York — and maybe even the U.S.
Why It Matters to You
As a tourism partner, this data will be a game-changer for marketing, grant applications, event planning, and destination development efforts.
By helping us gather real feedback from trail users, you’ll contribute to:
- Increased trail-related tourism and spending in your region
- Stronger data to justify future funding and investment
- More visibility for your businesses or destination on the trail map
The results will help policymakers, funders, and developers better understand the value trails bring to our economy — and to the communities you serve.
How You Can Help
We're asking partners like you to spread the word about the Empire State Trail Economic Impact Survey.
Here’s how you can get involved:
1. Share the Survey Link
Post it on your website, in newsletters, or on social media. This is a web-based survey for anyone who has used the trail in the past year.
Survey link: https://go.ncsu.edu/est_fullsurvey
2. Request Posters and Flyers
We'll send printed materials you can display in your welcome center, business, trailhead, or lodging space — wherever trail users might stop by. Email PTNY’s Erica Schneider at eschneider@ptny.org to request these materials.
3. Stay tuned for more info!
As part of the study, PTNY will be compiling additional data from our tourism partners to capture the full economic impact of the trail, so stay tuned for more ways to get involved!