Get Outside
Bike or hike, walk or roll?
Reedy Press 2025
Get ready to roll!
Coming in April 2025, Reserve an autographed copy now and receive a free sticker, $17.00
Get ready to experience the beauty, history, and deliciousness of New York State with our “read & ride guide” of the Empire State Trail.
Whether you're a day, weekend, or thru-cyclist, Biking the Empire State Trail is the insider’s guide every trail user needs to explore the trail and the must-see attractions along this internationally recognized 360-mile journey.
Celebrating its Bicentennial in 2025, the Erie Canal fueled America’s Midwest expansion and super-charged its economic development by connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes. Today’s trail closely follows the original Erie Canal from Buffalo to Albany, New York.
Oh, the places you’ll go! The sights you’ll see! Along the trail is a healthy mix of farmlands and quaint canal towns interspersed between bustling cities of Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Rome, Amsterdam, and Albany. Each town welcomes you with its own unique experience, tasty treats, and historical influences.
Local co-authors and avid hikers and cyclists, Jennifer Hillman and William McKeever, share helpful tips, must-see sights, and suggested itineraries based on their years of experience and travels on the Trail.
Get inspired! Get prepared! And get this guide, the Empire State Trail is waiting for you.
Reedy Press 2022
Get a copy - or - give a copy!
Now only: $20.00 autographed copy with custom bookmark.
Get ready for adventure!
Featured among the 192 pages in Secret Places of Western New York are 25 scenic hikes just waiting to be explored.
Discover why these trails are special enough to be deemed Secret Places. Could it be their serene ambiance, hidden caves, ancient spirits, or towering waterfalls? Each hike has its own unique combination of features to pique the interest of lifetime locals and visitors alike.
Take it from the experts who have documented every step of their journeys throughout Western New York to clue you in on the countless hidden treasures the region has to offer. You’ll be amazed at the natural gems that most people walk by not knowing they exist!
Whether you’re a casual wanderer or a master of the trails, there is bound to be a hike (or several!) for you within the Niagara, Buffalo, Rochester, and Southern Tier regions of New York.
Get a copy, or give a copy of Secret Places today!
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Jennifer Hillman and Bill McKeever
Jennifer Hillman and Bill McKeever completed the 360-mile Empire State Trail in 2024 over a two-year period of day and weekend trips.
As cycling and hiking enthusiasts, they have explored much of New York State’s scenic trails, parks, and preserves and share these experiences with others through their writing in regional magazines, their website and as co-authors of Biking the Empire State Trail and Secret Places of Western New York: 25 Scenic Hikes.
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Courtney Grim, Photographer
Award-winning photographer, videographer, and educator. Courtney’s beautiful photos in Biking the Empire State Trail and Secret Places of Western New York capture the beautiful scenery along the trails of New York State.
Courtney is a two-time Empire State Trail finisher, an avid hiker, sailor, and gear junkie.
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Bruce Kershner
Bruce was a nationally-recognized and honored naturalist, ecologist, educator, and author prior to passing away in February 2007. He authored dozens of books, including Secret Places: Scenic Treasures of Western New York and Southern Ontario, which the 2022 Secret Places of Western New York is based on.
Learn more about Bruce.
Author Events
COME SEE US!
CHECK OUT OUR UPCOMING EVENTS.
Jennifer Hillman and Bill McKeever co-authors are available to speak at your event.
Book signings: Easy traffic building event. Order your books through Reedy Press and we'll bring extra just in case. Authors will meet and greet guests and autograph books.
Author Talks: Jennifer Hillman and Bill McKeever are available for author talks.
Media Interviews; Yes! We love them! Let's talk about getting outdoors and the secret places of beautiful New York State.
Reach out.
Tell us about your idea to have us come to your event or organization. We can customize our author talks and events to your specific needs.
Biking the Empire State Trail and Secret Places of Western New York: 25 Scenic Hikes are a great gifts for employee wellness/onboarding and client gifts. If you are interested in bulk sales, please fill out the form and we’ll work with the publisher on your order.
Come see us at one of our upcoming events!