N.Y. Power Authority Unveils New Footbridge on Long Path Hiking Trail in Mohawk Valley’s Mine Kill State Park

For Immediate Release: 7/20/18

Contact: Susan Craig | (914) 681-3691 media.inquiries@nypa.gov

NORTH BLENHEIM, N.Y. - Representatives from the New York Power Authority and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation (State Parks) gathered today to formally unveil a new footbridge along the southern border of Mine Kill State Park in Schoharie County in the Mohawk Valley. Funded by NYPA, the new footbridge is the latest enhancement on the Long Path, a 358-mile hiking trail that starts in downtown Manhattan, extends through the Catskills, and connects to John Boyd Thacher State Park, southwest of Albany

“The new footbridge provides a vital connection at the Mine Kill State Park in Schoharie County, making hiking the Long Path easier and safer,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. “Parks are assets in our communities, and New York is committed to investing in improvements at parks across the state to enhance the overall experience for residents and visitors.”

“We are pleased to stand with our friends from State Parks and the Long Path Hiking Club to celebrate the construction of this footbridge, a vital link in the celebrated Long Path Hiking Trail,” said Gil C. Quiniones, New York Power Authority president and CEO. “Supporting lasting community and recreational projects – such as the Pigeon Creek bridge unveiled today –  complements Governor Andrew Cuomo’s ambitious efforts to strengthen New York State recreation and tourism and gives us all an opportunity to pay it forward for future generations of park users.”

Located at the crossing of Pigeon Creek in southern Schoharie County, the new footbridge will make hiking the Long Path safer and easier under all conditions. Previously, hikers had to ford the stream which was only possible at low water, as seen in this image. Nearly 5 miles of the Long Path traverse New York Power Authority property and Mine Kill State Park, passing by Mine Kill Falls, the Mine Kill State Park pool complex, and the New York Power Authority’s Blenheim-Gilboa Visitors Center. The footbridge was completed in late 2017 and is celebrating its official opening today.

State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey said, “Mine Kill State Park is a vital community resource in Schoharie County. I’m grateful for the work of the New York Power Authority to support and improve this beloved park, and help connect it to the incredible hiking trails throughout the Schoharie Valley, Catskills and beyond.”

“Pigeon Creek was the last major difficult water crossing on the Long Path north of the Catskill Park and we have wanted to footbridge over it for years, said Mark Traver, president Long Path North Hiking Club.  “The Power Authority committed the funding for this beautiful bridge and understands how important this improved recreational opportunity is for Mine Kill State Park and the region. We believe NYPA’s investment will increase tourism to southern Schoharie County and make the trek from Nickerson’s Campground to Mine Kill State Park safer and more enjoyable for hikers for many years into the future.”

The Power Authority developed Mine Kill State Park in the early 1970s, supporting it under its federal operating license for the Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Power Project. The park is located within the boundary of the B-G hydroelectric plant.

With almost 85,000 visitors annually, Mine Kill State Park has basketball courts and playing fields, 6.5 miles of trails and an Olympic-sized swimming pool. Among Mine Kill’s varied features are fishing opportunities and boating. The park is also open in the winter for snowshoeing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and ice skating on a man-made rink. In 2015, NYPA and State Parks agreed to eliminate all parking and swim fees at the popular state park in Schoharie County.

Other recent improvements to the Long Path in Mine Kill State Park include stepping stones across the Mine Kill, new interpretive signs at Mine Kill Falls, and another footbridge across a tributary of the Mine Kill, built by volunteers from the Long Path North Club.

Visit Mine Kill State Park for more information.

Photos of the footbridge are available here and here.

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