The Empire State Trail

The Empire State Trail. at Niverville. , Why is It Called the Albany-Hudson Electric Trail? , The "AHET" name honors the trail's history as well as its present-day use. The 36-mile rail-trail follows the route of an electric trolley that operated from 1899 to 1929, running from downtown Albany through Rensselaer and Columbia Counties to the City of Hudson. The trolley revolutionized transportation in the area, providing a high-speed alternative to horse and mule travel on muddy roads. At its heyday in 1915, the electric trolley logged 1.4 million annual riders, spurring dramatic growth in communities along the route. In December 1929, the growing popularity of automobiles, coupled with the Great Depression, led to the trolley's demise. Today, the former rail corridor along which you are traveling is owned by National Grid, providing a vital link in the region's electricity distribution network., Electric Park , When the trolley line was built in 1899, electrical power became available for the first time in communities along the route. Eager to promote interest in this new technology, the railroad opened Electric Park on Kinderhook Lake in 1901. With two Ferris wheels, a roller coaster, and a large carousel, the park was the largest amusement park between New York City and Montreal, and attracted crowds of over 10,000 visitors on warm summer days. Period advertisements promoted Electric Park as a refined destination, where alcohol was prohibited and ladies and children could go unattended. The park's only remaining vestige is Electric Park Road, which the trail crosses 1.5 miles north of here., (opposite side) , The 750-mi Empire State Trail connects people to New York's spectacular natural beauty, cultural heritage. iconic landscapes, and unparalleled outdoor recreation opportunities. The Trail promotes healthy lifestyles and provides a place for friends and families to experience the Empire State's special places and rich diversity - connecting urban centers, village main streets, and rural communities from New York City through the Hudson River Valley, west to Buffalo along the historic Erie Canal, and north to the Champlain Valley and Adirondacks , Enjoy the journey , empiretrail.ny.gov