PTNY is thrilled to announce the publication of a new guidebook, Cycling the Hudson and Champlain Valleys. This guidebook follows the 400-mile path of the Empire State Trail from its southernmost tip in Manhattan up to the Canadian border alongside the north end of Lake Champlain. Dedicated long-distance cyclists, casual riders, and even those exploring sections of the trail on foot will find a wealth of information and resources in this essential manual.

As a companion guidebook to Cycling the Erie Canal, the new book similarly guides readers through the history, culture, art, and natural resources that make each section of the trail and its surroundings unique and compelling. A curated list of attractions is illustrated on each map, depicted in close detail to ensure that visitors can find their intended destination by bike, on foot, or through other means of transportation. The 154-page book provides information on historic sites, parks, visitor centers, parking, and other resources within a 5-mile radius of the trail.

The southern corridor of the Empire State Trail, from NYC to Albany, consists of a network of many smaller trails within the Hudson River Valley Greenway Trail. Seventy-five percent of the trails shown in the Hudson Valley are off-road, and many are paved. Details are provided in the guidebook on trail conditions and when to expect on-road crossings. Many of the trails in the Hudson Valley are perfect for weekend day trips, casual riding, and expeditions on foot or by car, because of their close proximity to dining, craft breweries and wineries, apple orchards, nature preserves, and other amenities. Inset maps in the Hudson Valley highlight Poughkeepsie, New Paltz, Kingston, Hudson, Albany, and Troy.

Just north of the Capital Region, the 62-mile Champlain Canalway Trail section of the Empire State Trail takes visitors from Waterford to Whitehall. Trail conditions vary, with alternating on- and off-road portions shown on the guidebook’s maps. Inset maps in this region show a detailed look at recreational options for guests in historic downtown Schuylerville and Glens Falls.

The Adirondack portion of the Empire State Trail, north of Whitehall and beyond the terminus of the Hudson River Valley Greenway Trail, is only recommended for serious road cyclists as the majority of the path is on hilly, fairly heavily used roads. Specific safety guidance is provided in the book for those who wish to ride in this region. Visitors to the Lake Champlain and Plattsburgh areas who wish to travel by car, boat, or Amtrak, however, will also find the guidebook useful for navigating to memorable attractions and necessary amenities. Lakeside views in this corridor are breathtakingly beautiful and feature mountain range vistas on both sides–the Adirondack mountains to the west and the Green Mountains in Vermont to the east.

For those seeking overnight accommodations in the Hudson or Champlain Valleys, the guidebook offers helpful lodging and campsite listings, as well as information on bike shops and craft beverage purveyors. Instructions for preparing for and planning a cycling trip, selecting transportation to and from the trail, and how to navigate other logistics along the way are also provided.

Cycling the Hudson and Champlain Valleys retails for $26.95. Riders interested in expanding their travels westward can consider purchasing its companion guidebook, Cycling the Erie Canal. Parks & Trails New York members enjoy a special discount price on all guidebooks, in addition to other member benefits.