FORT Friends of the Rail Trail

10/15/2026

The old Freight Depot at the Slingerlands Trail Head has been moved, and is sitting above the new foundation. Weather allowing, it is scheduled to be lowered onto the foundation tomorrow (10/16). The rain date is Monday, 10/19.

10/15/2026

This legislation, as-is or in future iterations, will have significant impact on the Rail Trail. Keep up with its implementation, and let your voice be heard.

The law goes into effect in 30 days and includes requiring helmets and supporting law enforcement to be able to impound e-bikes. Link in comments.

10/09/2026

The Rail Trail is playing a huge role in the growth of greenways in New York. Check this out and join in the process.

the impact of the empire state trail Our newest report finds the 750-mile Empire State Trail is delivering transformative economic, health, and environmental benefits across the state, generating $1.87 billion in economic activity while connecting millions to safe outdoor recreation. Read the report...

10/07/2026

Newly posted signs on the Trail are one more illustration of the significant importance of its role as a part of our public health system.

10/02/2026

When you're 111 years old, you are entitled to a checkup once in a while. The Rail Trail bridge over the Normans Kill got an inspection on Thursday -- right down to detailed measurements -- and we keep our fingers crossed that all is well.

10/02/2026

Please be advised, the Slingerlands Trailhead Parking Lot & EV Chargers will be closed from 7:30pm on Friday, October 2nd until 3:30pm Saturday, October 3rd in preparation for the 5th annual Barn to Bridge 5k and Fall Fest.

10/01/2026

09/29/2026

Strech out, lace up and hit the Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail! Albany County Parks and Recreations Teen & Adult Run Club welcomes runners of all experience levels for group runs, with a variety of routes and distances each week. Join us Saturdays from September 19 through November 21, 9:00 - 10:30 AM!

Missed out on the first week's action? Register for FREE today at:
https://albanycounty.recdesk.com/Community/Home

09/29/2026

New York’s Active Transportation Plan is nearing completion, and it is generating a great deal of concern from all over the state.

While it may seem quite removed from our daily lives, it will have immense impact over bicycling and scootering, walking, running, and other forms of non-motorized movement — all of significant interest to supporters of the Rail Trail.

Here are three key links:

1. What is the plan -

https://nysdotwalkbikeplan.com/

2. A summary report on what the concerns are -

https://empire.streetsblog.org/gov-hochuls-state-dot-bike-ped-plan-is-all-process-no-promises-advocates

1. A formal letter of concern to NYSDOT from active transportation organizations from across the state -

3. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ShNub6Oy1iszqMCu-9ZaCCycDQbjNQsB_bN9QLQ4dHA/edit?usp=drivesdk

We will keep information about the plan flowing as it becomes available.