About Us
Mission
The mission of the Friends of the Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail is to develop through public education and stewardship the historical, recreational, and economic opportunities of the Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail.
The Friends of the Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail works to ensure the long-term success of the trail and related trails. This includes integrating the Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail as a keystone, forging a link among three major state trail corridors - the Erie Canalway Trail, the Hudson River Valley Greenway Trail System, and the Champlain Canalway Trail - all of which are now part of the statewide Empire State Trail. When completed, the Empire State Trail will span over 750 miles, making it one of the longest multi-use recreational trails in the country.
Events and programs
The Friends carry out this mission in various ways:
Trail work: We organize 1-2 cleanup events every year. Depending on the section of trail being addressed, this may involve cutting back brush and picking up litter. Like our Facebook page to stay up to date on trail cleanups and other events.
Advocacy: Members of the Friends write letters, make phone calls and attend planning meetings to advocate for trail improvements and trail safety.
Information: The Friends helps trail users plan their trips, answering questions about the trail and offering information on access points, trail conditions and more.
Ambassadors: The Friends hosts the Canalway Trail Ambassadors program for the local section of the Erie Canalway Trail. You can read more about the trail ambassadors here.
Promotion: In 2019, we co-hosted the first Color the Canal event, a visual and sculptural art event designed to welcome Cycle the Erie Canal riders to our section of trail and to promote the trail locally. We continued the effort in 2020, adding a mural in Niskayuna, and are in the planning stages for 2021.
We are pleased to have Parks & Trails New York assist our group along with the Canalway Trail Association of New York (CTANY). For more information, visit: http://www.ptny.org/canalway