All Over Albany

Another reason to get -- and hold on to -- an Empire Pass for state parks

Good to know: You can save your Empire Pass card, use it again in future seasons, and get a discount.

State Parks blurbage:

Did you know the card you purchased for 2018 is renewable? Beginning in mid-November, you will be able to renew your existing Empire Pass card online for the 2019 season. This feature will allow you to keep your card year after year with the option to renew for 1 year, 3 years or 5 years!

Why should I renew? Convenience and cost savings! A discount rate will be applied to your renewed card and you won't need to wait for your new card in the mail or wait on line at the Park.

What do I need to renew when it becomes available? Access to the internet, your physical card, the number printed on the front and your email address are what you will need to complete the process online.

This renewal process isn't available just yet. State Parks says it will start mid-November at parks.ny.gov.

Empire Pass?
The Empire Pass is basically a season pass for New York State parks that offers unlimited admission for $80 for a calendar year. If you're a frequent state park visitor -- say, 8-10 times or more during seasons with admission fees -- it's the cheapest and easiest way to pay the admission fee. And the card can be shared among family members. (The cards have replaced the old stickers.)

Also: Keep an eye out for mid-winter sales on the Empire Pass. In years past, State Parks has offered the Empire Pass at a discount. It was $65 this past winter, which lowers the break-even number of park visits.