The pivotal point in the development of Empire State Trail America’s Pilgrimage Passport Program (ESTAP) was on December 31, 2020, during a Covid-19 briefing, when New York State’s Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the completion of the Empire State Trail (EST), stating:

 

“Nearly four years ago, we announced plans to build the Empire State Trail and I am excited to announce it’s been completed on time and will open on New Year’s Eve”, adding “There’s no trail like it in the nation – 750 miles of multi-use trail literally from Manhattan to the Canadian Border, from Buffalo to Albany… it provides an opportunity to experience the natural beauty and history of New York… there is no better time than now to experience it for yourself.” 

 

As one of the millions of viewers around the globe who were sheltered-in-place during the Covid-19 pandemic, watching that briefing was the moment in time I thought it possible to bring the Spanish Camino de Santiago concept to NY State’s EST and the ESTAP concept was born. 

 

Over the past 4 years, I have visited towns and villages between Pittsford and Amsterdam, and walked portions of the Erie Canal several times. My overall takeaway is that the EST is much more than just a walking and bicycling trail -- it is a beacon which attracts and invites exploring all that New York State has to offer, connecting people and showcasing New York's special places, diverse history and iconic landscapes. It also provides the perfect backdrop for the ESTAP to help local communities continue to explore additional economic opportunities while enacting longterm sustainable growth and tourism management strategies.