Long Island Greenway: New York’s Record-Breaking 200-Mile Coastal Trail Expansion

New York is embarking on one of its most ambitious outdoor infrastructure projects to date: the Long Island Greenway, a nearly 200-mile scenic trail that will connect Manhattan to Montauk. The multi-phase initiative, managed by the Trust for Public Land (TPL), is officially moving into its construction phase in 2026, marking a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to expand its trail network and provide millions of residents with accessible outdoor recreation.

From Concept to Construction

The Long Island Greenway is designed to serve as the “Fourth Branch” of New York’s Empire State Trail, which currently spans 750 miles from Manhattan to the Canadian border. While the existing trail system has connected northern and western regions of the state, it has left out large populations in Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island—until now. The new greenway will extend eastward, creating a seamless route for cyclists, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts to travel from The Battery in Lower Manhattan to the Atlantic Ocean at Montauk Point.

The project has secured $35 million in funding, with $16.4 million specifically earmarked to begin construction on the first 12 miles of the trail. Once completed, the greenway will be approximately 60% off-road, utilizing parks, converted rail lines, and utility corridors to minimize conflicts with vehicular traffic. The route is expected to connect more than 90 communities, placing an estimated five million New Yorkers within a 10-minute walk of the trail.

A Five-Section Master Plan

The Long Island Greenway is being developed in five major sections to ensure a phased and manageable construction process. The planned segments are as follows:

• 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

The Manhattan Connection segment will serve as the critical link between the Long Island Greenway and the existing Empire State Trail, ensuring continuity for travelers moving between the city and Long Island. The Trust for Public Land has emphasized that the project is not only about recreation but also about fostering connectivity between communities, natural spaces, and urban centers.

Local Leadership and Collaborative Efforts

Suffolk County has played a key role in advancing the project, with County Executive Ed Romaine announcing the commencement of the design phase for the eastern portion of the trail. The effort is a collaboration between multiple public entities, including state and local governments, nonprofit organizations, and community stakeholders. Romaine described the initiative as a step toward creating a “continuous trail from Long Island’s East End to the heart of New York City,” highlighting its potential to boost tourism, economic activity, and public health.

The Trust for Public Land has been working closely with local communities to ensure the greenway reflects the needs and priorities of residents. The organization’s vision extends beyond the trail itself, aiming to create a world-class recreation corridor that enhances access to nature while preserving Long Island’s scenic landscapes.

Broader Implications for New York’s Trail Network

The Long Island Greenway is part of a broader trend in New York’s outdoor infrastructure development. In 2025, the state celebrated the completion of the Adirondack Rail Trail, a 34-mile multi-use corridor between Lake Placid and Tupper Lake. That project, which saw higher-than-expected usage across all seasons, demonstrated the growing demand for accessible outdoor spaces. The success of the Adirondack Rail Trail has provided momentum for other large-scale trail initiatives, including the Long Island Greenway.

The Trust for Public Land has framed the greenway as a transformative project for the region, with the potential to serve as a model for other urban-adjacent trail systems. By prioritizing off-road segments and community connectivity, the project aims to address long-standing gaps in New York’s outdoor recreation infrastructure, particularly for residents of densely populated areas who may lack easy access to parks and trails.

What Comes Next

With construction set to begin in 2026, the first phase of the Long Island Greenway will focus on the initial 12 miles of trail. While the full completion timeline has not been finalized, the Trust for Public Land and its partners have indicated that the project will proceed in stages, with each section opening to the public as it is completed. The organization has also emphasized the importance of ongoing community engagement to ensure the trail meets the needs of diverse user groups, from commuters to recreational cyclists and hikers.

As New York continues to expand its trail network, the Long Island Greenway stands out as one of the most ambitious and far-reaching projects in the state’s history. When finished, it will not only provide a new way for residents and visitors to explore Long Island but also serve as a testament to the growing recognition of trails as vital public infrastructure.