Erie Canal Forum

Sadly the Lock 30 State Campsite in Macedon NY does not allow camping anymore. I found out when a security guard woke me up with a flashlight at 1AM last week. He was very polite about it and did not throw me out. It's too bad because it was a strategic location.

I wrote to the Canal Corp. about this and as of yet, they have not responded. Somewhere on their site they say to call the lock tender to see if space is available

Hi! Does anyone have information as to when the work in the Gasport area will be completed? Early May or Late May? Thanks for your assistance!

I'm not sure how long that sections gna be closed. I live in the village (Medina) east of that area and I can tell you it's still closed. I'll ask around and try finding out how much longer it's gna be closed.

Thanks for your help! Enjoy your day!

Manager is TERRIBLE!! Booked a room on the first floor, due to the elevator out of order. When I arrived I was told “I had to move you” to the 2nd floor. Did I mention that they have no intention of fixing the elevator? 1 out of 10…

Hello All :)

I am planning a 'short' trip on the Erie Canal. I plan on taking the train from Buffalo to Syracuse, then biking back to Buffalo. What I am looking for is information about the 'bike' travel from the Syracuse Regional Transportation center to the Erie canal. Is there a designated path to the canal or are the roads conducive to bikes traveling to the canal, or is Syracuse not the best option. I am an experienced cyclists so traveling on 'roads' is not concerning as long as there is bike infrastructure to keep everyone safe.

Not quite sure yet of my overnight town, but if you have recommendations for hotels or B&B that are welcoming to cyclists, I would love to know! :)

Any and all information is appreciated. I am looking forward to revisiting the EC!

Thanks so much, CJ

I am biking the trail in a few weeks. Would you be willing to share your top destinations between Buffalo and Albany?

Also, any tips on visiting Niagara Falls after I leave Buffalo on my way to Lockport thanks so much

Riding from Rochester to Syracuse in Wednesday. Looks like rain. Thoughts or tips on riding the stone dust
Trail in the rain? Thanks!

It’s best to embrace the fact that you’ll going to get wet and your legs will get gritty from the splashback. All part of the adventure!

If it’s raining hard then the trail surface could get soupy and could slow you down. If it’s just a drizzle, there will be much difference to when it’s dry. The trail surface can absorb some water. I suppose puddles could form but I just push right through them. Others like to avoid them and go around them and that’s fine too. YMMV.

John

can you swim there ?

I believe that swimming in most of the canal system is not recommended or allowed.

Looking to camp at lock 15 early to mid September, will be my first trip and am planning to do the entire trail is the spring so I'm hoping this goes well. Any advice? The trains won't bother me, I grew up less than 100 yards from the crossing at lock 11. I'm used to train horns lol

Where’s the safest place to leave my pickup truck for two weeks near the beginning of the Erie Canal Trail in Buffalo?

How wide is the Dam at Lock7 park we were in town for a baseball tournament and stop by to check out lock7. Thanks john

Looking for advice on the best (most scenic) way to go (East or West) from the Lyons Trailhead - 10 miles out and back.

Looking for advice on which sections have low elevation changes for beginners with weak knees.
Thanks

I have ridden the entire trail from Buffalo to Albany. The only significant elevation changes and climbs were in and around Schenectady. Your knees with thank you if you avoid this area.

Hello, I’m biking the trail in 2 weeks but I see there has been alot of rain this summer. Is the trail still nice to ride? Muddy, sloppy? Thanks for any insight.

I has been years since the last post. Anyone know if Canal Park is still closed to touring bicyclist? Going to bike the Erie Canal in September 2024.

Not sure what you mean by "canal park." Do you mean the entire bike path from Buffalo to Albany, or a specific park along that path?

I believe that the Erie Canal Tow Path is a part of the NY State Park System. Try contacting them to get an official answer to your question.

I accidentally left a Lexus floor mat at the Beebe Bridge parking area on Monday July 29th. Could the person who took it, Please return it. I check the area twice daily. Thank you!

It was returned!
Thank you so much!

I recently visited schasel park in port Byron ny. A nice trail to walk on , if it weren’t for 2 forty year olds who ride there motorized bikes on it everyday, and toot at me to get out of there way, there’s a sign in the ditch that says no motorized vehicles or bikes , but they ignore it and grin like little kids who are getting away with something. They nearly run you over.

It has been about 4 years since this trail was closed before the park . ..?

I am booked into the NYS Parks ride in July and reviewing info and making plans. I have looked at the elevation maps, and I see a couple of labeled "climbs" I am wondering how long the climb is? I figured if it is too much, I could walk my bike up, but not if it is several miles of steep climb. LOL. I bike around VT, so I am used to navigating climbs, just want to know what to expect.

The trail is mostly gravel? Why? This is not a positive

can you leave a car for 2 days while biking to Buffalo

Looking to ride a portion of the trail in August, wondering about the conditions of the Lock campgrounds? Worth staying at or should I look at hotels? Thanks.

Lock 15 has plenty of free spots with potable water and a portable toilet, at Fort Plain

Thanks!!

Planning a ride between Rochester and Montezuma. Any recommendations on places to stay? We also want to ride to Geneva. Any suggestions for trails to take and places to stay? Thanks for assistance.

Struggling to find a secure long term parking spot in Amsterdam, NY. My plan was to bike from Buffalo to Amsterdam. Intent is leave a car in Amsterdam (5 days). Anyone have any suggestions. Looks like the park and ride does not allow overnight parking.

Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks

Try finding a hotel near trail head and book night before to start ride, ask if you can leave vehicle and that you'll stay again last night of trip. Pick a hotel with heated pool and nearby eatery. (Also, frre breakfast bar helps too!)

See if you can find a Warmshowers Host in the areas where you plan to ride.

Looking to buy land near canal to build anything from platforms to lean tos to yurts. We are few miles outside of Syracuse. Might offer additional services. Would you stay? How much would you pay? What services would you like offered? What type of facility would you most like to spend the night in? Thanks for the input!

I would consider a yurt as opposed to a hotel if one were available. The biggest thing would be shower availability somewhere on the campgrounds, somewhere to charge devices, and drinking water available. I’m not sure how large these would be built. I would say small 1-2 person yurts would be the best and priced lower than a typical hotel.

Definitely would use a lean-to/Adirondack, obviously cheaper than a yurt. There are a few free ones along the GAP in PA and everyone claims them first when I stop by them, people love them.

From a self-contained rider perspective -- I think that John W. is probably right about availability to camp and have water. Comparing it to the GAP Trail is ideal as there are many options along the trail ranging from [A] Free campsites with lean-tos, flat ground areas, pit toilets and water [B] limited "hiker/biker" lawn areas at regular campgrounds that are walk-in free or $8 reserved, [C] primitive campground @ $15 to the usual campground experience.

Personally, I do not care for hard surfaces such as a L/T or platform to set up my tent, rather just a flat space on the ground is fine. Having fire-pits is great, but availability to wood is necessary but a wonderful nicety if it is complimentary!

I'm okay with water and no shower... however, availability to a shower is an awesome find. The above [B] actually had availability to campground restrooms with free showers! Definitely if electrical outlets were available, they are greatly helpful, but that's something that any rider has to figure out. I used a solar charger and was fine.

So, the question then becomes: Who is your targeted audience? There are probably more riders/hikers who are looking for less primitive options for lodging -- and they are readily available. In that case, your experience has to be offering a unique experience to the overnight user, but not limiting too many of the niceties that would be expected.

From a self-contained rider perspective -- Yes, I would stay if it fit into my mileage plans; I think I'd top out at ~$15 for primitive camping and hopefully that would include an option for showering.

Rode Erie 2 years ago end to end Taking my wife this week for 2 days. What would the most interesting 75 miles to ride thanks

Having recently finished E2E, I favored the Barge Canal section between Buffalo and Syracuse. It's a nice mixture of paved and gavel with interesting villages and sights along the way. You'd have to figure out the exact 75 miles, but the western end, ending up in Buffalo at Canalside, would be a prime target. Many things to do there and in the downtown area would be on my list to fully engage your wife! Alternatively... end up in North Tonawanda [the end of the canal as it meets the river]. They have a nice canalside development. This way you'll miss following the Niagara River into Buffalo and not have to deal with a big city. Remington Tavern in NT is a great place to celebrate. Ending up in Lockport would also be a decent ending point offering a good look at the Flight of Five locks with restaurants and lodging available.

if I was to ride 180 miles of the Erie Canal bike trail would the best ride be from Albany to Syracuse or would it be Syracuse to Buffalo comments well appreciated

Bill, just one person's opinion here but if I wanted to do a lary section, I would begin in Fairport and head to Buffalo.nI am not too familiar with the trail from Syracuse to Fairport. I will let others counsel you. I like the mix of natural beauty and small town America you find starting in Fairport. It's my favorite section to ride. Safe travels!

I've biked on the Erie Canal 3 times. The first 2 times were with Wilderness Voyageaurs, and focused on the western portion of the trail. The third time was last year, again on the western portion. I biked for three days from Tonawanda to Brockport with my husband as support. I really loved all three rides. Last year, having my own personal support, was the best. We loved the little towns. I loved the scenery as I biked. I'm hoping to plan another ride before October and pick up where we left off at Brockport.

Question I have ridden the entire trail from Albany-Buffalo in 2017. Riding a section of it in September with a friend. Who has never rode the trail. He wants to ride from Albany to Syracuse. I remember it being not a great section. But I would prefer Lyons to Buffalo.. what section would be preferable to other riders. Thanks

We rode Rome to Schenectady recently. Signage in a few spots was non-existent. East of Utica between the Thruway on the West and 790 on the East is the worst. You will come (going west to east)away from the canal a bit and arrive at a choice of directions a sharp left back toward the canal over RR tracks-- the correct choice. straight ahead on a tarred road or a gentle left on a gravel rd. You will get to a lock which you will cross either at the lower or upper lock and going straight ahead over the field (from the lower lock) you'll find a road to head East on. None of this is signed.To make this even more confusing, there was an Empire State trail sign on the graveled road, but it leads nowhere. It does show more or less when you expand the map. I prefer signs to living off the phone and whatever problems may happen. So, why isn't this signed? We went for several
detours since the correct choice didn't look correct.
And..The interactive map does not seem to be up to date for Utica to Frankfort. Map shows going over river and traveling E on rte 5, but we were able to continue on path on N side of river to rt.37 (schylur). When we got there, there was no sign to indicate which way the trail went. Got info at a local bar and were able to find our way to Frankfort.
We love the Erie Canal trail (especially buffalo to Rochester) and especially because of it's connections to Amtrak. And, we're very disappointment that it isn't easier to find our way.

Going round trip Albany to buffalo on a e-bike on anyone give me idea , price range for hotels and camping, checked couple campgrounds and they where about 80 bucks , to me that’s expensive, and a few hotels I checked seemed reasonable but already booked ,,,,, going august first , thanks

Plan on doing the ride from Buffalo to Albany, early summer. Wish to avoid that big tour leaving 7 July out of Buffalo. Sounds, however, like a good time. What should I expect from road closures and detours? What about camping facilities? Didn't see too many in "towns and services" section of site. The old American Youth Hostels organization is not as spread out as it used to be.

Roadie Mark

You can always try the PTNY Guide Book

Buffalo to Syracuse is a charm... East Syracuse to Albany not as well upkept, signage can be confusing or missing, can camp for fee at canal marinas (try to call ahead). west side is a storybook dream.. when we rode in approx 2017, could camp on village greens and they (canal keeper) wod provide village green bathroom lock code, lot's of places to get food etc. Signage very good. Lockport, there is an icecream place (accross from the side of the path, where the owner (if still owner) will let you camp on property and give bathroom code (also a marina on site). Ask the Lockport Fire Department (one of the FF's guided us there after he got off work. Lockport, fascinating! We are going again on our tandeem around June 5, W. Syracuse to Niagara and back. Enjoy!

Is there secure, longterm parking in Buffalo close to the Trail? Thanks!

Hello:

I've heard that parking for that organized tour from Buffalo to Albany 7-15 July is secure. Might do it myself.

Looking for comments from anyone who has biked across the Peace Bridge over to Erie Canal Trail.Where did you park long term on the Canadian side,is crossing difficult,is it safe biking to the trail.Any other advice?

If you do not have a valid passport, it is VERY unlikely that you'll be permitted to enter the country.

No problem regarding passport

We live in Fort Erie so we were able to ride across and didn't have to worry about parking. I would check with Niagara Parks to see if they have limits on the various parking areas they have near the bridge. They might have suggestions too.
The bridge crossing is easy. Just press the button on the customs (US) building and they'll talk to you. They don't have someone at the gate, but will send someone down.
Once across the bridge you connect to the river trail by going North and crossing to the West until you hit the trail (very close) head North and eventually you'll hit Tonawanda and will find the trail. We took Amtrak back which worked well. It's easy to pick up the return trail from the Exchange St. station

Does anyone know how to contact Little Moose lodge? Is there a phone number or email.

They are on Vrbo.

We’re planning a trip on the Erie Canal bike path between Camillus and East Syracuse and would like to avoid any on-road sections. Does anyone know where those spots are? Thanks.

Try the interactive map: click on syracus and zoom out.

Didn't look like there sere anything else other than roads... probably mostly empty rural roads.

Looks like there may be off-road trails. Check the map.

From Erie Canal Park and eastward, it looks like the path may be almost entirely along a dedicated path and not on roads. Zoom in.

The section in Downtown Syracuse along Water Street is really the only section that is 100% on-street. The section along Erie Boulevard is off-road in that there is a dedicated trail in the median. It's an interesting ride through this urban environment.

looking to rent an ebike for my wife for a one way trip for a couple to a few days. does anyone know of anyone who can help me?
thanks

I recently rented a gravel bike from towpath cycles and rode the canal trails to Savannah. it was really fantastic.
here are some highlights:

1) BIKE RENTAL: The Trek Checkpoint ALR 4 Gravel bikes that Towpath cycle rents are the perfect machine for the erie canal trails. John at Towpath set me up with a great bike and I really enjoyed riding it. The wheels were perfect for the gravel trails and even did pretty good on some muddy parts after a heavy rainstorm. The bike was great on the trails, terrific on the road sections, and even did good on some single track along the route.

2) Pittsford Dairy has the best ice cream

3) My favorite sections of trail were between Fairport and Newark and especially the area between Macedon and Newark. The section from Lyons to Clyde is really great too. There is a really good section after Clyde but unfortunately the trail ends and goes onto route 31 until Savannah.

4) The section between Newark and Lyons is on old route 31 except for a couple of trail sections. Those sections are really great trail and I wish that they would have put in more to connect those sections by trail.

5) There is a sketchy property and person just after Lock Berlin between Lyons and Clyde. He wasn't there when I went by but all his signs, and garbage, and motion activated sirens were there. I know the backstory and unfortunately, this type of person is somewhat typical of central new york and part of the reason I left the area. I was told that more sections of trail between Lyons and Newark were not connected because of other people that didn't want "people who aren't from around here coming near my property." I don't think there is danger here at this property, but it is sad to see and exeprience.

6) There is an old rail bed that I hope Clyde and Savannah will convert to the trail. The trail follows some of the railbed but then has to go back to Rt 31. Hopefully they are working on it...

7) Trail surfaces are great throughout. there is a lot of variety between gravel, asphalt, dirt. I only hit a few muddy sections after heavy rain the night before.

8) the wetlands along the way were amazing and I spent a lot of time birdwatching and turtle watching. I was there in early April and there were no bugs yet.

This was a great intro to the trail for me and I will come back for more

"You are welcome to pitch your tent behind the firehouse. You may use their shower and restroom free of charge."

Is this true? The showers and restroom are available at the firehouse? If so, wow, thank you Lyons Fire Dept!

Don't count on anything from the Lyons fire department. They are pretty lazy and can't be bothered for anyone else. It is a good,ole boys club that is living good old days dreams

Disappoining unnecessarily disparaging comment from Andrew from Lyons.

I know these guys to be heros.

The comment comes from experience. Especially experience of the fire department here not helping people who are travelling on the canal. The question was if using their showers and bathroom is available.... The experience has been no, it isn't so don't count on them. Further experiences are for another discussion forum.
In terms of heroes, are you talking about firefighters in general as heroes or the Lyons Fire Department as heroes?

Safe Parking near the Erie Canal Bike Trail in Buffalo, NY?

Starting June 23rd we are planning on riding the Erie Canal Trail from Buffalo to Albany. Where is a safe place to park 2 vehicles from Sunday June 23rd to Saturday June 29th in Buffalo near the trail?

Please Advise. Thank You

I am looking for parking also. Any luck in finding a spot?

We offer Hiker/Biker Rates for those biking through!
Inquire ahead of time via stay@hostelbuffalo.com

is there a trail or towpath way to ride from Buffalo to Niagara Falls

Any decent place to stay around Canajoharie this summer?

Looking to ride from Albany to Buffalo this summer on the path.

1 How much of it is paved, and not paved?

2 Are there parts of it that require riding on the road?

Thank you.
Dave

1 How much of it is paved, and not paved?
A: Much of it. However, it is very smooth and not rutted. I rode on it safely and comfortably with tires that were smooth road tires.

2 Are there parts of it that require riding on the road?
A: Go the the map. Click on a town name or section. Zoom in to see if that segment is on a road. Most of the path is not on a road, particularly in rural and sub-suburban areas. Then, go to another segment and have a look-see.


My advice: Just get on the path and ride and stop worrying. Whatever your bike is, it is good enough. Any bike, any bike tire will suffice. Maybe a good idea to have a kit to fix a flat, and know how to use it. However, highly unlikely that you will use it. Don't think that you need especially anything other than to just get going. The main requirement is to just get going.

Thanks for the trail description. Does the trail get rutted when it has rained? Is it rocky or have large stones or rocks? Were there any alternate roads to take to avoid rough or single track sections (maybe if it rains!)?

you asked, "Are there parts of it that require riding on the road?"

Go to the main web page, click on interactive map, and study how close the tow path is to a highway. If, while on your journey, you feel you need to be on a road, that study will show you how close you are.

I have not traveled the entire tow path.

Much of the "tow path" from Buffalo to Lockport is either on a paved path, or road. CHeck out the interactive map.

From Lockport it is "tow path" ... and not "path. "Path" seems to imply that it is a rough, narrow thoroughfare. This is not the case. While it is not paved between Lockport and Gasport (for example) the towpath is flat, not rutted, and hard packed dirt.

Ruts? No. Occasion shallow tire marks: Yes.

Yes, there could be some puddles when it rains, but you'll probably be drenched by the rain anyway. What shallow puddles you encounter will be in line with the soaking you'll get from the rain itself.


I'd advise this: just get on the tow path and encounter it as you would a new best friend. It will welcome you and open up to you, and wbe an experience of a life time.

There is always a little rain in every friendship.

We will be riding in August from Newark. NY to Buffalo. Recommendations of a place to stay near the trail. Thanks.