The conservation milestone safeguards one of the Long Path’s most scenic landscapes.
On July 14, 2026, the Trail Conference celebrated a landmark achievement: we officially secured the permanent protection of 123.5 acres at Middleburgh Cliffs in Schoharie County, New York.
This rugged landscape overlooking the Schoharie Valley to Vroman’s Nose and beyond had been privately owned for years and includes a critical section of the Long Path, New York’s premier long-distance trail. By securing the property, we’ve preserved an important forest habitat, protected public access to one of the Long Path’s most spectacular viewpoints, and eliminated the threat of a future 2.5-mile road walk that could have disrupted the hiking experience.
The permanent protection of Middleburgh Cliffs is a testament to the leadership of Trail Conference staff, volunteers, and our board of directors. Through countless hours of outreach and collaboration, our dedicated team turned the goal of preserving this precious landscape into a lasting reality.
The preservation victory strengthens the future of our trails and reaffirms the Trail Conference’s commitment to creating more opportunities for people to connect with the outdoors. Together, we’re blazing a path forward by safeguarding open spaces and ensuring places like Middleburgh Cliffs remain protected, accessible, and inspiring for generations to come.