The Tri-State Trail Network

Regional Plan Association released a report entitled Accessing Nature which outlines how New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut can become leaders in connecting residents with the region’s natural beauty and recreational activities. The report recommends existing and proposed trail routes to be prioritized and built to create one of the nation’s largest regional trails networks. The system would make trail access more equitable, putting over 80% of the region’s current residents within two miles of a trail and facilitating access to 141 local, state and national parks or preserves by joining the region’s trails into a continuous network.

Building the Tri-State Trail network will promote health, equity, the environment, and economic activity throughout the region. Access to green space has many proven health benefits, including decreased rates of depression and obesity. The Tri-State Trail will also create safe routes for natural migration while reducing the need for car travel and associated carbon emissions for residents to visit natural areas. Low income residents, disproportionately without cars, people with disabilities and bike riders will particularly benefit from expanded access to the region’s natural assets. Additionally, the network will create economic development and tourism opportunities, especially in towns and cities that currently have limited or no public transportation options.

From the Community

Open letter from 22 leading trails, hiking, biking and walking, land trusts and environmental groups supporting the Tri-State Trail Network.

Accessing Nature also includes a number of recommendations for how to complete planning and implementation of proposed trail routes and facilitate the connection of existing trails, including:

  • Organizing a regional trail coalition to prioritize trail segments, raise and allocate funding and provide support to local groups.
  • Setting clear standards for trail construction and access to allow for universal access wherever possible.
  • Connecting regional rail to the trail network 111 regional rail stations, plus 237 New York City subway stations and 13 PATH stations are within a half-mile of the regional trails.
  • Utilizing utility corridors, such as underused rail and power line areas, to create trail connections, especially through some of the region’s most densely populated areas.
  • Identifying gaps in existing proposals where connections can be made with other existing trails, population centers, and mass transit access.

The report also calls for building off of decades of work done by local and national organizations as well as local municipalities that have developed over 800 miles of the 1,650-mile network already. The concept would link existing trails and trails currently under construction – such as the Harbor Ring, Morris Canal Greenway, Merritt Parkway Trail, and Empire State Trail — and provide a larger vision to help unite local trails groups land trusts and federal, state, and local governments, and other community stakeholders to bring additional expertise and financial support to help expedite the development of these projects. 

Read the full report