State Clears Path for Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail Project

By Y.M. Lowy

State officials have formally approved plans for the Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail, a major recreational project planned along the eastern shore of the Hudson River in the lower Hudson Valley.

The approval comes after the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation signed off on a final Environmental Impact Statement this week, allowing the project to move forward after years of planning.

The Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail is designed as a continuous system of paths and connections stretching through the riverfront corridor between Cold Spring and Beacon. The project includes a 7.5-mile main trail running along the Hudson River, along with additional connecting paths, water access points, and regional trail links. Plans also call for new and expanded parking areas, restroom facilities at multiple locations, and a maintenance facility in Beacon.

State officials said the review process examined the project’s impacts and concluded that potential issues would be addressed or minimized where possible, clearing the way for full implementation of the trail’s plan.

Once completed, the Fjord Trail is expected to draw significant interest from hikers, walkers, and visitors from across the region. State estimates project that the trail could attract hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.

Construction is expected to take place in phases, with the overall project anticipated to be completed by 2031.

Image courtesy of Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail