Erie Canal Forum

Hello cyclists! My grandson and I would like to bike from Albany to Rome or Utica, then take Amtrak back to Albany to get back to our vehicle. Can you tell me whether the Amtrak station in Rome or Utica is bike-able from the Erie Canal bike way? How many days would I need to bike from Albany to Rome or Utica?

Since I see you have posted a question about shuttle service after asking this question it might mean you've ruled out Amtrak. Not sure about that but if you are having trouble finding out if two bikes can be taken on any one trip by train, I found out that you have to have both passengers registered in the booking system before it gives you an option for more than one bicycle. I was under the impression they would only allow one bike on any one trip until I went through my congressman's office for help. One of his aides discovered the answer to my question. Before that, any questions to Amtrak directly were never answered with anything except they'd received my question and would get back to me. That was three years ago. I'm still waiting for a reply.

As far as the bikeability between the stations and the Trail the answer is that Utica is pretty straightforward, though my friend and I decided to walk the sidewalk from the station to the trail rather than use the road, which has limited shoulder room. I can't speak for Rome directly but my memory was that the route went right past the trail there. Right out the front door and you're on the trail I believe.

The trail from Albany to either Rome or Utica is largely flat. The distance is 127 miles from the former. It's probably a two-day trip for most people with fully loaded bikes. YMMV.

TO: Phil Lussier
Greetings Phil, thank you for your information. It is most helpful. Yes, we do plan to use Amtrak for the ride back to Albany. Could I ask you a few questions?
(a) can you please email me at youngrsk@gmail.com?
(b) Our plan is to depart by bicycle from Albany Renssalaer on 18 August. Is there secure parking at Albany Rensselaer?
(c) How far is the Erie Canal Trail from the Amtrak station? Is it a safe route?
(d) We will bike and stay in hotels along the way, so no need to carry much more than a toothbrush and water
(e) We will take the train from Rome back to Albany and get our car on 20th or 21st of August.
Many thanks again! Rick and Jimmy

Hello Cyclists

Do you know of anyone who could drive us and our car to the Erie Canal (Albany) and then two days later, pick 2 of us up in Utica or Rome and drive us and our 2 bicycles back to Albany? It would be late August 2026.

Thank you, Rick and Jimmy

Amtrak is an option since both Utica and Rome are stops for the train. They will take up to two bicycles on the train, you carry them on and hang them from their rear wheels in the cubicle they have for the purpose. I've only ever done it with the amount of gear I'd be toting for a day ride. Never had to manage overnight gear in the process which could be complicated. You could drive your car to Albany and leave it at the station, take the train to Utica or Rome, and then ride back to Albany, where your car will be waiting. They have outdoor and garage parking options. Reservations are required to insure the bikes can be accommodated on the day of your travel.

I would like to have a go at riding the Erie Canal bike trail this summer, if only from Buffalo to Syracuse. I have a Seven titanium road bike with fairly thin tires. I understand that the trail is a portion gravel and paved. Would the ride be comfortable on a road bike?

The section you are planning on doing is probably the least friendly to narrow tires. The section from Syracuse to Albany is more completely paved though there is a section on exiting the city which is 36 miles of stone dust path which might be a bit harsh on narrow tires. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Erie_Canal_State_Historic_Park
I did the whole bike trail end to end, in sections, on 42 mm tires and was very happy with that tire size. There were certainly others doing it on narrower ones. You'll have to get someone of those to weigh in on this.

Google maps says permanently closed

I'm researching a plan for a group trip in October. I'm aiming to do 100-150 miles over 3-4 days. I'd appreciate suggestions for (1) the best starting and end point and (2) a service that could shuttle a group of 10 or so folks. Thanks!

I am doing the same for six people. I am surprised at how limited the lodging options are....unlike the GAP which has large BnBs and several in each town.

Check out the PTNY handbook for guides to the towns with food and lodging.

We are doing around 120 in May - originally I wanted to ride from Syracuse to Albany, but ended up doing Buffalo to Pittsfield and Amtracking back from Rochester due to loding limitations. Better lodging options biking from Buffalo and east.

Nancy, how about Syracuse, Rome, Little Falls, Amsterdam, Albany?

That said, I definitely enjoyed the west end of the trail more.

HJB, for 10 people, maybe get a Uhaul and a couple of minivans?

Ride Lockport to Weedsport? Or Buffalo to Pittsford/Fairport?

Hello - trying to find a source for an e-bike rental to ride on the trail starting from near Syracuse. Having difficulty finding any options. Please let me know if you are aware of any options. Thank you!

Try:https://www.cloudofgoods.com/syracuse-ny/mobility-rentals/electric-bike-189?srsltid=AfmBOorMAfZNv_2us3DyMIigWfrLBuzrtcOS_55laqZwEA-ul1tyZrVF

Looking to ride the Erie Canal from Buffalo to Palmyra and would like to hook up with a bike transport. Any ideas?

REsponding to my own comment by saying Amtrack is cheap and easy, just need to find the stations.

Lunch?

Lunch cruise ?

i would like to ride the erie canal trial the first weekend in May. will i be able to sleeo at the biker -hiker campsites. Some of the sites say open in May but do not give a date. I just need a place to lay down and a port o potty.

Check out the NY Canal site. Most of the canal locks you can camp but you need to call before arriving. Most have tables and porta potties

We are riding the ECT for the third time but this time need a place to stay in Buffalo the night before we leave. We are biking in mid/late September this time and we are looking for reasonable accommodations. The hotels are all very expensive. Anyone have any any suggestions? We will arrive in Buffalo the evening before we ride the following morning. Thanks in advance.

I am doing the Erie bike trail on my ebike from Albany to Niagara Falls and back the month of July ,I’ll be camping and hotels, traveling light ,change of clothes some tools and lightweight tent and sleeping bag , traveling about 40 to 50 miles a day ,,I made it to Rome last year but had to turn around but I actually learned a lot in that short trip ,, I think I got the basics covered, but any tips would be welcome

Hello,

I am recently retired and I am a lifelong bicyclist. Erie Canal has been on my bucket list for a long time :-)

To get the best scenery, avoid crowds (lodging availability), etc, would it be better for me to ride the full trail before school gets out in May, or enjoy it after school starts in September?

Also is it better to ride west to east?

My bikes include an old carbon fibre Trek Pilot (which I love using on paved roads) and a heavier steel frame Surly LHT. Do you think the LHT is my best choice?

I have not checked into it yet, but I thinking Amtrack from MN and back. Any advice?

I plan to stay in a bed each night. (I am a solo rider.)

Thanks for your help!

I have not done any sections in the spring, but many in the fall. I would expect you'll have more flying insect issues in the spring and, personally, have experienced few in the fall. Other than that the only downside I have experienced fall riding was a section near Syracuse that was littered with black walnuts that had fallen off the trailside trees. (Kinda dicy steering after hitting one of those a glancing blow.) More than what kind of bicycle frame you might prefer, use the one that allows you to put the widest, most supple sidewall tires onto it for the better ride. East of Utica the trail is mostly pavement and occasional road riding. You'll lose nothing with a wider tire on those sections and can run a higher pressure if you feel that makes you go any quicker. On the rest of the trail's stone dust sections you'll be glad for the wider tires and the ability to run them at lower pressures without worrying about pinch flats. I've been a very satisfied Amtrak user and would recommend the Minneapolis to either Buffalo or Albany run. Take your pick, the stations are easily accessed at both ends from the trail. You can read about my experiences with it here: https://sites.google.com/view/summer23bikerides/erie-canalway-trail and here https://sites.google.com/view/summer24bikerides/erie-canal-trail-the-last-180-miles

I've ridden the trail numerous times. Have ridden East to West, and West to East. I prefer West to East, riding Buffalo to Albany. Always on my Surly Long Haul Trucker, carrying bags and camping. 32 width tires. LHT is your better choice.
Weather will be better in September. Spring can be wet and cold.
Have fun!

Holy Cow Phillip! You have very lengthy and detailed bike trip logs.

I really like your idea of amtrack+biking each segment to g r t back to your truck. I have a self-converted promaster van that I could use if I could work out my itinerary to make it so.

Does Lynn like his Bromton?

Bud, thanks 4 your tip. My lazy personality wants light weight, but the LHT sounds like a must.

Amtrak does allow two bicycles on that Maple Leaf section. What happened, I'm not sure, but I finally had it pointed out to me that once two seats were reserved, the option for two bikes would appear. If that was something I just did without thinking the first two times and failed to repeat the step on the third trip, I don't know. As I said we switched to a different method after that anyway. Lynn likes his Brompton but I don't see him on it much since our rides together are on gravel for the most part. We did the G.A.P. together last Sept. and are planning to do the C&O this coming riding season. We are still using the single van and riding in opposite directions method.

Rick, Hopscotting back to your van everyday seems like a hassle. Keep it simple. Take minimal items on your bike. Stay in hotels every night. Bike Buffalo to Albany and return from Albany to Buffalo via Amtrak; or bike Albany to Buffalo and return from Buffalo to Albany via Amtrak.

Hi, could anyone give me advice on the Prettiest section between Niagara Falls and Albany?

Without knowing how long a section you're interested in, the closest to Cooperstown is Mohawk to Fort Plain which is almost all bike path riding. Little Falls, across the river is worth a visit. The Herkimer Home is also worth a stop. It is a nice section to ride.

Any suggestions on the prettiest section of trail between Niagara Falls and however close the Erie Canal trail gets to Cooperstown.

Hello, is there a luggage transport service for the trail ? It would be 3 night from Buffalo to Newark. Thank you.

Do the tent sites have electric outlets (e-bike charging)?

I only know of one site with electric and that's in Waterford 12 miles from albany. site also has water and showers

Camped at Whispering Winds numerous times. Yes, the sites have regular electric outlets and water spigots. Code for door to restrooms and showers. See their website. Reserve site. We usually arrive after the office is closed.

How difficult is it to cross the river from the Erie canal bike trail to get to the Inn? The bridge looks like a major highway with no bike lanes

It's easy, not much traffic. Just take the bridge (route 167) across the canal & river, then take your first right and go down the East Ramp. This brings you down to the Historic Riverside Area where the Inn at Stone Mill is located. There's a couple antique shops located in this area an couple restaurants. If you don't want to cross the bridge to get back to the trail you can take the bridge next to the Inn across the river and follow Seeley Street along the canal all the way to the Lock and cross there. You will need to carry you bikes down the stairs on South side of the lock, but it's not that bad. The lock is definitely worth seeing. It's the highest lift lock on the NYS Canal.

I am planning to use my Seven titanium road bike. The tires are fairly thin. I understand that a good part of the canal trail is unpaved. Are the unpaved parts of the trail packed hard enough to accommodate narrow road bike tires?

that’s a great question - I also have a light aluminum narrow wheel bike . The tires are only for road and maybe a hard smooth surface .
I am not sure yet if I will get better to join , because of an injury .
Happy biking to all

Love this sweet and homey cafe! The food is reasonably priced and delicious! Cozy and inviting. We love it!

My son and I are riding from Buffalo to Albany and taking about 7 days to do it. We plan on taking the train back from Albany. Where can I find long term parking for my car in Buffalo?

I have seen posts here saying that there is a public parking deck, except they call it a parking ramp, in Buffalo close to the trail.

Were you able to find a parking garage in Buffalo near the train station?
I am planning on leaving my car there for a week while I cycle to Albany.

Lots of long term parking at the Amtrak Station

Now called Country Inn & Suites by Radisson… I had read several negative reviews but booked anyway for location and price. I am so glad I did! Everything was top-notch; friendly efficient check in, very clean everywhere from lobby to room, filtered water stations by the ice machines, great free breakfast and a well lit secure lot mean I will return the next time I ride the trail to Albany.

Will the hotel allow my wife and I to bring our bikes up to our room or have a secured location we can keep them overnight?

Stayed here many times until this year - I just stopped by to say hello and thank them and was angrily told “We don’t do that anymore” and told to leave immediately… Please remove this listing as cyclists are no longer welcome on the premises. Whatever happened, they’re fully blaming cyclists and literally running us off… You should go further than removing this listing and post a warning to avoid the property entirely. Lyons is no longer a Trail Town…

Any less expensive, more bike friendly options near the trail?

The tree is fallen so that the trail is blocked, thanks.

Is bike camping available at this park?

Hi! If you look on the NYS Canals website, you could get the phone # for the lock master at EC # 33. They are frequently quite helpful.Safe travels!

Where would be a good place to start biking on the Erie Canal Trail , if living in the
Baldwinsville area?

Camillus

Camping is allowed by the Canal Corp at Lock28B, which is very close to T. Spencer Knight and the Port of Newark. Unfortunately, camping is no longer allowed at the Port itself due to many events and anticipated construction of an amphitheater, market stall area, and amenity upgrades.

The current amenities at the Port are available to cyclists by visiting the Welcome Center. Staff will let you in to use the free laundry, free showers, etc. There is also free Wi-Fi. This is a short distance from the Canal Corp camping site.

Other lodging in Newark includes Whispering Winds Campground, Vintage Gardens Bed and Breakfast, and a Microtel.

Canal Corp rules for camping at Lock E28B Newark:
NYSCC Biker-Hiker-Boater Campsite
Primitive Campsite: No amenities provided with the exception of a porta john. Campsites require carry-in and carry-out and campers to bring their own water or water purification. The sites include an area for 4 tents. Stays are limited to 48 hours and are available on a first come first serve basis. Please provide advanced notice by contacting the sites at the phone numbers below prior to arrival.

Open Dates
May-October

Rate
Free

Reservation Required?
First-come, first-served

Address
116 N Clinton St, Newark, NY 14513

Phone
(315) 871-4300

Thank you!

I want to travel the Erie Canal bike trail from the closest entry to Leroy going west. Would anyone have any good apps, suggestions etc? I will only stay in hotels that allow me my bike in the room. I’ve looked at this interactive make but I can’t figure it out. Are there any apps or websites that are more convenient than this?

I just went to google maps and looked for directions from LeRoy, NY to the Erie Canal Trail, and brought up a trailhead that is a 37 min. drive from Leroy, located between Rochester and Pittsford, near the intersection of Reserve View Blvd and hwy 100. There may be other trail heads closer or more convenient. I'm assuming you plan to drive to the trailhead, park and then bike. That being said, you may need to do more research to find an appropriate place where your car can be safely parked for the nights you are gone. Maybe check into a hotel in Pittsford or Rochester that would let you leave your car there while you bike.

You said you were having trouble using this site. I've used it to plan 3 trips on the Erie Canal. I'm wondering if you just don't know how to use it. Have you tried clicking on the different towns on the map and then seeing the services (lodging, food, services) offered?

I'm sure there's other resources like facebook pages. Try going to facebook and searching Erie Canal Trail. I just googled biking the Erie Canal and it looks like there is a Cycling the Erie Canal Guidebook pdf you may be able to download.

I hope you get the help you need. I have noticed not as many people are on this site and forum as there used to be. I don't know if they've migrated to facebook groups or what. I follow another trail, the Katy Trail in Missouri and there is a bikekatytrail.com site run by the same administrator, Ray the webmaster. I'm also on a Katy Trail facebook group. When people post on the facebook group that they are planning a trip and need help, they are always told to check out bikekatytrail.com. So my point is that this site, bikeeriecanal.com is just as excellent. You may just need some help maneuvering around the site to get the most out of it.

Good luck.

Oh, and I absolutely loved the Erie Canal.

Cathy, I thank you for responding! I’ll read it with intent tomorrow sometime. :)

Once you check out the Towns and Services and the Mileage Chart, Google maps is helpful as far as 1-determining the exact route of the trail and 2-identifying services along the trail.

I'd check into a city parking garage in Rochester that has a daily rate.

What is the surface and conditions of the bike trail from Rome to green lakes state park? How much is in road. And is it cinder, paved or rough?

Me and a friend want to ride from brockport to buffalo and back. What are the chances that we could find hotels (inexpensive hotels) along the way? :)

Are there any picnic tables at Lock 32? Seems like there is not much there to make it user friendly.

Is there a kayak ramp at this site?

Does anybody know if me and my buddies could leave our cars at Lions Park for four days while we do a section of the Erie Canal Trail, Then return and pick up our cars.....

I would like to bike from Ilion to Little Falls. I will be transporting my bike using my car. My question is where would I park my car so that I can bike this route? is there a trailhead in Ilon where I can park? I cannot find any info on trailheads on the canal website.

Camping at the fire station is no longer permitted—unfortunately, it only takes one person to ruin it for everyone.

Is the detour from Clyde to Seneca Falls a good way to go ?
How many extra miles is this detour ?
Or should I just take route 31?
The reason I’m asking is there are not many places to stay overnight from Lyons to port Byron.

Hi PJ
Forgot to comment on the first part of your question. Yes you can use a road bike but I would use the largest tire possible that fits your road bike frame. If you have a gravel bike, it might be better especially on the crushed limestone towards "the Port" towns toward buffalo.

Can a Road Bike do well on the Trail or is it much preferred to use a Gravel Bike?

How does Amtrak handle passengers with bicycles?

No difference. Just keep the wheel size under 52MM or 2.0 inch. It can be larger if they don't hang it but that's up to the conductor. You reserve the space as a hang up in the car where you remove your bags. That's why its set to 2 inches. I would never try anything larger because there is no guarantee they will find space if you can't hang the bike. I've done the trail several times and I think 25mm road bike would be uncomfortable with the crushed limestone on the western part. 35 to 50 mm is perfect. So a gravel bike, especially one that favors a tour-like geometry, is perfect. I've used Teravell Gravel Tires, Surly 40mm Extra Terrestrials, and Vitoria Randoneur 38mm and Vittoria Mezcal 2.1. Anything larger on a non- electric bike is overkill.

Phone # listed for Lock 8 is a fax machine.

Is it alright to leave a car at' Isle Park for 6 days? Or is Ellicott City Park better? We are travelling and will have items sitting in view in our car for a week.

Is camping allowed at Lock 8 or nearby?

I have seen people camping near Lock in past years
Maybe a call to the lock tender would yield some results
I am fairly certain that the phone number can be obtained by searching the site for NYS Canals. Best of luck!

Thanks Guiseppi

Does anyone know if they will be coming out with a 6th addition of the "Cycling the Erie Canal: A Guide to 360 Miles of Adventure and History Along the Erie Canalway Trail" and if so when? Thanks!!

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

Thankfully, this section is now finally open!

Good day to all! Quick question about Lyell Ave in Rochester. Is this a viable shortcut to the trail from the Amtrak Station? Is it a busy street? Is the neighborhood worry free? Would appreciate any advice from people who live in Rochester! Many thanks!

Has anyone walked this trail? I prefer a bed at the end of the day with no camping. Are hotels readily available not far off the trail? Thank you.

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

Lock 30 State Campsite

Camping
Boat Ramp
Macedon NY
Erie Canal Heritage Trail
315-986-5631
Lock 30 State Campsite is located on the Erie Canal Bike Trail, in Macedon NY

Please call in advance

Try calling and see what the status is