CLYDE — This Wayne County village is one of three communities statewide to be named Empire State Trail Towns.
Clyde joins Newark, which was selected two years ago.
The selection was announced last week by Parks & Trails New York, which also recognized two other communities: the Cayuga County canal communities of Montezuma, Port Byron, and Weedsport, and Canajoharie in Montgomery County.
Parks & Trails, a private organization advocating for park and trail recreation and improvements, said the three communities were selected through a competitive application process and “demonstrated a singular commitment to embracing the Empire State Trail as a core asset around which future planning and investment should be oriented.”
The group said the program “is designed to build capacity and guide communities through the process of identifying ways they can capitalize on their location along the longest single-state, multi-use trail in the nation–the Empire State Trail.
“Clyde is a vibrant trail town, inviting cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts to stop and explore. The trail runs directly through the downtown that boasts a charming village park and popular food and drink options like ice cream, pizza, and diner fare.”
The organization said that each July “Clyde becomes a favorite stop for Cycle the Erie cyclists, who enjoy live music, free snacks, bike services, and a friendly community atmosphere. The village hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the River Rock Music Festival and the Clyde Festival, making it a prime destination for trail users.”
Clyde Mayor Jerry Fremouw said the village is pleased to receive the designation, noting the many improvements it has made to take advantage of the canal trail.
“For the last 20-plus years we have been working on improving Lauraville Landing Park, which is directly on the canal,” he said. “The park includes a pavilion, playground, boat docks, pump-out station, campsites, and bathroom facilities. With the assistance from local groups such as Clyde SPAN and Cornell Cooperative, we have hosted Canal Clean Sweeps, festivals, and various events. Moving forward, we expect our new partnership with Cycle Tourism Clyde and Savannah will continue to bring more people to our local community.”
Parks & Trails said the 10-month program goals are to “increase opportunities for residents to access high-quality recreational opportunities and to create trail-friendly destinations where visitors want to stay, explore, and spend.”
Trail Towns is funded by the New York State Canal Corp., “which will assist the selected communities with developing a network of local partners committed to the Trail Town initiative.”
Additional assistance includes an assessment of trail usage, strengths and areas for improvement. The group said public workshops will be held to allow the community to “share their ideas and identify ways to establish their communities as great places to live and must-visit destinations along the Empire State Trail.”
According to Parks & Trails, after completion of the program, each community will receive a set of recommendations to guide future Trail Town work.
Parks & Trails said that since the completion of the Empire State Trail in 2020, the Erie and Champlain Canalway Trails have grown in popularity, attracting visitors from all over the world. Trail use figures from 2023 estimate that the Canalway Trail system now draws nearly 4 million visits per year.
Canal Corp. Director Brian Stratton praised the Trail Town awardees.
“We are always working to find ways to enhance the Empire State Trail and to further connect its adjacent communities so that everyone gets the most out of this incredible public asset, and that includes this year’s very deserving winners,” he said. “I offer our sincere congratulations to Canajoharie, Clyde, and Cayuga County. The recognition and economic benefit that comes to the communities that participate in this invaluable program is tangible, and we’re excited to see good that is to come for these three localities.”
