Funding for the Upper Trail was provided through a $75,000 grant announced in 2000 from the State Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) Hudson River Estuary Grants Program. The Hudson River Greenway Conservancy also provided $15,000 in design funds for the trail. The trail will eventually become a designated Greenway Trail.

Annsville Creek was one of the river access sites recommended by the Governor's Task Force for access to the Hudson River in 1999. Other access sites that have been completed are Arden Point, Cold Spring Station, Little Stony Point and the Annsville Paddlesports Center. Access to the River at Riverdale and Greystone Metro North stations are expected to be completed in 2004. The Beacon Fishing Trail is also expected to be completed in 2004.

In 2000, the Governor announced that three acres of former state Department of Transportation-owned land would be developed at Annsville Creek into a public recreation area. The property is now open to the public as the State's first waterfront paddlesports center for paddle watercraft sports and offers picnicking, fishing, boat launching and bird watching.

As part of the $540,000 project a specially designed kayak and canoe launch area was developed for the center and other features were added such as a comfort station and a concessionaire offering rentals, sales and instruction.

City of Peekskill Mayor John Testa said, "The opening of the Upper Trail at Annsville Creek is great news for the City of Peekskill. The trail will allow for better public access to the Hudson River and provide residents and visitors alike with new recreational opportunities.

Executive Director of the Hudson River Valley Greenway Communities Council Carmella R. Mantello said, "Today's opening of the Upper Trail at Annsville Creek will fill a critical gap in the Hudson River Greenway land and water trail."

Governor George E. Pataki who joined the State and local officials The trail will further enhance public noted, "I am proud of the investments New York has made in the future of the Hudson River and its shoreline communities and the State will continue to work to provide residents and visitors with access to this natural treasure."