New York Trails

Trust for Public Land is helping New York communities transform forgotten rail lines, unsafe streets, and underused corridors into vibrant trails and greenways that bring people together, improve public health, and reconnect residents with the outdoors.

From the neighborhoods of Buffalo to the heart of the Southern Tier, and from Queens to the shores of Long Island, we’re building trails that do more than get you from point A to point B. These are paths to opportunity—connecting people to parks, schools, waterfronts, jobs, and each other.

In a time of rising health challenges, climate stresses, and disconnection from nature, trails offer a powerful solution. They invite us outside, reduce car dependence, and support cleaner air and water. They help native plants and wildlife flourish. And when done right, trails become equalizers—bringing access and investment to the places that need them most.

That’s why Trust for Public Land has been a leader in trail development since 1972. We’re helping communities redefine infrastructure because trails are more than pathways. They’re vital connections that promote health, climate resilience, and local mobility.

Across New York, we’ve partnered with cities, counties, MPOs, and regional agencies to plan and align each project with comprehensive plans, transportation goals, and climate strategies. With over 100 miles of trail currently underway, we’re bringing bold, community-driven visions to life by building walkable, bikeable places where people come first.