I biked a portion of the Empire State Trail and wanted to share these tips for anyone considering it.
Tips
- Practice changing your bike’s inner tube before your trip.
- Fasten bags carefully to your bike so they don’t rub or snag against brake cables, which can immediately disable your brake.
- Pick a timeframe with mild temperatures and a clear forecast—even a light drizzle can make the ride uncomfortable.
- If you go during a shoulder season (I went in September) you may be able to book your lodging the night before (I did).
- Don’t trust Google Maps or Google’s AI summary for the official Empire State Trail route or related distance estimations.
- Use the Ride with GPS app—its routes follow the official trails and are more bike-friendly than Google Maps.
- If you don’t have a phone mount, a one-month Premium subscription gives you turn-by-turn voice navigation.
- Keep in mind surface ratings can be inaccurate. For example, the Albany–Hudson segment lists 11 miles as unpaved, but only about a quarter-mile actually was.
- For better lodging deals, consider staying in Albany instead of Hudson.
- Confirm ahead of time that your lodging allows bikes inside or offers secure overnight storage.
- Taking a bike on Amtrak is easy, just reserve a bike pass when booking your train ticket (I went during off peak times and slots never filled up).
- Use a bike tire pressure calculator to determine the optimal PSI for your setup and load.
- Build in extra buffer time to rest, grab food, and enjoy the scenery.
Packing List
- Food and water
- Lightweight bike lock (skip the heavy U-lock; bring a light cable lock for quick bathroom stops)
- Flat repair kit:
- 2x spare inner tubes (saves time patching on the trail)
- 2+ tire levers
- Portable bike pump or CO2 inflator
- Front light and blinking rear light
- Helmet
- Clear glasses/sunglasses and a lightweight long-sleeved shirt (essential for shielding against bugs)
- Sunscreen
- Toiletries, change of clothes, and personal items
- Phone charger / power bank
- On-bike storage:
- Handlebar bag
- Frame bag
- Rear bike rack with Titan straps
Please leave a comment if you have tips to add!