Erie Canal Forum

My dog and I are planning to do a portion of the Erie Canal this summer. We only have a week and about 60 miles a day is our limit with her in a trailer. We plan to start on the western end (closer to home) ride east and then ride back to our vehicle

One way of figuring this out in a way that would provided the most info to you and be specifically tailored for yourself is by clicking on the "Trip Planner" button. Since your dog will accompany you, if he/she is trotting along beside you you might consider looking for veterinarian services along the route. If the web site doesn't have that, try a duckduckgo search for the villages you'll pass thru.

From there you can pick any starting point, and see what services are along the 60 miles you will travel from your starting point.

Also, something to think about is whether you mean 60 miles out and 60 miles back or 60 miles round trip.

Just as a tip (perhaps incorrect, but remember what you paid for it!) I've read and seen that the most interesting locks are toward western part of the canal at Lockport. I've enjoyed that part. Beautiful sweeping scenes of farmland, open sky, little danger for a dog, and nice villiages along the way that have essential services. However, I'd be very cautious with a dog going thru Rochester (where there are interesting locks). Maybe you could start west of Rochester and go west, or start in Lockport and go to the western part of Rochester.

Check out the "Towns and Services" menu at the top of the page, and make up your own mind.

Thanks for the info. I pull the dog in a trailer but I still try to avoid roads. I'll probably limit the trip to Pendleon-Clyde. Maybe add Herkimer to Albany if things go well. That way there arent very many sections on the road and those seem short,

Were I traveling from Ohio, and going to tow a dog, I'd start in Lockport, NY and go East. It is very rural and safe. I think that most of the towpath through Rochester is on a way that is separate from roadways.

The canal thru Rochester is supposed to be interesting, as it "crosses" a north-south river. Seeing how the west-east canal crosses that river is supposed to be something to behold... and engineering feat for its time.

I spent alot of time on the towpath toward Albany in my early days... mostly watching the boats go thru the locks. I think that riding on the "path" thru Albany will be your most hazardous stretch.

Thanks for the feedback. Its been very helpful

Since you are coming up from Ohio, it is worth while to know that the "topath" actually starts in downtown Buffalo.

I don't have anything against Buffalo, but sometimes the path in urban areas adjoins a busy highway. What a rotten place to ride with all those guys speeding by, leaving you in their exhaust, but alive at least.

If you start at Lockport, you'll see a set of locks there that is worth while seeing. From there the path eastward is pretty darned safe. Of course, watch out in Rochester, and think about skipping Syracuse somehow.

Forget bout your 200 mile goal and just have a goal to bike a beautiful stretch of the historic towpath is safety. I'm a geezer and would head back before reaching syracuse.

The tiny "villages" along with way are worthwhile stopping... to get a pizza and a beer.... because they are teeny and that is the most you can expect. HOwever, I found that pizza and beer was perfect and enough... if it was available.

As you bike, try to imagine what those villages must have looked like when the canal was in operation and served activity along the way.

Most important: take no risks that could endanger your dog. Your dog is your best friend and will keep you safe along the way.

I would like to know from folks who have ridden the Erie Canal bike path on a class 2 ebike. Any information would be great. Thanks, joe c

My wife and I road it on Class 1 ebikes. It is a dream.... no hills, flat surface, often dirt packed from mules at one time, and now bikes and runners' feet.

Look for little (tiny) villages along the canal at a bridge crossing. These probably served a purpose for the barges at one time.

Now there you may find a pizza joint and a bar that service local thirst and hunger.

Look on this discussion's web site under "Towns and Services."

While you are on the tow path, have a look around you: you'll seen the most gloriously beautiful and peaceful farm settings you've ever laid eyes on!

I think it unlawful to camp on property that is owned and maintained by the Canal Authority. However, some of the property is private farmland... and you may be able to camp there... with permission. Some farms had set out tents just for the bikers to have an overnight.

Planning to do the bike trail on my class 2 ebike this summer.This will be my first time. Any advice,tips and suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks Joe C

Stop and see the canal overflow falls in Holley NY. I go to the top of the falls and scramble down the hill a little bit to get to the falls.

Exploring doing the Erie Canal Trial next summer on my E bike. Would like to read other people's experience doing this. I can get 90+ miles on a full charge but would rather not run it down that far. My charge to mile ratio is about 1 hour of charge to 20 miles of battery. Like to hear from experienced E Bikers on this particular trail.

Towns around me seem to be no more than 15 miles apart. The trail is mostly flat and hard packed when not paved.

NY State has a web site that shows where all EV charging stations are. You may find charging services for a bike there.

This web site has an excellent "Towns and Services" tab that shows services at many, if not all, towns and villages along the way.

That may be a good starting point for finding services for charging your bike.

There may be many services that may be willing to charge your bike in exchange for a few dollars. My experience is that if you are freindly and non-threatening, and make a friendly offer of a few dollars, they'll take your request seriously, or tell you where you might get your request fulfilled nearby. If you want something for nothing, it'll be more difficult.

Try that "Towns and Services" tab of this web site.

Is the trail open at the Aquaduct west of Palmyra? There was a detour the las time we were out there. but it has also been a while

Still a detour

The detour was still there in October 2023

The map shows a detour in Buffalo, due to reconstruction of the trail. When is the work expected to be finished? Will the detour be in place in June 2024?

We started our multi-day Erie Canal bike ride in Utica. Thought we would have an easy time finding trail head (and were told so by people in the city) but did not. Trail runs west but on East side there’s a chain link fenced gate across w 3 padlocks. No signage. We turned around and went all the way back to road, and on-road till Frankfort.

Has anyone else had this experience? Not sure how long that gate has been there? Super poor signage. Just don’t waste your time looking for the trail like we did. Just go on road to Frankfort and then you can pick it up and easy from there till Albany.

What's the best route from Clyde to Camillus?

Can you camp here overnight?

Rode on the canal bike path a couple weeks ago, had a great time, but could not find souvenir stickers for my bike! Any ideas?

I went to this location for a medical issue. I arrived at 7:40pm and as I was coming to the door they locked me out and would not let me in for a doctor to look at my arm. Why does the hours of business say 9am -8 pm if they don’t let you in 20 minutes before closing. That’s just wrong and they should stay open until 8pm. They need caring people in there that work till closing.

My husband found a wallet with the drivers license and credit cards in it at the intersection of the Erie Canal Trail and the Smith St Bridge in Brockport, NY today. He turned it into the police department. If you lost your wallet, try calling the Brockport PD.

I've been planning a 4 day trip for months. Took
a lot of work to get the logistics right. Now
three days before we are scheduled to leave Amtrak
cancels our bike reservations. Ugh! We regrouped
by booking a campsite at Green Lake State Park.
Will do a couple of days bikes instead. Not
quite the same.

Sorry to hear that. Happened to us as well. We won't ever make plans to take bikes on Amtrak again, unless we are fully retired and plan to camp every night.

Did Amtrak give a reason for canceling your bike reservations?

My inclination would have been to fight it.

One think you can do is to track ... and get credible documentation of... the expenses that you incur by Amtrack canceling your reservations. Be fair, Do not exaggerated.

After your return, present your documents to Amtrak and request compensation for the damages you incurred.

If you have an attorey... or better yet... an attorney service that you pay for annually for, let them pursue Amtrak until you and Amtrack reach a settlement. They definately will not want to go to small claims court with you, and will either settle before the court date to avoid going to court (it will cost them alot of $ to do that), or they will not show up at court and the judge may award your damages, or reschedule for another court date... and award damages then.

Be polite and business-like, and you may get satisfaction.

Did you have a reservation specifically for your bikes???

My (limited) understanding is that this is essential.

Many thx to the pink tail marksman. I would still be out there if eastbound trail hadnt been marked by him. Again Thank u

My husband and I came in here on Friday for breakfast around 10am. We ordered two coffees and asked if they had flavored creamers. They said they did, but it would cost extra. The coffee arrived and it tasted watered down. It was as if they again were trying to make extra money with subpar product. The food came and it was good. I really can't complain about that.

The problem that we had with West Wayne restaurant was that we left the waitress a tip, and she added an extra digit to it. Obviously we didn't know until the next day. I felt very violated!! We called them and the waitress admitted that she stole from us! She said to call back at 9am to speak to the owner. We called back and he said that we could come back and get the money that was stolen off my debit card, but we don't live out that way and happened to be passing through.

Report it to your credit card company. They will take it off your bill.

Sorry to have to post this

Barb and Bob are lovely people, but they should no longer be in the business of hosting people in their home. Website, property description, and more are not accurately depicted. The home is filled with clutter, there are no common areas in which to sit, breakfast is presented outside on the porch because there is nowhere to sit inside the home. The home and the rooms have seen a better day.

Would this be a good place to park for a three-day bike trip?

I believe it’s an Erie County park so call their parks dept and also the Town of Tonawanda police dept., tell them your plans and if it’s ok to leave your car overnight and is there something to put in your car dashboard to avoid towing. If they refuse to let you park at Isle View, ask them if they could suggest somewhere you can park. You never know if someone might let you stay at a personal residence, school, church, etc. You never know what they will suggest. Good luck!

John

How is this motel?

Can we please .aintain the port a John on lock 8. It is overflowing with fieces and absolutely disgusting.

I'm doing a multi-day cycling trip on the Erie Canal Trail. Is it permissible to park overnight at this location?

I'm doing a multi-day cycling trip on the Erie Canal Trail. Is it permissible to park overnight at this location?

Starting from Buffalo 9 14 23 and wondering if I will see others riding this time of year? Any trail issues to be aware of?

I don't know about the portion between Tonawanda and Lockport.

However, in mid-August I biked between Lockport and Gasport and saw only 1 other couple on the towpath during my entire ride.

my experience with " vague fear of trail issues" is: its a boogey man that doesn't exist on the towpath. There are no gremlins, sticky bandits, or people waiting behind trees with a baseball bat, or bad road condiitons.

WHile there are parts that are paved, there are parts where it is just really nice hard flat dirt.

Also, if it rains, you may get wet unless you hole up on a nearby bar that you can find using this web site by clicking on the circle on the map above that is the place you want to investigate.

The way to think of the towpath is: it is not unlike the road of life... if you peddle, you'll certainly get thru it, and if you are not so deterined to race thru it, you'll find that it is a beautiful ride and the road will be the least of your problems.... and will be one of the most memorable experiences you've ever had.... and you'll think back on it when you become an old man, get an e-bike, and try to do it again.

However, it might be a good idea to take a tire repair kit, just in case. Always have a Plan B in life, and a tire patch kit will be your Plan B on the towpath.

You will never forget your ride on along the canal. Stop every few miles, just to see what's arround you.

The Road bekons you. Answer its call.

I ride the trail between Canajoharie and Amsterdam a couple times a week. (Old man on a Ebike).

Very few other riders between none and a dozen depending on the weather forecast.

Watch out for horseback riders, Amish wagons and the exhaust that comes out of the horses.

In my opinion it is the best thing New York State has ever done.

Schoharie crossing visitor center has nice clean bathrooms and welcome trail riders.

Karens Produce and Ice Cream has good burgers.

Where can I park in Buffalo for a week. Riding to Syracuse

Run a personal ad in the Buffalo Evening News for a few weeks, requesting to rent a garage for the duration.

If you are cheap and just park it someplace, there is strong possibility that your car will get towed to who knows where? City ordinances often prevent this sort of thing. If the City impounds your car, you'll have a hard time locating it, and then will have to pay cash to get it back from the secure lot where the City impounded it.

Or if leave it in a shopping lot: they are private lots and your car will get towed.

Run and ad, make a clean deal, and pay the $: half when you leave (get a receipt) and half when you return. You're car will be there when you return.

That's your cheapest and most secure option.

My brother & I are planning a bike trip along the Erie Canal. He wants to bike Tonawanda to Youngstown along the lake to Rochester & back the Erie Canal to Buffalo. I want to bike the Erie canal Buffalo to Syracuse leave our bike then come back & get them. Sept 23-28th. What do you think?

Both options are good. You'll see the lake... they way your brother wants to go. However, with that route, you'll run side by side with more car traffic... between Tonowanda, the US Falls, where you connect with Lake Erie. Heading east from there, it should be peaceful with great views of the Lake.

However, the Canal is a bothmarvel of man's handiwork and nature. Its a definitive famous ride. As you get way from he Buf metro area it becomes a dreams ride: don't forget to look around t the farm and field surrounding you and not just at the towpath ahead of you.

I did a chunk of it this summer. You'll love the bars and pizza places in that are just a stone's throw front he canal in tiny towns along the way. It is so gorgeous!

With either option, make sure you are in very good shape, riding daily for a few months before you go, and have your doctor check you out and ok you for the ride.

On the ride I did I came a couple from NYC who had taken the train to the western part of the tow path: he was having cardiac issues, and she had to deal with that. Not a happy situation.

Please be prepared and get cleared for it from your DR before you go.

You could compromise and head east out the tow path to someplace between Lockport and Rochester, head north from there, and then head west along the lake. That would be very, very nice.

Old Jimma, thanks for the info. You mentioned pizza and pubs. Do you or anyone else know if there are hotels along the canal also. I could not find a lot on airbnb

You know what? This web site is pretty good for figuring out things about the resources that may avlail themselve so to you along the way.

For exammple,click on "Towns and Sevices." Also, look on "Interactive Map."

Start there. And look for books, too.

I agree with Old Jimma, this website is great for finding places to stay along the trail. It will show hotels and B&Bs. I don't know about Air B & Bs and VRBOs. I'll be doing a ride 9-17-23 - 9-21-23 from Tonawanda to Rockport and found the hotels and B&Bs on this site. You can just click on the town you will be staying in, and a list of all of the services (food, lodging, etc) will come up. You can also see how close they are to the trail.

Thanks, Cathy from Churchill.

Because of the capability of this web site, I gave thought to having a cell phone mount of my bike.

However, having been out in rural Western NY again this summer, rural cell phone coverage is not always there.

I wondered more about having a GPS since GPS coverage is quite good in my experience.

i don't like gadgets, but I like getting lost even less.

Is it possible to ride a bike from the Train Station in Syracuse to the trail? We plan to take the train from Amsterdam to Syracuse then bike back.

Its easy as ice cream.

From the train station (called the Walsh Regional Transporation Center):

* head SW on Harborside Dr
* turn rt on Hiawatha Blvd
* turn rt on Empire state trail... that's the towpath

Most importantly:
On the bikeeriecanal.com discussion page"
* click on the dot on the map that corresponds to Syracuse
* move the map around so that you can see the lake and look for the blue pin marker 51. thats the train station.

Use the directions above to see the map route I've suggested.

Consider getting a phone mount for you bike and use this map to guide you.

My guess is that you'll have to be cautious on the Empire State Trail while you are in the city of Syracuse.

Stayed car camping on the night of August 17th. Also had the Cops come and shine their flashlights in my car. I never woke up, caught it on my cars security camera. Not sure they want people camping here.

There is no water, no electricity, and no camping allowed here. We had the police shining us just after midnight. Don't do it!

Hi - We are planning our bike ride in early Oct, starting from Buffalo to Albany. Any tips regarding Oct weather and things to consider?
Many thanks in advance.
Zivit

August is nice riding in upstate NY. September is cool. October will be COLD, with frosts and maybe even snow flurries.

Many seasonal businesses will be closed.

Is there space here for our *small* camper?

If we want to ride from Syracuse to Camillus which says 10 miles on the mileage chart, what is the address of the starting point? There seems to be many locations in Syracuse.

When you click on Syracuse on the map above, you will see a 0 on the map. That's where the trail miles are measured from.

How much parking is available at train station in Buffalo and can you long term park there while you ride back to Buffalo from Albany.

Out for a ride east from Fairport to about as far as Macedon. At Yellow Mills Road there's a detour to Rt. 31. This is a busy road with big trucks. The detour seems to have been in place for years. Why? When will that part of the trail reopen? How long is the detour?

As a side note, we turned around at that point after having lunch at the Yellow Mills Diner, very close to the trail. It's standard diner fare and did the job. It ought to be included in the web site's listing of businesses. Here's the phone number (315) 597-4613. The address is 2534 NY Rt 31, Palmyra, NY 14522.

Looks like it was like that in 2021 when we rode it. The PTNY map shows a detour there.

The distance on Yellow Mills and 31 is about 0.6 miles. You get back on the trail at Pal-Mac Aqueduct County Park.

We rode on the highway so much that day that I don't even remember that little stretch.

I was wondering can I put a tent up at the camp site at the fort plain NY locks and stay for a extended stay because I would be living out of my tent till I could find a apartment to move into

I was wondering can I put a tent up at the camp site at the fort plain NY locks and stay for a extended stay because I would be living out of my tent till I could find a apartment to move into

I was wondering can I put a tent up at the camp site at the fort plain NY locks and stay for a extended stay because I would be living out of my tent till I could find a apartment to move into

FYI, this store has been closed since mid-July because of an electrical fire and is not slated to reooen (so I've heard) until mid-August.

How to get around route 46 near durhamvile?

Is there a place to park a 30 foot boat trailer and truck for a week while we cruise the Erie Canal on our boat. We would like a safe place to leave our truck and trailer.thank you

I am in the planning stages for a trip. I am looking at taking a train from Erie, Pa to Albany, Ny. Any experiences with what happens to your bike? Can you take your Orlieb panniers as a carry on? Where can you buy canister gas for my rocket stove when in Albany? I was thinking of Ubering to Walmart in Albany to get food and other supplies.

The train question gets answered a lot. Search the group for Amtrak, and you will find soooo much info.

I am planning a bike ride from Buffalo to Albany on Erie Canal bike path. Are any of the trails closed from the current weather? Also what do you do with your bike when getting supplies , do you have to lock up your bike.

I am planning a bike ride from Buffalo to Albany on Erie Canal bike path.

**Great idea!

Are any of the trails closed from the current weather?

**Nope.

Also what do you do with your bike when getting supplies , do you have to lock up your bike.

**We lock ours.

Looking for a one way shuttle. Would like to park in Lyons and shuttle back to Lockport.

Does anyone know where I can find a map that shows where you have to share the road with motorized vehicles? The maps from back home are color coded for the type of road to show paved paths, gravel, shared with vehicles, etc. The website says 13%, but I’d like to know where that is so I can check it out ahead of time. I’m from Portland, Oregon, where cars seem friendlier to cyclists. Here it feels like every road ride is a ride for my life. Thanks!

Google PTNY Erie Map and then open their interactive map. Gray is road.

Can anyone comment on the safety of riding along Hwy 31 between Port Byron and Brown Rd near Lock 26. Seems a long way to be a road and that is the Empire Trail.

thanks

I’ve heard that camping is permitted on any canal corporation property though I haven’t found that information on any of the websites. Is that true that I can pitch a tent anywhere alongside the canal ?

How's it going?

Hi,

Is the bike path between Lockport and Medina paved?

In general, are all bike paths paved along the Erie Canal?

Thank you in advance,
-Karen

Google PTNY Erie Map and then open their interactive map. The different colors show the path material.

Was just out there in May and the surface for the most part was hard dirt. Very rideable. I had no problems. Enjoy your trip that is a section that I enjoy very much.

Hi bikers,
If you are traveling through Little Falls give us a try. We are right on the bike trail. We serve a full Grille menu, bbq and soft ice cream. We have restrooms to accommodate you personal needs. Stop by and have a great meal right on the trail. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Happy trails!