Erie Canal Forum

Looking to ride approximately 150 Mi of trail.
For myself, my girlfriend, ??(maybe) and others ??(very maybe)
Advise on what could be considered the most scenic & historical points of interest.
Want to camp (improved sites),airbnbs or hotel,known good grub but staying true to the trail route as possible and away from big cities.

Big on list is natural beauty &wildlife viewing.
Avoiding worst time of year for black fly, no seeums and mosquitos.

Thank you in advance for any replies.
Brian

Brian, Please do yourself and others on the forum a favor and provide some more information about your proposed logistics. Are you looking for a one-way tour or do you need advise on an out-and-back type of situation. Responses will be more targeted to your needs.

Erie Canal Guide, YouTube, Google. Ya gotta check these out first

The eastern sections have more lodging available and are more sheltered from winds and sun. A pleasant ~150 mile ride is from Spencerport to Utica. If you want to use Amtrak to return on a one way ride Syracuse or Rome to Albany has Amtrak stations and is about 150 miles. The Castle in Amsterdam is a fun place to stay with excellent Italian restaurants a few blocks away.

We are planning to ride the Erie canal trail end to end this summer. I have a couple questions:
1. One of the riders is a young teenager. We are comfortable with him completing the distance, but would like to know more about how much and the conditions for biking on roadway (non trail).
2. We have one rider that would ride a class 1 E bike. I understand they are permitted on the trail, but NY has some unusual Ebike laws that a class 1 ebike can not ride on a road with a speed limit greater than 30 mph. Is the above correct? Will we have an issue?
3. Generally what are the trail conditions. Good for a hybrid bike? are there unimproved rough sections (pot holes, stumps and ?)

Roborider - Your ebike will be fine anywhere on the trail or local streets. No worries there.

The streets you have to ride are for the most part low traffic and somewhat well marked. There was one state highway I recall but it was like 1 mile and had a huge shoulder.

Pretty much any kind of bike or bike tire will do maybe except those super skinny racing ones. The trail is a mix of paved asphalt, hard packed dirt (mule path), and crushed stone dust. If it rains the stone dust can get soupy so proceed with caution but otherwise you’ll see all sorts and styles of bikes along the trail. Hybrid is a perfect bike for the Erie Canal! I rode my Trek Hybrid on my trip and had zero issues handling the bike.

There are some random potholes, tree roots, or the odd rock. Nowhere in particular, you just have to keep your eyes open.

Enjoy your ride!

The only thing I would add to John W's comment is about your concern for road travel. One stretch from Clyde to Weedsport travels along Rt 31 east Savannah where the shoulder is quite narrow on a two-way state highway on it's way into Montezuma. WAIT! I just pulled up the Interactive map and see that the Canalway is re-routed coming out of Clyde -- and I was going to suggest that you search out a more rural route! Looks like a done deal! This is a wonderful change. Look at the map and you will see where it now utilizes Rt 372 coming out (east) of Clyde. However, I believe that the section that re-joins Rt 31 is where the not-too-wide shoulder with guardrails exists. As I have suggested many other times -- from this site's Interactive map you can utilize the Google "Street View" mode and look for yourself. I just took a short tour on the new route and then continued on Rt. 31 to make sure I was remembering correctly. It isn't the widest of shoulders for a rather busy state route. That said, I did feel that cars and trucks gave me as much room as they could. The re-route along the rural road looks great, however, there is no shoulder on the roadway. Your hybrid is great and, as for the E-bike... beg for forgiveness if any issue surfaces. Enjoy your tour.

Thank you both for your input.
Looking forward to the trip

I wonder how much better this edition is. I felt that the last Guide wasn't worth much. However, the PTNY website announces the 2021 Edition with this text in the description:

The 5th edition of Cycling the Erie Canal includes miles of new trail added as part of the Empire State Trail, plus the most recent information on lodging, attractions, and bike shops. 38 full-color maps provide the perfect tool to plan your bicycle trip along the trail.

With interactive maps (here and there), GPS, Google Maps and much other technology, not sure this is going to worth the investment.

When planning from home this could be good for reference before your tour. If I don't get to Ireland this year, I'm gonna get one for initial planning

I’ve just ordered the 2021 edition yesterday to plan for my ride later this year. I think of this guide as an useful tool for planning purposes.

Ho Nguyen,
Planning purposes it is probably a decent reference. The interactive maps on this site and PTNY are ideal. The "Guide" does segregate the trail into areas and lists certain resources and points of interest. However, on the trail, IMHO, it is not worth the weight to carry. A good instance to reference would be when I was in Syracuse and needed a bike shop... Googling "Bicycle Shops close by" gave me all the [good] information that I needed. Again in need of different things on the trail, there are always friendly people on the trail near small towns and larger cities who gave me stellar information.

Greetings! Here is a recap of my recent Fundraising Tour that crossed NYS on the Erie Canalway Trail. It was a fun and easy ride that about anyone could do at their own pace. (Mileage recap at the end. Total miles = 371)

I'm not going to go into too much detail here but welcome any questions about any aspects of the tour. Just post away here and I'll be glad to respond.

I traveled from Buffalo -] Albany and pretty much lived out of my bike packs. I utilized close-by facilities for eating and restrooms and never really had any issues in that regard. I did have provisions with me, so I could stop and camp at any place that I liked - although I really only did that once on the first night. I had decent weather the entire trip (sunny and warm) and had rain one night and my tent provided fine shelter. It was my intent to utilize the "Better to ask for Forgiveness than ask for Permission" principle, however I never really wasn't comfortable with where I stayed and most of the time had some level of permission.

The trail is fairly easy to follow - especially in the well used "Erie Canalway Trail" sections. Note the this trail is being used as the basis for the new Empire State Trail (EST), but my experience was that the signage for the EST was not directional and mostly just there to announce the existence of the route. (You'll love that in the middle of a 10-mile section in the middle of secluded woods that there was an EST sign - really... Who knew?) I did find that when I was in trouble route finding that I could easily depend on using Google Maps (bike routes) and obtain good direction. I especially followed with map open through Syracuse and Rome and when I needed to get to a destination such as a specific Lock that I was planning to use for nightly camping.

Pavement surfaces vary, but it does make the ride more interesting. The western sections are primarily hard packed surface with a gravel/cinder topping that is easy enough to travel over. However, paved surfaces are nearly always present around both larger cities (Bflo, Roc) and then a mile out from smaller towns like Lockport, Medina, Macedon, etc. Most roadway travel is decent - some secondary roads and then some state routes, but most of them are following State Bike Routes with decent shoulders. I'm very comfortable on roadways, so my impression here might be different than others, but I never felt threatened and traffic moved over for the most part. I will mention that the section crossing over Montezuma was a very narrow shoulder on a state route heading into Fort Byron.

As you get into the middle section (SYR - Utica) of the Canalway Trail you are following the historic canal. It is much different than the new Barge Canal and takes you through much remote wooded trails more times under a tree canopy and missing smaller towns. I can't say much for the historic canal as it is not maintained at all and is becoming a real swamp in most places. I rejoiced when I came upon Lock 21 and the beautiful openness of the large Barge Canal.

Then from outside Utica and certainly once in Mohawk you pretty much are on paced surface through the rest of the trail. Much of the trail has been upgraded due to the Governor's Empire State Trail initiative and funding, however there are sections of trail that are a bit older that need attention because of tree roots that have undermined the trail and cause bumpety-bump and are hard on the bike and rider.

The trail does have good directional signage and warnings for curves, hills and traffic crossings. I also has an abundance of interpretive informational kiosks that talk about the trail and townships it passes through.

Trail conditions tend to change based on work being done (I did hit a few detours, but nicely marked). Certainly in this day of cell-phones and map apps, it is a different ride then it might have been not too many years ago. I will mention that the NYS Canal Corp is very good about being available for help. Canal workers are fairly helpful for the most part, but they could be better trained to understand what biking the trail is all about. Mostly those people I met along the trail were helpful when I asked for information about stores or what was ahead of me on the ride.

Not sure what else I might pass onto you. Maybe a bit about me and my gear: I'm a 71 year old male who is in decent physical health - I'm active, take care of myself and eat fairly smart. [I'm an active hiker/climber and found there was a transfer of knowledge/experience for endurance type activity.] I was riding a Cannondale F5 bike -- a nicely outfitted (mid entry-level MTB) when it was released for sale. Mine is some 12 years old. I had a rear rack that I used for panniers (37L RosWheel/China but great bags, less than $40), one each side and an integrated top bag. I needed more space so I added a dry bag that hung on the front handlebars with my handlebar bag. I also utilized a NekTeck 21W Foldable Dual-Port Solar Charger that charged a battery pack (Anker) during the ride and I used to charge my phone at night. It worked great. Also, a friend owns Kanberra Sport who makes "Chafe Paint" and I can't imagine riding without it. This stuff is awesome and keeps everything "down there" smooth and comfortable. Google Chafe Paint anti-friction cream.

I did have two incidents for need for repair. My bike was showing it's age and I had broken spokes. I got excellent help from Syracuse Bicycle and again near Schenectady at Freeman's Bridge Sports. I also learned from a friend following me on Facebook that as a member of AAA, I could utilize their service for breakdowns -- I'm covered during travel, not my vehicle. Great to know.

I have a diary/journal on facebook. Not sure that a link works here on the Forum but you can try to search fb for "Dick's Fundraiser for Feeding America" or find me: Dick Hubbard (bubba) My email is my last name followed by .rdh @ gmail

Lastly, I'll add that doing this as a fundraiser certainly added a special perspective. I was motivated by the extremely generous support of my friends. Incredibly, I raised over $3,000 for Feeding America. I'd say timing was perfect.

[I suppose I could add highlights - let me know and I can do that.]

Bring on any questions. Thanks for your interest and advise.

RECAP:

DATE
MILES NOTES

06/06/2020
49.11 mi NT - Brown St, Albion

06/07/2020
56.22 mi Albion - S. Macedon (Lock 30)

06/08/2020
50.11 mi Lock 30 - Weedsport

06/09/2020
53.37 mi Weedsport - Canastota

06/10/2020
52.5 mi Canastota - Illion

06/11/2020
51.65 mi Illion - Lock 12

06/12/2020
44.77 mi Lock 12 - Waterford (Lock E2)

06/13/2020
13.00 mi Lock E2 - Albany Capital

WNYBubba, what a great recap and thank you for sharing it with us.

I hope with the rebranding of the trail into the EST they can lay down some accurate mile markers from Buffalo to Albany. There’s a few between Buffalo and Rochester (blue and yellow ones) but then they just vanished. I don’t believe they are canalway related (possibly just counting from Tonawanda where the canal begins off of the Niagara River?).

Also, there’s still no true start or finish post or medallion where the trail begins and ends. For example, the trail is supposed to begin at Canalside in downtown Buffalo but there is nothing there that celebrates this amazing trail. No mile markers either, it’s just the Shoreline Trail in Buffalo. Just a some minor enhancements I’d like to see one day! :)

John

Thank you for this detailed summary. Just now beginning to plan for a late spring tour. Have a lot of research to do, and this helped. Joe and I have biked the Katy trail, the GAP 3X (my folks had a home in Harpers Ferry), and cycled guided tours in several countries in Europe and SE Asia.
The Katy Trail was easy to organize......
Now why doesn't this forum has a search option ? :)

ThoseDaltons

I've spend some time today getting up-to-date on this site and just saw you note. If you need any further help, feel free to shoot me an email. I'm local so can possibly help with logistics.
wnybubba@gmail.com

The Erie Canalway is quite unique because it travels through towns and villages (some cities as well). Much different from the GAP, but I really loved that experience. My plans are the C&O this coming season for sure (prbly the GAP as well), but I'm throwing around doing the Erie again and adding the leg into NYC.

My plan is to stay at the Hampton Inn in Williamsvile and to see Niagara Fall on one day and then ride to Buffalo Harbor SP to start riding East to Albany the next day. Please provide directions when time allows pref by email.

Thanks

ED

Bktourer1

Send me an email and I'll help you with directions and logistics. I'm local. wnybubba@gmail.com

Besides the Locks that allow camping, what towns have parks you can legally camp at? Do you need to call ahead? Can you just camp along the canal when you need to?

So... what knowledge I gained b4 my ride in June was: there really are not specific camping spots that are supported by the Canal Corp (or PTNY). "Better to ask for Forgiveness than Permission" seems to be ideal strategy. Officially, I do not know that there is a rule about camping along the trail (not sure I've seen signage that prohibits it), but there are certainly many, many, options available for such. I always felt that I had that as a back-up option on my tour on any given evening if things didn't work out or if I was just exhausted. Also, as I've ridden many sections since, I've often noted-- why that would be a really decent place to bivouac! So, yes I'd consider on or just off trail in more rural sections to be a viable option.

Second item is that Locks generally are a good option, but again, no policy or prescribed places. Most advise to ask a Lock Operator if it's okay (or in my situation) thank them in the AM with much gratitude! They understand. Also, the Canalway doesn't follow the canal the entire way. You are often a mile or so away from a given lock. But... quick mapping will show you and direct you there -- I did a lot of planninf/calculating in the late afternoon when I knew how my day was going, the weather and my mental and physical being.

What really worked for me in pre-tour planning was to use the Canal maps online (here and PTNY) and coordinate specifuc locations with Google maps. Find a spot or mileage that looks decent or within where you intend to travel and then scope it out in "Street Mide" on the map app. You can also do this for any Lock. Google Maps knows, for instance, where Lock 32 is and you can scope out the area and surroundings in Street view mode. Gauk around all you want -- 360° and move from one side of a crossing to the other. It's pretty cool.

I did ask (and receive) permission a few times to stay on private property next to or just off the trail. I merely approached someone (owner) and explained/asked.

Here's one last thought on planning... your best made plans may not be those that you end up following. Take my tour for example -- Day 3 I had spokes break and was delayed 3-4 hours. Well, you never make that up. Every plan for overnight destination was off by almost 1/2 a day thecrest of the tour. So... you re-group, get out a map and see how things can work.

Here's what I know or remember... Lock 30 (Macedon) there is a town park next to the Lock intended for Canalway users (didn't know that when I rode), but I asked at the Fire station right next door and got permission to stay over on their grounds.

Lock 21 just west of Rome is a really nice setting. Large expanse of mowed grass and a potty (I believe).

Lock E-12 worked out well for me. I forgave myself the next morning & was even allowed to charge my phone while I broke camp.

There's another Lock along this section that has a park along side if it. There may have been a discussion here that I was a part of. Again... I found out a lot by zeroing in on Maps Street mode.

The final lock (E-2) in Waterford is also a park-like setting. The telephone/light pole in the far corner has an electrical outlet and the Lock house has one on the outside wall!

Nearly everywhere I stayed I was within a really easy walk/ride of a convenient store or restaurant and easy access to comfort facilities. Never had an issue. Always had a picnic table close by. And, one last item -- I read before leaving that if you are going to be a renegade camper, make a sign to hang out on your tent or bike that explains what you are doing and why you are there. I added my name and cell phone number figuring I'd rather get a call on my phone than someone rattling my tent.

Have the best time! It will all come together.

I plan to ride Buf-Alb sometimes late spring to late fall this year, when the pandemic is stabilized. I will have my camping gear with me so your suggestions about places to camp are much appreciated.

Ho Nguyen,
No issue at all. Happy you thought comments were useful.

Regarding the COVID virus... I rode in the early days of the pandemic last year. I never felt that I was at risk because I was pretty much by myself. The only exposure is having to go into stores or restaurants for supplies and facilities. Masking up and distancing seemed easy enough with which I was comfortable.

Late spring seemed like an ideal time to travel -- weather was great, little chance of rain and you are ahead of any crowds because the Canal will not be "officially" opened yet. Feel free to email me for any additional info. wnybubba@gmail.com

I rode the Erie Canal trail last week from Buffalo to Albany. I used my rode bike without any issues although the trail has a lot of varied conditions. The trail is a resource with a ton of potential. But present day conditions in many areas leave a lot to be desired. It amazed me that some areas are paved, others crushed cinder and others packed dirt. I was happy not to have to repair any flats. Also was amazed how little those who live near the canal know about it including where the trail start is in their town. At one point I was down to an 18 inch wide strip of a trail - fortunately not for a very long distance. I expected these varied conditions but could imagine how exceptional the experience will be once the trail has consistently good pavement for riding. What disappointed me was how poor the directional signs are along the trail. Some are so faded you had to get really close to them to see which way the arrow was pointing. And in other instances you’d follow that arrow only to not find another sign that would tell you where to turn next. Once I found myself dumped off the trail into a large course stone lot where I had to carry my bike. Fortunately someone came along who pointed me where to head on the other side of the lot. I had several instance where the trail was closed for construction with no detour signs. The Erie Canal Trail interactive map really isn’t interactive to a large degree. A huge opportunity to improve this. There is an icon on the site for GPS that didn’t work for me. The website was helpful though in identifying places along the trail for an easy off hotel room. As for the canal some areas are wonderful areas of recreation with working locks. Other areas are abandoned algae covered stagnant waterways long ago abandoned. The green algae rivals the green landscapes in Ireland! I loved it when local pride took some ownership of the trail. Even with that don’t plan on any restrooms along the way with limited exceptions. Porta potties would have been welcomed. Also mile markers along the route would have been nice. I know that there are plans to spend millions of taxpayer money to improve the trail. In the near-term take a few thousands of dollars to do some intermediate things that would make immediate and simple improvements.

MJ: Great recap and I liked with your opinion that it has a lot of potential but also leaves a lot to be desired. I agree with the need for some simple improvements to make it easier to navigate.

The signage, both mile markers and directional signs, are severely lacking or poor overall. This is one thing they could easily and cheaply fix first and foremost. I did the organized PTNY Cycle the Erie Canal tour and they have some painted markers at turns and some of us still got lost a few times! They need accurate mile markers from Buffalo to Albany. How has this never been done yet?

In addition, where does the trail end and begin? They need some medallion or sign to lets people know you've reached Mile 0 or the end to celebrate their accomplishment. In Buffalo, I think the end/beginning is the Commercial Slip at Canalside. In Albany, I think the end/beginning is that Jennings Landing. That's my guess but neither contain a sign saying so. Is this really going to break their budget by adding these? Some informational signs as you approach towns would be helpful as it could list the miles to the next 2-3 towns plus all logos for food, water, lodging. This helps both cyclists and businesses.

I accept that there are different surfaces. I actually don't mind a mix of some dirt mule paths, crushed limestone, or paved asphalt as long as it's smooth. It gives the trail some character. I will say some of the crushed limestone gets soupy when it rains and doesn't drain as good as a rail-trail does (due to the ballast left underneath). As long as they keep on top of the bumpy tree roots under the asphalt, any really bad washouts of the limestone, and potholes/cracks, I'm fine with it. I don't expect them to ever pave the entire thing.

Bathrooms are severely lacking. Parks and Trails New York (PTNY) manages the trail and I'd like to see them devote some cash to some more port a johns and water faucets spaced along the trail.

In addition, perhaps later in the future, how about some campsites? It would be great to be able to stay the night and camp along the trail.

As for locals not really knowing about the trail, I think they may know about it as a waterway but not as a recreational trail. Seems odd to me as people from all over use the Erie Canal not just to cross the state but for some, its just one state while crossing the entire country, some from overseas. I know the GAP trail (Pittsburgh to Cumberland) has a had a very visible "Trail Towns" business marketing push and this has led to great things for cyclists in these pass through towns. Restaurants, bike repair shops, lodging, etc. marketed and targeted to cyclists and it's been very successful. Maybe when this becomes part of the greater Empire State Trail, they will make better push with these towns for them to realize what a gem they have on their hands.

Yeah, that interactive map is poor and needs updated. On top of that, I'd like to see them create some real PDF map like the GAP or C&O Canal. These show all of the water fountains, towns with restaurants, camping sites, bike repair shops, picnic areas, and mile markers.

John

John covered the situation pretty well, but here's a couple of my comments for balance. Signage is certainly not up to par and, as John mentioned, shouldn't take much to improve. The "Empire State Trial" signs are a waste in that they are not directional but rather simply markers (and mostly right along a Canalway sign). Personally, I could care less about mileage markers, but that's just a personal opinion. However, I did have success with following Google Maps in "Bike" route mode. It lead me onto the Canalway and, if I was confused, got me to the right place. I found that any detours were marked fine. Regarding services like water and potty stops -- I never had an issue with using local convenient stores or restaurants, etc. and... I traveled in June at the height of COVID-19 situation. I would like to see cyclist campsites identified or developed. Bikepacking is becoming ever more popular -- I think I traveled as a modified bikepacker -- not minimalist, but certainly light and efficient. Lastly, trail surfaces -- I agree with John about variety making it interesting. I disliked the pavement with tree roots greatly. On a recent ride (I believe in the Boston area) I saw that they had scrapped away the bulging surfaces -- somewhat like they do to reclaim roadway surfaces. Not the best, but it took away the bumpy ride. Bike on -- it's all a great adventure!

Good comments from John and Bubba.

I didn’t venture off trail much except after a long day of riding to find a place to stay for the night. Most convenience stores, etc are not visible from the trail so you would need to stop and use your smart phone to try to figure out where you are and how to find them. That’s why I think their website could be made more useful, that trail signs letting know where you are could be more frequent, and directional signs improved. Your GPS comment was helpful. Porta potties seems like a low cost item for the Parks to consider. I frankly am miffed why they aren’t present anywhere. John, I agree that knowing where the trail begins and ends would be nice! And, while you hit mud on the cinder parts I went during a dry spell that kicked up a lot of stone dust. I’m fine too with the variable types of trail surfaces but I think pavement is way to go for the future. I also got jarred more than once by tree roots bulging the pavement. I was surprised my road bike tires tolerated them. Some areas did have then scraped down like Bubba suggests but it was inconsistent which is why I think the Parks awareness, oversight and ownership of the entire trail could be improved with some pretty simple, low soft measures.

As mentioned the Trail is a great resource and has great potential to be spectacular. I definitely could see riding it again. It has much to offer in the current context and could be so much greater in the future.

Nice MJ. I think we are all on the same page with what the trail currently offers, the improvements that could easily be made and the enhancements that could make it, as you suggested, spectacular. I'm hoping that the Canalway Corp does some monitoring on this site to see our suggestions.

Glad I could be of some help. The only thing I think I may have done that might be worth mentioning here is that I did ask a bunch of questions of residents, other riders, canal personnel or store/business owners fairly often and found that any advise that I was given was spot on. Possibly I got more direction on what was around for food, supplies and repairs that I needed and didn't have to consult my smart phone as much. Regardless, internet availability seemed ever-present, so answers were only a tap or two away.

Glad your road bike made it without issues and happy that you had an enjoyable ride. I think I'm up for another tour next year, but know that the C&O (and possibly with the GAP) are in the plans. :-)

I grew up in and around Syracuse so I know it well. But riding the Erie Canal this summer through Syracuse was a very tough. The signage is the worst. How hard would it be to put up a bunch of signs that gave you some clue that you are on the right path?

I only know the canal from Palmyra west. Looking at the site map, I'm surprised by the numbers of roads one must ride father east. It looks to be all roads going through Syracuse. Or I'm reading the map wrong?

Bop - no, you're reading it correctly. The trail (or route) goes on city street right through SYR. I thought it was okay - but I did manage to bust a spoke -- probably from the crappy road surface.

IAs I was entering the SYR looked at the Guide map and then brought up Google maps and used BIKE mode -- the map routed me the same way! So, I just followed the map directions from my phone. No issue at all. However, I'm comfortable with city riding and sorta enjoy the change.

According to the official website, that section of the EST will not open until 2021: https://empiretrail.ny.gov/syracuse-utica/syracuse-dewitt

Bktourer1 - Interesting how they are routing the path. No doubt a pathway running in the center of Erie Blvd should be reminiscent of the GAP Trail coming out of PGH along the interstate. Thanks for the link.

I plan to bike the Erie canal trail later this year. The discussion on unclear signage is a bit concerning. However, between google, map.me and asking the locals and fellow riders, I hope it will work out. Since 2013 (when I turned 67) I've hiked 2 different caminos in Spain, France and Portugal on 4 different occasions (yes,it's wonderful and addicting!) The signage there, simple yellow arrows, is excellent. Starting in 2016 I've also biked the GAP/C&O, most of the Moselle river, most of the Rhine river and the Danube river (Passau, Germany to Budapest, Hungary.) The signage on all of these bike routes are excellent. Proof of the pudding: I never failed to reach my daily destination. Hopefully this will be the case soon on the EST.

Ho Nguyen,
The signage in some places is limited, but it is certainly not an issue to find your way. As mentioned elsewhere, the EST signage tends to be markers as opposed to directional... and I can't imagine that that has changed in the last 8 months. You have already picked up on the Google Maps suggestion so you'll be fine. [Frankly, I'm not sure it wouldn't be pretty easy to load in Google Maps using Bike Mode and set your destination as Albany (or Buffalo) and find yourself on the Canalway most to the time.]

When we cycled the Katy Trail, we ( 3 couples) flew into St Louis, rented bikes at the terminus, arranged a shuttle to the start (4 hrs) and cycled the 260 miles or so eastward. Stayed at airBnbs, BnBs & quaint hotels. Did the ghost tour of the Missouri State Prison; tasted wine in Hermann; ate some fine food, and some basic grub!

In charming St Charles, dropped the bikes, stayed the night, ubered to the Airport. Easy planning. (I'd be happy to share my detailed itinerary !) I can also share a great itinerary, for the C&O/ GAP trail !

My question: Has anyone done something similar on the Erie Canal ?
We are thinking Buffalo to Albany(averaging 45 miles per day)

My wife and I have biked Katy Trail, GAP/C and O and Erie Canal with different logistics.

Erie Canal - We rented an SUV (one way rental) in Connecticut, placed our bikes in the SUV and drove to Buffalo. Drove next day up to Niagara Falls and then dropped off the car in Buffalo. Then biked Buffalo to Albany, rented a car in Albany, placed bikes in car and drove home returning the car in Connecticut.

GAP/C and O - Flew into Pittsburgh Airport, took cab into Pittsburgh where we rented bikes and then biked to Washington. The bike rental shop in Pittsburgh had an arrangement with a bike shop in Washington so for an extra $50.00 rental fee, you could drop the rental bikes off in Washington and every two weeks or so the Pittsburgh bike shop would go to pick them up. We then took the train home from Washington.

Katy Trail - we had our own bikes packed up here at the local bike shop and shipped to the lawn mower repair place in Clinton, Missouri. I believe we used BikeFlights.com for the shipping, obtaining the labels ourselves. The lawn mower shop reassembled the bikes. We flew from New York to Kansas City, rented a car in Kansas City and drove to Clinton where we dropped off the car and then picked up the bikes. The car rental place drove us back to the lawn mower shop!

We biked to St. Charles, dropped off the bikes at a bike shop in St.Louis which packed them up and shipped them back to us in Connecticut using bikeflights.com again and we reassembled them ourselves. We flew home from St. Louis.

All these ways worked fine and were probably the cheapest and quickest logistically. Seems to me your best bet would be shipping your bikes to Buffalo - either your hotel (reassemble the bikes yourselves) or to a bike shop - rent a car in Buffalo - go to Niagara falls, bike the Erie canal and find a bike shop in Albany to ship your bikes back and then fly home.

We used hybrid bikes for all the trips.

All were great trips.

Enjoy.

Thanks for the input. We would prefer to rent/ not to ship our bikes. We always have rented, and bring our saddles/clip ins/ panniers. The Katy and CO/GAP are well set up for this.
I have read that the Amtrak is not the best option for transfer, so a one way van or car may be our best bet.

Sounds like you had the same experience in Missouri with the friendly and kind folks !! Loved that trip !

May I suggest the Loire River when (and if) travel opens up again ? You can rent your bikes at one end, drop them off at the other end, or towns in between.... and take the train back to Paris to fly home. Planning is very easy using their website. (Europe is much further ahead with cycle tourism than we are... )

Would like to do this Erie ! My next step is to see if there is a bike rental shop in Buffalo or Albany. Stay Well !

I'm interested in the trip on the Loire Valley.

What did you do with your suitcases while you rode? Or did you fly only with the gear you would use while you were riding?

Yankee John, We were lucky. Met friends from Guernsey (UK) who brought their Land Rover, on the ferry. We put our suitcases in their car. However, you could either leave the suitcases in your first hotel, most properties of very supportive of this idea.
Or, pay for a luggage transfer service.

Cycled this in 2011. It is amazing! and I would do it again.

Here's helpful links...

https://detoursdeloire.com/

https://www.loirebybike.co.uk/

Thank you for the links. Our 4 week retirement celebration trip to France was cancelled by COVID, hoping for fall of 2021.

Please note that it takes a bit of planning and flexibility in the more rural sections of the Erie Canal Bike Trail if you plan to stay in lodging. Hopefully some of the B&Bs will re-open post COVID.

Welcome.
I get it ! We had to cancel two 2020 retirement trips. May-Cycling Japan. Italy in September: Trekking Dolomites & Cycling Tuscany.

Italy is rescheduled..... we hope !

ThoseDaltons

Sounds like we have had similar experiences. We were scheduled to bike the Dolomites this past spring but cancelled due to COVID. We have biked with a large group in Tuscany. We have had two self guided rides in Europe - Danube River - Passau to Vienna, and then biked around Lake Constance. The Dolomites trip, Danube and Lake Constance all arranged through biketours.com who subcontract with the European bike companies. They make all the hotel reservations, provide the routes, provide the bicycles and move your luggage and will help out with transfers if necessary.

We will look into the Loire Valley. Plan on skiing in Park City next month but COVID dependent.

I am thinking about riding the Erie Canal Trail sometime in May 2021. I have the flexibility to go either direction. Not sure if it makes a big difference so I was wondering if anyone wanted to comment on the Pros and Cons of riding from Albany to Buffalo and Pros and Cons of riding from Buffalo to Albany. Thanks!

Prevalent winds are West to East. That's why Mt. Washington has the weather it has

I plan a solo ride on the Erie canal trail sometime between May and October this year (after Pfizer shots.) My wife will drive me and my bike to the starting point, Buffalo, from my son's home in Corning, NY. Upon reaching Albany I will rent a car, one-way, to drive back to Corning.

For my GAP/C&O canal ride in 2018 my friend and I left my truck in Georgetown (DC) and transported ourselves and our bikes (using a bike rack) to Pittsburgh in a rental car. Upon reaching Pittsburgh we left the bikes at the hotel then immediately went to a local UPS store to ship the bike rack home (too bulky to fit anywhere on the bike.) We then returned the car and got a ride back to the hotel.

For my rides along the Moselle, Rhine and Danube rivers in Europe in 2017, 18 & 19 I used FlixBus to get my bike to/from starting/ending cities/countries. The bus was less expensive and easier to load and unload bikes than the train system. You can download the FlixBus app, available in English, onto iPhone or Android. Make sure the bus/route you book is equipped with a bike rack (the app will tell you!)

I should mention that I have family in Germany with whom I can store my bike when not riding. The bike is inexpensive (329 Euro), "designed in Germany & made in China", but it has served me well without any issue, not even a flat!

So sad, I camped here during the canal anniversary in 2017. I found Holly so friendly with 3 people directing me to the campsite. I had planned to return here in 2022 after covid.

I had called Holley and was told some there were some people caused problems ad damaged the area.

Are there especially interesting tourist places to stop along the Erie Canal? Thanks.

This might be of interest.
https://bikeeriecanal.com/our-lady-of-martyrs-shrine-fultonville.aspx