Cannabis Dispensary Near Empire State Trail
The closest Farmers Choice to Empire State Trail is our New Paltz farm stand, about 9 miles away, roughly a 15-minute drive.
Farmers Choice New Paltz
What is Empire State Trail?
The Empire State Trail is New York's 750-mile walking and cycling network, completed in 2020, that links New York City to Canada and Buffalo to Albany on one continuous signed route. Its Hudson Valley leg runs straight through this stretch of the valley: riders come up the William R. Steinhaus Dutchess Rail Trail on the east bank, cross the river on the Walkway Over the Hudson more than 200 feet above the water, and continue west and north on the Hudson Valley Rail Trail through Highland. That mid-Hudson crossing is one of the signature moments of the entire route, and it happens fifteen minutes from the farm stand.
Why it is worth the trip
Section riders and thru-riders treat the mid-Hudson crossing as a trophy stage, and day visitors get to sample the very best of it without committing to 750 miles. Start at a Highland trailhead, roll east through the tunnel of trees, and the trail delivers you onto the Walkway deck with the whole valley underfoot, then back for ice cream in the hamlet. Families ride a flat, paved, car-free out-and-back of any length they like, roadies use the signed route to build century days, and walkers get the same bridge views at a stroll. It is infrastructure that feels like a destination.
Plan your visit
For the west-bank gateway, park at the Hudson Valley Rail Trail lots in Highland, off Haviland Road near the Walkway entrance or at Tony Williams Park, about fifteen minutes from Farmers Choice New Paltz via Route 299 and Route 9W. The trail is free, open sunrise to sunset, paved through this whole section, and signed in both directions, so navigation is just following the markers. Riding south to north? The route threads Highland's hamlet, where Vineyard Avenue's cafes sit a block off the path. Check the Walkway's own hours, the elevator and deck close in high wind and ice.
Good to know
The Empire State Trail is really three long trails meeting near Albany, and this section belongs to the Hudson Valley Greenway leg, so expect the heaviest traffic of the whole route on sunny weekends between the Walkway and Highland. Fall Saturdays are gorgeous and busy, spring weekdays are empty, and winter walking on the plowed sections is a local secret. Cyclists doing the Dutchess side should know our Fishkill farm stand sits a short drive off that county's leg of the route, so both banks of the river have a Farmers Choice within reach of the trail.
Make Farmers Choice part of the day
The New Paltz farm stand sits at Thruway Exit 18, fifteen minutes from the Highland trailheads, which makes it the natural west-bank basecamp for a day on the trail. Order Now from the New Paltz menu as you finish your ride and the pickup is usually ready by the time you have the bikes racked, or Visit Us on the way out and Ask Our Team where to refuel in Highland afterwards. Bring a valid 21+ ID, keep everything sealed for the drive, and remember that the trail, the Walkway, and every vehicle are all off limits for consuming under New York law.
1 Old Route 299, New Paltz, NY 12561, get directionsDaily 8AM to 10PM845-419-2420Find us on the way
Farmers Choice New Paltz sits at 1 Old Route 299, right where Route 299 meets NYS Thruway Exit 18, about 9 miles from Empire State Trail.
Empire State Trail questions
Is there a dispensary near the Empire State Trail in the Hudson Valley?
Yes. Farmers Choice New Paltz is about 9 miles from the trail's Highland trailheads, roughly fifteen minutes by car, and our Fishkill store sits a short drive from the Dutchess County leg on the east bank.
Where does the Empire State Trail cross the Hudson River?
On the Walkway Over the Hudson at Poughkeepsie, the long pedestrian bridge more than 200 feet above the river. The route links the Dutchess Rail Trail on the east bank to the Hudson Valley Rail Trail in Highland on the west.
Is the Empire State Trail free to use?
Yes. The trail is free statewide, open sunrise to sunset, and the mid-Hudson section is paved and car-free with parking at the Highland trailheads and the Walkway entrances on both banks.
How much of the Empire State Trail can I ride in a day here?
As much as you like. Families often do the flat few miles between Highland and the Walkway deck and back, while stronger riders link the rail trails on both banks into rides of thirty miles or more, all on the signed route.
Can I consume cannabis on the Empire State Trail?
No. The trail runs through parks and public corridors where consuming is prohibited, and New York law also bars consuming in public and in vehicles. Save your purchase for home or wherever the property owner allows it.
Can I order ahead and pick up after my ride?
Yes. Place your order on the New Paltz menu during your last miles and it is usually ready within the hour, fifteen minutes from the Highland lots and right on the way back to the Thruway. Open until 10PM daily.