Our Impact
A Sustainable Investment in Communities Big & Small
The East Coast Greenway is a collaborative effort that has attracted more than $2 billion in public investment since 1991. The dream of a 3,000-mile protected biking and walking route represents a commitment to public health, environmental sustainability, economic development and civic engagement. Together, we are connecting people to nature and communities via a safe, accessible Greenway.
Greenway Benefits
Health
Greenways provide access to no-cost fitness and exercise
Safety
Greenways provide safe spaces for active transportation like biking and walking
Connecting People
From the start, our founders designed the Greenway to go where people live
Connection to Nature
Greenways provide access to nature, even in the busiest of cities
2025 Annual Report
The East Coast Greenway Alliance navigated a challenging 2025 and continued to build momentum by advancing transformative trail projects, inspiring record participation in Greenway programs and developing a bold Strategic Plan to double biking and walking by 2030. Explore our latest annual report to see how we’re connecting more people to nature, community and safe places to walk, bike and roll.
Studies & Impact Reports
Research from across the East Coast Greenway corridor highlights the powerful health, safety and economic returns of active transportation investments from Maine to Florida.
Economic Impact of the Empire State Trail
The Economic Impact of the Empire State Trail Report represents the most comprehensive study of a trail’s economic impact ever conducted in the United States. Examining the 750-mile Empire State Trail, the study measures not only visitor spending, but also broader economic value, public health outcomes, and environmental benefits generated by the statewide trail network. The report underscores the growing importance of trail infrastructure in strengthening communities across New York State by enhancing livability, supporting local economies, and expanding affordable recreation opportunities.
FDOT Greenways & Trails Economic Study
As evidenced by a March 2026 study, Florida’s SUN Trail investments generate what appear to be substantial economic benefits for county economies. Focusing on five study segments distributed across the state, the study documented more than 400,000 trail users who contributed more than $8 million in total expenditures into county economies.
Economic Impact Analysis of the New Haven & Northampton Canal Greenway
According to Cambridge Econometrics, the 81-mile Farmington Canal Heritage Trail from New Haven, Connecticut, to Northampton, Massachusetts — expected to be completed within the next five to six years — could spark major economic benefits for the region. “Existing trail users spend an estimated $15.1 million each year, while users of a completed trail are estimated to spend $32.0 to $53.8 million annually,” according to the study.
Investing in Our Future
The study, “Investing in Our Future: Quantifying the Impact of Completing the East Coast Greenway in the Delaware River Watershed” was prepared by NV5 and EConsult Solutions in March 2019. The report’s key finding: Completing the East Coast Greenway in the Greater Philadelphia region would mean $3 billion in public health, environmental, and economic benefits.
The Impact of Greenways in the Triangle
The East Coast Greenway Alliance commissioned a study in 2017 to put numbers on what we know to be true: Greenways are good for economic growth. Prepared by Alta Planning + Design and sponsored by GSK, the report finds that the East Coast Greenway generates $90 million in total benefits annually for the Triangle region, from gains in health and the environment to transportation and access benefits, economic gains, and increased property values.
The Economic, Health and Environmental Benefits of Completing The Capital Trails Network
The Capital Trails Coalition, in partnership with a team of experts, spent two years developing an impact report to quantify the economic, health and environmental benefits of the region’s 881 mile multi-use trail network. A key hub of the East Coast Greenway, the Washington D.C. region is uniquely positioned to have the best trails system in the nation.
Economic and Social Benefits of Completing the Baltimore Greenway Trails Network
Ernst & Young LLP on behalf of the Greater Washington Partnership released a report on the Economic and Social Benefits of Completing the Baltimore Greenway Trails Network. The study examines the potential economic and social benefits of a $28 million plan to expand and connect existing trails in Baltimore City to complete the Greenway Trails Network, a key stretch of the East Coast Greenway. Only 10 miles of trail construction is needed to complete a 35-mile trail system that will provide access to a safe, car-free trail network that connects 75 neighborhoods to new recreational and economic opportunities. When finished, the trail network has the potential to unlock new economic, health and social benefits for city residents.
Stories of Impact
Coverage of the impact of the East Coast Greenway Alliance and its partners.
