Erie Canal Forum

Looking for best source providing detailed description of EC bike trail from west to Seneca Falls, returning to Canal, heading east, including traffic, elevation changes, etc.

Thanks.

Stuart! Its a bike path along the canal. What's your concern? What kind of details are you looking for?

In a nutshell... it's a bike path with paved or crushed gravel. From Bflo to Clyde, NY very little on-road. After that you will be on roadways to Seneca Falls (unless there is a bike path). EC elevation is minimal -- it's a rather level pathway.

Using Google Maps (Bike Mode) it's about an hour from Clyde. Two options shown -- both on rural roads without an apron. Maps did not suggest Rt 414, probably because it is a busier route. However, looking in Street Mode - it does show that there is an apron on either side on the state road. Google maps says it's mostly flat. What a resource!

EDIT: I guess I didn't answer your question. The best resource? The answer is probably a combination of resources. This website is great with planning tools, maps and this forum (IMHO however, it appears that you asked a rather broad question apparently without arming yourself without any previous research). Other resources, each unique in their own way, would be (1) the nycanalmap.com (2) PTNY.org (3) the Canal Corp itself for any specifics about the canal and (4 & 5) Google and Google Maps.

For instance, if you use google maps you can layer topography and if you Google: Erie canal elevation map... guess what?

Lastly, I first read your post as you were returning back to your start, but evidently you are heading east for some distance (which you never identified). My answer would be the same as above, however, as you head east you will leave today's NYS Barge Canal and follow the Historic Canal so you are away from locks, etc. Once you get into the Rome area following the Canal/Mohawk River, there is a mixture of all surfaces with some increase in on-road travel until you reach Mohawk, and from there to ALB you're on paved pathway (some better than others).

Using the PTNY Map -- on the bottom is a tab labeled "Map Display" -- it is the map KEY and you can also toggle features.

Have fun doing your research.

Hi, does anyone know which parts of the bike trail between Henrietta (near E Henrietta Rd) and Buffalo are paved ? Thanks!

Only to Long Pond Rd, many root bumps. Other small parts at Henpeck Park. Including Spencerport and Brockport. That's about it until Albion. Far as I have been.

This PTNY map uses a color coded key to identify paved, non-paved and street surface areas. I might question it's timeliness for accuracy, but, worse case, any changes to the path surface would be improvements.

The KEY doesn't specify, but I believe the solid green lines on the map are paved, the dotted green lines are stone dust.

https://www.ptny.org/explore/empire-state-trail

wnybubba...
That looks accurate to me. The small bits of pavement I spoke of wouldn't be worth showing as paved on the map.

can i park here overnight? i want to bike to Syracuce, stay overight and return to Clyde the next day.

Dawn - I doubt that anyone on this Forum has the correct answer. Best to see if this is a Town or Village owned property and ask them for rules or permission.

Dawn;

Riding through Clyde last year I left my wallet at a farm stand on Burrell Street/Rt 372 where I bought some fruit and sat in the grass for a lunch break. The owner of the farm stand had watched me, found my wallet next to the cashbox. She was related to a Clyde City Police officer and called the on duty police to track me down riding east. In the end the County and City Police and the farm stand family all assisted in finding me and returning my wallet. They were very bike-tourist friendly. I would call the Clyde Police and ask about Black Brook Park and for recommendations for a safe place to park your car.

It would be nice to have photos of the 0 mile marker locations to help starting and finishing the trail.

For us, for example, we will be starting in Buffalo. Assuming the 0 mile marker is at the Veterans park in Buffalo and we will most likely find it easily but it would help to have a general idea what it looks like.

A few years ago we finished GAP and C&O and were surprised how tricky it actually was to get to the finish point in Washington DC...it was by the river behind boat docks and when we asked at the docks the people there had no idea where it is. :-)

Brambor: Unfortunately, there are no signs or medallions right now. In fact, there is nothing to signify you’ve reached the end/beginning.

In Buffalo, the beginning/end is at the middle of the little bridge in Canalside (42.8773245, -78.8793415).

In Albany, it’s somewhere at Jennings Landing (42.6486938, -73.7476400) but I’m not exactly sure where.

It would be a nice informational/conversation starter. A sign in Buffalo saying “Albany 380 miles —-]” might get others interested in cycling this historic route. In fact coming out of Buffalo, you’re only likely to see “Shoreline Trail” signs until you get to Tonawanda.

When I did the GAP/C&O years ago, I relied in this video to get me to the Thompson Boat House, otherwise I’m not sure I would have found Mile 0 right away! https://youtu.be/9kzs51zRsSY

Thank you for the coordinates. Very helpful. I saved them. ??

You can paste them into Google Maps and you can see where they are. That’s where they originated from.

John

Is overnight parking allowed at the Lockport trail parking. looking to do a 2-day ride from here and need a safe place to park.

David, I do not believe that there are restrictions on overnight parking at trailhead parking areas. However, you added the word "safe" and that opens up Pandora's box! It's a rather rural setting and right within sight, so I'd advise a safer place. Here's my recommendation: There is a Top's Market close-by over on Chestnut Ridge Road (Rts 31/77). Tops is routinely fine with you leaving a vehicle in their lots. Just let(ask) a manager know your plan. Otherwise, even safer, Eastern Niagara Hospital is over on East Ave (Rt 31) not too far away. There may be a charge but it's a safe place.

we are looking for help in mapping out a ride app 50 miles round trip within the Syracuse Area, either east or west is fine.
Hoping for the most paved trails we can find, this is a fundraiser we are doing and will have novice riders, any guidance would be much appreciated
Bob

I am also tryimng to map this route out?
Bob
https://www.ptny.org/bike-canal/map/

That’s a good map Bob. You don’t need to follow the grey dashed lines (like the one that takes you down to Seneca Falls). Those are for camping 600 people on the annual “Cycle the Erie Canal” trip which is what that map was originally made for. I know you have novices on your trip and want paved and you’ll get some of that but don’t fear the purple colored “stone dust” parts on that map. They’re perfectly flat and smooth crushed stone. This type of surface is typical of what you on most rail-trails and canalways.

Good luck with your trip!

Hi, I want to take that move and save as PDF or get more detail for the riders to follow, the step by step are actually not very clear for a Novice
Bob

I agree they should have printable PDF maps available for download.

I saw this on the Canalway Corp web site:

“A free map of the Canalway Trail is available from the Canal Corporation. To obtain a copy, please contact us online or call 1-800- 4CANAL4.”

No idea how long it will take to be mailed to you.

You could also purchase the Cying the Erie Canal Guidebook:
https://www.ptny.org/publications/cycling-guidebooks/cycling-the-erie-canal

I have not seen the guidebook so I cannot comment on its quality but I imagine you could copy the map parts you need.

Bob Kelly:
If I am reading you correctly you are looking at 50-mile RT. That's only 25 miles one way so you shouldn't find it to be too hard to organize, but staying off a highway entirely is going to be nearly impossible in this area.

So option #1 WEST is to take off from Camillus and pedal to Weedsport. Start on the east side of town -- there is a Cosco and Tru by Hilton, so lots of parking available. Go up Hinsdale Rd to Warner (Rt 173) -- short highway with a nice apron for cycling and pick up the trail. There is also Reed Webster Park that you might choose to start from. The trip into Weedsport through Jordan is one of my friends favorite sections. Pretty much all paved.

Not too far away your will come to the Nineteen Mile Aqueduct a wonderfully refurbished section of the Canalway that utilizes a wide concrete aqueduct. It's quite cool and educational. Further down is the Erie Canal Park -- an interesting place along the pathway, the Sims' Museum, that is a replica of the original Sims' canal store.

Continuing on through Jordan and then be right at Lock 51 -- part of the historic Erie Canal with a nice small roadside park that could be a resting place. Then, nearing Weedsport, the pathway follows a fun single track that travels almost through owners back yards! After that you are on road surface in Weedsport. The pathway ends right at an Arby's parking lot, so you have a place to re-group before continuing. This is also a busy intersection to navigate.

So I'd have to know how important is the 50-mile mark? You will only be about 20-ish miles here. If you want to continue, you will go on Rt 31 straight through Weedsport. Good news here... there is a great ice cream stand right on the route OR, depending on the group... there is a Craft Brewing Company! If your intent is to continue to make the required 25 mile section, the trail takes to a pathway into Port Byron, but after that the Canalway is on State Route 31 and, quite frankly, the highway is rather busy. Know that there is a pretty decent apron but you will encounter some elevation changes as well.

Options #2 - EAST: Start on the east side of SYR -- Shoppington Mall would be ideal -- the trail is on the north side on Kinne Road and as soon as you go under I-481 you are on the Canalway Trail. Soon another historic Aqueduct, Limestone Creek, but not as significant as the Nineteen Mile. Past Green Lakes State Park and following the trail until you reach your 25-mile mark. Know that this is a much more primitive trail - some crushed gravel, but very ridable with any style bike/tires. Much of the scenery is in the woods next to the "historic" canal which is pretty much a marsh these days in most places. Going through Canastota is quite nice and if you look at the map, as you head north you might be placed on some road surface, but rest easy... they are not busy highways. Most are barely traveled and go through dinky towns (no offense to said towns)! At 25 miles, you turn around -- it would probably be a little past Durhamville.

OPTION 2 of #2 would be to start at Green Lakes State Park and end at Lock 21. This is a pretty cool option in that the end (Lock 21) is a large (current) Barge Canal lock with a lot of green space surrounding it.

If you are going on the Erie Canalway around SYR - those are probably the best options. I really like the West option better, but it has limitations on length and will require going through streets in Weedsport -- but then there's the ice cream or beer! I found the "historic" section (the eastward route) to get a little drawn out and lacked a lot of exciting scenery, but it may work out well as far as logistics for your fundraiser.

As you probably know, New York State recently completed the Empire State Trail, a 755 mile trail system (!) reaching from Lower Manhattan to the Canadian border, and connecting to the Erie Canalway Trail at Albany.

If you’d like to explore the Empire State Trail, check out BikeEmpireState.com.

You’ll find an interactive Google map of the Empire State Trail, similar to the Erie Canal map here – which in my (not so humble) opinion is way more helpful than the Empire State map offered by the State.

There’s also a Mileage Chart Page showing distances between towns on all parts of the trail.

I wanted to get these first couple tools out on the web as quickly as possible, for anyone planning a spring or summer trip, but I will continue to add more tools like the ones you find here at BikeErieCanal. Hopefully this will help encourage people to get out and enjoy this amazing new resource.

Happy trails!

Ray:

There are three different on-line resources for biking the Erie Canal Towpath that I have added to my favorites. All seem to be published by NY State agencies. It is a bit confusing. They are:

bikeeriecanal.com
bikeempirestate.com
empiretrail.ny.gov

Each one has different maps, etc. Can you clear up which website is targeted for which type of visitor?

Thank You

Hi Yankee John,

1. bikeeriecanal.com - this website is built and managed by TrailHub (my company), not the state of NY. It focuses on just the Erie Canalway.

2. bikeempirestate.com - this is also a TrailHub website, not NYS. It includes some redundant info from #1, but of course expands to include the whole Empire State Trail. We are still building out this site, but have already built two key features which the state site doesn't offer: an interactive Google Map with mile indicators, and mileage distances between towns.

3. empiretrail.ny.gov - this is the state of NY's website for the Empire State trail.

It may seem redundant to have multiple websites out there for a single trail, but I encourage you to check them all out and use whichever one works best for you. And most important, enjoy New York's amazing trails!

I appreciate your input and will keep striving to make BikeErieCanal.com and BikeEmpireState.com your "go to" sites for trip planning.

Ray,

Great work here and on the other sites -- they are always my "Go-To" sites. Thanks for your continuing goodness!

I'm thinking of doing the Canalway Trail again this early summer (Bflo -> ALB) but adding the trek into NYC.

Is it possible to make this forum searchable? That would be a huge value add! When I was planning my trip, it was difficult to find the information I was looking for or even know if someone had already asked the question and had the discussion.

Bikegal - glad you asked! If you look near the top of the Forum page, just above the "Start a New Discussion" button, you will now see a new link for "Search the Erie Canal Bike Trail Forum".

Enjoy!

Thanks!

Thank you for creating and maintaining this great resource. TrailHub looks interesting, will give it a try this summer.

It won't be difficult to do better than 'Rails to Trails,' I pulled my remaining hair out using their maps and aps on a Wisconsin/ferry/Michigan group ride three years ago. It seems R2T is only good at sending nice glossies and requesting donations and providing jobs for some folks in Washington, D.C.

Thinking about riding Buffalo to Alb to Canada this summer if COVID restrictions are relaxed and it's easier to find lodging. The Champlain part of the trail is mostly on roads, wish it had more trails, but most of them aren't too busy or too hilly.

Really nice work Ray. Definitely thinking about Albany to NYC as a potential trip.

John

Ray,
Great resource!

Thank you.

Ray, Are you planning on adding a trip planner similar to the one on this site. I am having a really had time finding camping from Albany to NYC.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated

Chris - yes, the Empire State website will eventually have a trip planner, although it will be a while.

However, I am currently researching camping options along the Hudson Valley section, and will have some info posted online within a week or so. I agree, camping options seem few and far between along that section, but I'll see what I can turn up.

I will update the "Empire State Trail - Hudson Valley camping" thread as soon as I have info to share.

Thanks Ray. If you want any help, let me know. Email me if you wish.
-bubba
wnybubba@gmail.com

I plan on riding from Buffalo to Albany in early June. Just wondering if there is a marker or something significant/spectacular to tell me that I am at the official end of the trail. Also, is this point (mile 0 of the Erie canalway) the junction of the North-South Empire State Trail? FYI, I've never been to Albany and am thus unfamiliar with the area. Thank you.

I have a good bike and I named her Sport.
Gonna take her on down along the Erie Canal
April is cold but life is short
She’s a good new Ebike and a good new pal

If you see me out there say heidyho
I’ll be the old man with the beard down low

We’ve rode some trails in our day
Filling my panniers with food today
And here’s the one thing that I do know
I’ll be parking in Buffalo to start the show

If you see me out there say heidyho
I’ll be the old man with the beard down low

When my ride is over I’ll take the Amtrak back
I’ll get to my truck and load up my pack

If you see me out there say heidyho
I’ll be the old man with the beard down low
I’ll be the old man with the beard down low

3rd week in June (hopefully) look for the bike with the yellow fenders

I hope folks enjoyed my song. I'll be starting the ride on April 5th.
Heidyho!

4th week in May with my Son. So excited

Hello, we plan to start our ride from Buffalo at the end of April. I am assuming there is not going to be any snow on the ground (correct me if I am wrong) but there is a chance of minor flooding along the way depending on the level of rain in the past few days.

I have seen mentioned on this forum that the locks are closed until June. I am assuming we will still be able to cross the canal where necessary...what does it mean to a cyclist that the locks are closed? Will we still be able to camp at some of the locks as it has been done in the past?

Thanks.

Brambor, I think the locks being closed may have to do with boat traffic? Not sure why they would be closed all the way till June though, it’s pretty warm by then. Lots of people do camp at the locks, I would seek out the lock tenders and ask where you should go or if you can’t find anyone just pick a spot at the locks and do it. Look though this forum for a few of the threads on that very topic.

I still don’t understand why PTNY doesn’t do a better job of getting the message out about camping locations for cyclists crossing the state. These should be signage saying so and all of their web pages and maps should state where you can camp, even if it is “primitive”. It shouldn’t be this hard to plan out camping spots.

As for weather, I think you’re pretty safe by late April. I always bring some layers in case it gets chilly though. I wouldn’t worry about flooding but if it’s rained the trail will be soupy and have puddles. Most of it is crushed limestone/gravel. Just assume you will get a little muddy. It actually makes for a fun adventure!

Brambor:

The locks being closed will not affect your trip, other than missing the passage of boat traffic along the canal next to you and watching the boats locking through. Only a few locks allow passage along the closed lock gates from the north to south side, so you'll be crossing the canal on roadway bridges if you choose to do so. The locks have traditionally opened a few days before Memorial Day, with some sections of locks that are being repaired opening later. The weather and trail conditions are unpredictable during April, with gorgeous spring days mixed with cool rainy ones. Flooding is not a concern unless there is a major storm when you wouldn't be riding anyway. Much of the western part of the trail is well packed stone dust. When it is wet it can be a little squirrely with road tires and sprays you and your packs with some fine grit.
Have a great trip!

The locks are planned to open mid-May for 2021.
Snow in April in Bflo, Roch or Syr is not uncommon, however, it is typically a light covering and not something that lasts far into the day. BUT... it's Buffalo. LOL Late April should not be an issue.

You've camped before on the Canalway so know what's out there. The locks not being open really has little affect on camping and, frankly, make it even more simple. There's noone to tell you what or where! The difference along the entire Canalway will be that any areas where you may have found facilities prior, will not be open (Ft.Plain for instance).

I get what John W says above, but I believe that the reason nothing is published is because the NYS Canalway Corp is who runs the show. PTNY is more of a support group for the canal. So, it's the Canal Corp who has not officially designated or maintained specific camping locations along the trail. It just leaves a void. But, at the same time, it offers up the opportunity to wing it and figure out places that work. [Note for others who may read this... the trail is not always right next to the Canal and quite often is a distance apart from it.]

It's a fun adventure. Post a trip report after the ride so we know how it goes.

Interesting information WNYBubba....I wasn’t aware of the difference between the NYS Canalway Corp and PTNY. I always thought that Canalway Corp dealt with the canal (water part), locks, boats, etc and PTNY dealt with the actual riding/walking path/recreation stuff.

Perhaps we’ve been sending emails to the wrong place asking for things on the trail! : )

John

John W:

I'm pretty sure I have this right! Last year as I was attempting to secure information about Lock camping, etc. I spoke with an individual at the Canal Corp who gave me some great information. Part of that was that the person (female name that I can't recall) whose job was coordinating the pathway and camping information. A few calls lead me to think that the Canalway Corp. is a heads-up organization and very open and easy to deal with.

WNYBubba,
We’ll have to try and find her name so we know who to contact to get inside info on all things the Erie
Canal! :-). That makes me feel good knowing that Canal Corp is trying to organize things, especially camping matters. I truly hope they add more from start to finish, the would be a welcome addition.

John W:

I'm pretty sure I have this right! Last year as I was attempting to secure information about Lock camping, etc. I spoke with an individual at the Canal Corp who gave me some great information. Part of that was that the person (female name that I can't recall) whose job was coordinating the pathway and camping information. A few calls lead me to think that the Canalway Corp. is a heads-up organization and very open and easy to deal with.

First spring ride on this beautiful day Rexford to Rotterdam Junction :) Other than winter debris the trail is in excellent condition. The Maxon Road to Rt 146 section in Schenectady has two sections of crushed gravel crossings for large construction vehicles and a 'trail closed' sign at the Rt 146 end. Walking the bike across was only a brief annoyance. Last year's trail closure for installation of large water/sewer pipes on the Maxon Road end is complete and the path has new asphalt.

The Rotterdam Junction train track crossing is open! It runs under the tracks, making it much lower than the adjacent section of flooded Old Erie Canal; sure seems like it will be knee deep in water after a rainstorm. The associated trail has been cleaned up and the shoulders cut back and mowed. There is still one very short section of riding on Route 5 with a good shoulder.

Nice update Yankee John. Good to know things are improving. Well... let's hope the Rotterdam RR works out! I read about this previous to my ride last June, but I can't remember there being any issue. I had a great ride from Fort Hunter/Tribes Hill over to Waterford that day and just remember it being a really nice, enjoyable ride. (But even if I'm on street level, it doesn't bother me.)

WNYBubba

The Fort Hunter to Waterford ride is even better this spring. Much of the trail from Sctdy to Cohoes is repaved and in excellent condition. Repaving has covered the root bumps and frost heaves, giving a smooth ride. The big washout on the hill before GE Research has been repaved with a new culvert and the fence has been repaired.
When you rode last year you were on the road through Rotterdam Junction and reconnected with the trail at the east end of town. It's not that far and the traffic isn't going that fast so it was just a blip on your trip. Having the RR tunnel removes that section of road riding and connects preexisting trail that ended at the tracks. I always thought getting across the tracks would require a very expensive bridge that was never going to happen. The tunnel is a welcome surprise.

Yankee John

Thanks again for the additional update. I'm sure I'll remember the new RR Tunnel on this year's trip. Not seeing root bumps and frost heaves will certainly be an improvement! However... the "just a blip(s)" on a Canalway ride seem to start numbering up! LOL