Mohawk Hudson Bike-Hike Trail

Mohawk Hudson Bike-Hike Trail is a 40-mile multi-use recreational path traversing the Capital District of New York. It primarily follows the historic corridor of the Erie Canal and the right-of-way of the former New York Central Railroad, connecting the cities of Albany and Schenectady with the village of Cohoes. The trail is a key component of the statewide Empire State Trail and forms part of the longer Erie Canalway Trail.

Route description

The trail's western terminus is at Riverside Park in Schenectady, near the Mohawk River. It proceeds eastward, largely paralleling the Mohawk River and the modern New York State Canal System, passing through the towns of Niskayuna and Colonie. A significant northern spur branches off near Cohoes, following the Hudson River north to the Watervliet-Albany line at the Port of Albany. The main eastern segment continues from Cohoes south along the Hudson River, concluding at the Corning Preserve in downtown Albany. The path offers continuous views of the two rivers, navigational locks like those at Waterford, and several historic Erie Canal aqueducts.

History

The trail's development is intrinsically linked to the transportation history of New York. Much of its alignment occupies the former roadbed of the New York Central Railroad's West Shore Railroad branch, which was constructed in the 19th century. Following the railroad's decline, the corridor was acquired for public use. Initial segments were developed in the late 20th century through efforts by Albany County, the NYSDOT, and advocacy groups like Parks & Trails New York. Its incorporation as a flagship segment of the 750-mile Empire State Trail, championed by former Governor Andrew Cuomo, was completed in 2020, providing unified signage and improved surfaces.

Access and trailheads

Major access points with parking are located at Riverside Park in Schenectady, the Rotterdam Kiwanis Park in Rotterdam, Lock 7 Park in Niskayuna, and the Colonie Town Park in Colonie. The eastern sections are served by trailheads at the Cohoes Visitors Center, the Albany County Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail junction in Voorheesville, and the Corning Preserve in Albany. Many points offer direct connections to local street networks, including those in the Watervliet and Green Island areas.

Connecting trails

The trail is a central link in regional and national trail networks. At its western end in Schenectady, it connects to the Erie Canalway Trail, which continues west to Buffalo. In Cohoes, it intersects with the Champlain Canalway Trail, leading north toward Whitehall and Lake Champlain. The southern terminus at Corning Preserve provides a seamless junction with the Albany County Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail, which travels south to Voorheesville. Collectively, these form critical sections of the cross-state Empire State Trail and the longer East Coast Greenway.

Usage and amenities

The paved and crushed-stone surface accommodates year-round activity for cyclists, hikers, inline skaters, and cross-country skiers. The trail passes numerous amenities, including restrooms at major parks like Lock 7 Park, picnic areas at Rotterdam Kiwanis Park, and interpretive signage detailing the history of the Erie Canal. It is frequently used for commuting between Capital District communities and hosts annual events such as the Tour de Cure and the Albany Pine Bush Preserve discovery tours. The route offers direct access to points of interest including the New York State Museum in Albany and Union College in Schenectady.

Category:Multi-use trails in New York (state) Category:Capital District, New York Category:Erie Canal Category:Trails in Albany County, New York Category:Trails in Schenectady County, New York