The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference is a federation of member clubs and individuals dedicated to providing recreational hiking opportunities in the region, and representing the interests and concerns of the hiking community. The Conference is a volunteer-directed public service organization committed to: Developing, building, and maintaining hiking trails. Protecting hiking trail lands through support and advocacy. Educating the public in the responsible use of trails and the natural environment.

One important project of the Trail Conference is the Shanwangunk Ridge Coalition, an alliance of local, regional and national organizations working to protect the magnificent Shawangunk Ridge. In addition, the Trail Conference have built and presently maintain 1,700+ miles of officially designated and marked trails in the New York-New Jersey region, including the original section of the Appalachian Trail. The Trail Conference is an advocate for open space preservation and hiking access to open space. The Trail Conference protects open space through landowner agreements, easements and acquisition. The Trail Conference stewards open space through environmental monitoring and education. The Trail Conference encourages non-consumptive use of open space by publishing over twenty titles of hiking books and maps.