Why You Need the Empire State Pass
If you hike more than eight times a year, then the Empire State Pass will be a good investment. With the Empire Pass you get access to a number of different parks, lakes, and beaches. The pass allows you to park for free at various DEC facilities and NY State Parks.
So, how much is the Empire State Pass? The Empire pass is $80 and can be renewed yearly. The pass lasts from January 1st of each year until December 31st. You can renew the pass online and receive a discount. If you renew before the expiration date you can get a $15 discount. Another benefit of the Empire pass card is that you can share it with family and friends. If they want to go to the beach and you’re stuck at work they can use your card to enter for free. From Jones Beach and Sunken Meadow to Rockland Lake and Nyack Beach, the choice is theirs.
The reason we decided to get the pass is because we plan on doing more biking and hiking in state parks. We also want to start the Empire State Trail which is 750 miles of hiking and biking trails. You can go from the city to Albany or even all the way towards Canada to Rouses Point.
The Empire State Pass card will allow us to explore more trails and put our feet on new paths. When you purchase the pass, you’ll receive a pamphlet with all the facilities you can visit. They include areas such as Allegany Region, Finger Lake Region, Taconic Region, Palisades and Niagara Region. With so many different options, you’ll never run out of places to hike, bike or explore.
