The newly-resurrected Battenkill Railroad serves the northern portion of Easton where the manufacturing industries are located, while a branch of the New York State Barge Canal system follows the Hudson River along the western border of town. Passenger service, however, is not offered by any public transportation corporation. In terms of area industrial base, the manufacture of high-grade paper is carried on a the Hollingsworth and Vose Plant located near the confluence of the Hudson and Battenkill Rivers. Three other small-scale manufacturing operations turn out specialized glass and metallic products for a multitude of Scientific and industrial operations throughout the world. The economic mainstay, however, continues to be agriculture.
Dairy farming is dominant, but a small amount of fruit and vegetables are grown for local markets.
Forage growing as a cash crop is expanding as the size of the individual area dairies increase. A small number of trees also are harvested in Easton each year for the lumber, pulp and firewood markets. The recreational and cultural opportunities in this rural area are surprisingly rich. The Hudson and Battenkill Rivers provide excellent fishing and boating, while nearby Willard Mountain boasts an alpine ski area noted for its highly competitive ski teams. The view from this 1,400-foot peak is spectacular.