If you thought the 750-mile Empire State Trail was the peak of New York’s outdoor ambitions, think again. While that trail successfully linked Manhattan to the Canadian border, it left out millions of New Yorkers in Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island.
That’s finally changing.
The Long Island Greenway is no longer just a concept on a map–it’s a massive, multi-phase expansion that is officially moving into its construction phase for 2026. Once finished, it will create a seamless, scenic route for cyclists and hikers to travel from The Battery all the way to the Atlantic Ocean.
What Is The Long Island Greenway?
Think of it as the “Fourth Branch” of the Empire State Trail. While the existing routes take you North and West toward Albany, Buffalo, and Canada, the Greenway is the long-awaited eastward extension.
Managed by the Trust for Public Land (TPL), the project aims to build a world-class recreation corridor that is:
- Nearly 200 miles long from end to end
- 60% off-road, utilizing scenic parks, converted rail lines, and utility corridors
- Connected to 90+ communities, putting five million New Yorkers within a 10-minute walk of the trail
The Master Plan: 5 Major Sections
The project is being tackled in massive sections to eventually create one continuous ride. Here’s how the route breaks down:
- Section 1: Eisenhower Park to Brentwood State Park – 25 miles
- Section 2: South Fork, Riverhead to Montauk – 50 miles
- Section 3: Riverhead to Brentwood – 40 miles
- Section 4: Riverhead to Orient Point – 35 miles
- Section 5: Manhattan Connection – 38 miles
Why 2026 Is The Breakthrough Year
This isn’t just talk anymore. The project has officially secured $35 million in funding, with $16.4 million specifically earmarked to get the first 12 miles of the trail under construction.
Work on the initial segment–stretching through central Long Island–is slated to begin this year. It’s the first domino to fall in what will eventually be a car-free “road trip” to the Hamptons.
The Long Island Greenway is about more than just a bike path; it’s a way to reclaim the landscape and offer a safe, green alternative to some of the busiest roadways in the country.
What The Experience Will Be Like
Imagine starting your Saturday at Battery Park, crossing into Brooklyn, and pedaling through a string of “Trail Towns” filled with local coffee shops, historic landmarks, and hidden nature preserves.
Instead of fighting traffic on the Long Island Expressway, you’ll be cruising through:
- Coastal Views: The grand finale at Montauk Point, where the trail meets the lighthouse
- Lush Forested Paths: Using protected utility corridors and old rail lines
- Historic Downtowns: Easy “on-and-off” points in local villages for lunch and shopping
The Bottom Line
The Long Island Greenway isn’t just another bike path–it’s shaping up to be the ultimate coast-to-coast ride across Long Island.
Once complete, you’ll be able to roll out from the edges of NYC, cruise through leafy suburbs, quiet preserves, and historic downtowns, and keep going until you hit the beaches out east.
Think of it as a car-free road trip to Montauk–just swap traffic for fresh air and LIRR tracks for tree-lined trails.
