New York will spend $2 million in this year's budget for projects to improve and expand hiking trails and outdoor recreational access projects in State Parks across New York. The money includes work in the Hudson Highlands, Rockefeller Preserve, the Harlem Valley Rail Trail and state parks across the Taconic region.

New York State Parks feature more than 2,000 miles of trails, from challenging mountain climbs to gentle bicycle paths. For example, visitors can explore back country trails in thousands of acres of protected open space in the rugged Hudson Highlands preserve area, which stretches across Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester counties. The trails projects are part of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's commitment to improving parks and expanding access to outdoor recreation through the NY Parks 2020 Plan.

"The New York State Parks system offers unparalleled natural beauty and world-class outdoor recreation in every corner of this state," Cuomo said in a press release. "With this funding, we ensure that our trails and parks remain second to none, and I encourage residents and visitors alike to get out this summer and explore the hundreds of miles of trails New York has to offer." Cuomo in April announced the preservation of more than 5,900 acres of parkland in the Hudson Highlands, expanding access to outdoor recreation and forever protecting diminishing open space. The parkland includes a 3,777-acre conservation easement for Black Rock Forest in Orange County as well as significant parcels abutting Bear Mountain, Clarence Fahnestock, Goosepond Mountain, Harriman, Rockland Lake, and Schunnemunk Mountain State Parks.

Trail Improvements in the Hudson Valley

Rockefeller State Park Preserve -- $500,000 to rehabilitate a portion of the beautiful carriage trails in Pocantico Hills that were designed by John D. Rockefeller with inspiration from Frederick Law Olmsted. This multi-phase project will restore the historic design and increase safety on the trails, ensuring generations to come will be able to enjoy this beautiful woodland setting and park preserve.

The Harlem Valley Rail Trail -- $300,000 to resurface an older section of this popular bike route that runs through Dutchess and Columbia counties. Close to Taconic State Park, this trail offers the opportunity to ride to or from the state park and through the beautiful fields and farmland of our eastern counties.

Hudson Highlands State Park – $250,000 funding for trail rehabilitation that meets the standards for trail accessibility. With views of the Hudson River and the spectacular Highlands as well as improved fishing access this trail will continue to activate Denning's Point as part of Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve.

Taconic Region State Parks – $40,000 to design and create interpretive panels for multiple parks in the region. For more information on trails in New York's state parks, go here.