Erie Canal Forum

I am an older bicyclist who has had recent hip surgery. My biking ability is not what it used to be so I am inteested in the new generation of electric assist bicycles and tricycles. Are these types of bikes permitted on trails that list no motorized vehicles allowed.

Electric assist are allowed on the trail. Enjoy your trip!

We are on the trail right now, day 3…currently in Geddes. We saw ebikes on the trail every day

For the past few years I have come to enjoy walking on the Bike Trail around Lock 8. There is not only the beautiful scenery but you see different types of people: young, old, walkers, runners, bike riders, roller skaters and others, all enjoying the Trail. On a very few occasions I have seen people smoking but it is rare. I have never seen a sign banning smoking. On April 29, 2021 I read an article in The Daily Gazette (page A4)about the Town of Glenville in which it was stated "...the law allows adults to smoke pot anywhere in public that smoking tobacco is allowed..." Assuming that the quote is a correct statement of the law, I believe it would be a very serious mistake to even leave open the the question of whether marijuana can be smoked on the Trail. It should be loudly and clearly publicized that as to the Bike Trail "MARIJUANA USE STRICTLY PROHIBITED". My question is "Who is in charge to protect the the "Trail" on this issue. New York State? NYS agencies? Towns? All of the above? I would appreciate any information, such as emails, websites. addresses that might help me find out what is being done to ban the use of marijuana on the Bike Trail.

People driving a car by themselves smoke pot. Let’s take care of those individuals first.

New York just legalized recreational marijuana, and the Canal system is owned and operated by the state. I suppose you could contact your state representatives, but the cows seem to be out of the barn.

We need the dues. Taxes

I see from the alerts (https://www.canals.ny.gov/trails/projects.html) that the trail is closed from Utica to Rome due to flooding. Any idea how bad it is? And is there an easy detour?
We're planning a mid-May trip, so it's still a few weeks away.

Exactly where in Albany does the canal begin?

It is a bit confusing. Are you following the bike trail, or the new/current canal? The bike trail does not follow the canal east of the twin bridges of the I-87 overpass at Fort Ferry Road. The bike trail east then follows the path of the old/original Erie Canal into Cohoes and then through Watervliet into Albany. The Erie canal starts in Waterford and the first lock is lock 2. Lock 1 is on the Hudson River at Green Island just north of Albany and isn't part of the canal. The bike trail west of Cohoes has been repaved and is in excellent condition. The trail through Watervliet is on roads but it has been remarked for bike lanes.

For trail purposes, is it Jennings Landing?

There have been other posts regarding the absence of a 'Mile zero' marker at Jennings Landing. Until NY Sate officially marks the beginning of the trail, I believe Jennings Landing would be regarded as the unofficial eastern terminus of the trail.

Is there a way to request a clean-up of a Trail Head(s) through the NYS Department of Services?

Try the Canalway Corp maintenance and operations: 518-449-6055 or administrative headquarters: 518-449-6000.

Thanks these phone numbers worked, getting the clean up done.

This is a great resource - thanks for setting it up.

Are there places to plug in a phone charger at the lock campsites?

www.canals.ny.gov/trails/camping.html indicates only 1 lock has showers - are there more places to shower or take a dip in the water? It indicates you can call into locks which aren't listed for camping and ask for permission to camp - does that actually work?

What's the accumulated climbing, E>W, Albany>Buffalo? Google maps shows 2500 ft, ridewithgps.com/routes/8552474 6500 ft, bikeeriecanal.com/elevation.aspx 8200 - 600=7600 ft. I'm trying to estimate how much my camping gear will slow me down. Is soft stone dust more of a drag than elevation changes?

Most of what few lock campsites will not likely have power for you at least not legally. :) That’s not to say there’s no outlets in the lock areas but can you use them? Who knows? I would bring a good power bank or stick, that can be solar charged while you ride. You could try to power up at restaurants but with Covid you may not have have as many chances to do that.

From what I understand you try and contact the lock and see if they’ll let you camp. Look back in these forums for this topic.

Don’t sweat the elevation or climbing. It’s very subtle if anything. In fact it’s pretty flat except at the locks that you’ll need to go up but they are super short, maybe 8-10 feet. Just bomb up them and you’re done.

Any camping gear will slow you down compared to a no gear ride but the stone dust is nice and compact and is a nice smooth ride. Just a fraction slower than asphalt. The only time is changes is when it’s rained and it might be a little soupy.

Here's and elevation profile of the Canal:
https://www.canals.ny.gov/navinfo/charts/mileage.jpg

Hi Wayne! John W and I both post often of the forum here, so I thought I'd add onto his post. RE: elevation... Not really a concern. There are some short dips at Locks and in the eastern section when you go down and up through underpasses. One caught me by surprise (maybe around Colonie) that had quite a steep incline after an underpass! I jumped off and walked up. But really, not to worry, the Canalway is pretty level.

Charging: Not sure of your plan, but touring/backpacking you generally are not near outlets. Solar panels with battery packs are great and recommended, and I can give you some recommendations if you want. It's surprisingly not too expensive. Lock operators most likely would let you charge your phone, and a halfway decent convenient store, gas stations or restaurant would most likely accommodate your need. It then just takes time. And... more than likely you will not be staying at Locks all that often. (BTW Lock E2 has (had) a live outlet on a closeby building and the telephone poll in the car back corner last year).I

Lastly... showers. Overrated! I had disinfectant wipes with me and sponge bathed daily. I also took a deodorant bar and a small body spray. I never felt too grubby. I did kinda wash my hair if there was a water spicket or semi-washed in a public washroom. I'm sure you could bath in the Canal or even easier in the Mohawk River. I didn't but I'm sure you could. There are probably truck stops not too far off the pathway you could rent a shower... And, when hiking, I've used campground showers at campgrounds that I wasn't staying at -- some with permission.

Calling Locks -- yeah it does, but Lock workers are all pretty cool. If you showed up without calling more than likely they'd be fine as long as it wasn't crowded.

Ask away if you need more. We keep giving away free advise!!

Is there any place near the Old Duck Inn bnb to get dinner?

Never mind. I see that they're not taking reservations now due to Covid.

Does the condition of the trail allow for maintaining a 17-18mph pace?

A guy did it in 32 hours last Sept. So yes.

His post is called End to End record. Tristan on 09/01/2020 10:06 PM

Look back a bit in the posts.

*** PUBLIC SERVICE NOTICE! ***
I just read this on an PTNY Instagram post:

READER ASKED:
How can I get updates on the status of the Rotterdam Junction-Pattersonville portions of the trail? There are two tunnels under the railroad that are substantially finished, but the trail itself is miles of gravel. I had to walk my road bike for a couple of miles last week ??


PTNY REPLY:
parkstrailsny
The eastern portion, Rotterdam Junction from the eastern underpass and Scrafford past the lock to Iroquois Street, should be done by April 26. The western portion from Leggiero will take a little longer. Depending on weather, it should be open and ready to ride around mid-May. Follow @eriecanalwaytrail to get updates when it's completed.

READER REPLY:
?? thanks. Rome wasn't built in a day and all that. I really appreciate the project and I'm sure it will save a life of bikers don't have to ride on 5S where the posted speed limit is 55

Rode that section 2 weeks ago, no "miles of gravel", only the sections at the tunnel with gravel that I rode through without having to walk my bike. Maybe the old sections of existing trail that ended at the tracks have been taken up for repaving. They had some root bumps and frost heaves but weren't in bad shape.
The trails around Schenectady/Nisky were all repaved last fall and are really nice. The walking on gravel will be worth the wait for a smooth section of paved trail.

Planning to ride from Buffalo to Albany at the end of May, staying in motels/hotels. Mileage-wise, it works best to stay in Canastota on day 4. Any opinions on the Days Inn or Sharway Motel? Reviews not the best but not many options.

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.