Erie Canal Forum

I'll celebrate my 75th birthday by biking the Erie canal trail in late May or early June. I started biking late in life, starting only 4 years ago. Since then I've done most of the Moselle (twice, solo at age 71 and with my wife at 72), the Rhine, and the Danube (Passau, Germany to Budapest, Hungary.) I've also biked the GAP and C&O from Pittsburgh to DC in one trip. With the exception of the GAP, all of my rides have been along canal or rivers because I cannot handle hills. I would like to ride from Albany to Canada if that section is not too hillg (i.e. not worse than the GAP.) Thank you for your information.

You have really done some bike touring in your maturity.

The trip to Canada is mostly flat but has some serious hills on the west side of Lake Champlain after leaving Whitehall. There really isn't an alternative route to avoid the hills other than to ride into Vermont and take 22A/7 to Burlington which has fewer hills and is also very pretty.

The ride from Albany to Whitehall is mostly flat on trails and roads with wide shoulder and moderate traffic and some beautiful riding along the Hudson River. The section from Fort Ann to Whitehall is really a detour around sections of overgrown towpath that weren't improved and connected. My guess is that there were right of way problems with the railroad or a lack of money or a deadline to meet or all of those that lead to this detour. That section has some hills on local roads and then riding a short section on Route 4 which has a wide shoulder but heavy truck traffic.

I would recommend that you ride the Erie Canal Trail Albany to Comstock, then 22/22A to Fairhaven which is mostly flat, and on to Burlington on 22A/7. Avoid Route 4 from Comstock to Vermont which is very hilly and has much truck traffic. Ride the Island Line Bike Trail from Burlington to the South Hero Island to Plattsburgh ferry, then complete the Erie Canal trail from Plattsburgh to the Canadian Border. Make sure you check the hours of operation of the Island Line Bike Ferry to cross the short gap in the causeway. It's really a donated pontoon boat operated by volunteers.

Consider riding on to Montreal. There are some excellent trails around the city, including a trail to the Lachine Rapids where you can join a group and guide to run some whitewater in a Zodiac to break up your day. Old town Montreal is worth the visit, as are the restaurants.

wanderingsoul, you have accomplished a lot in four years - impressive at any age!

I really can't add any more than the very useful information from Yankee John above (I would love to explore that Vermont route). However, to help visualize, I have added elevation profiles on the Empire State Trail website here:
Empire State Trail Elevations https://bikeempirestate.com/elevation.aspx

The elevation profiles are very meaningful Ray, than you for posting them. My wife would add - they are just squiggly lines if you're not a 'graph and chart' person. Adding cities and POI on the chart will definitely be an improvement.

Much appreciation to Yankee John and to Ray for the info. I should clarify that I'll only bike the Erie canal from Buffalo to Albany this spring. The Albany-Canada portion will be for the autumn or next year. Unlike my previous trips in Europe and the GAP and C&O canal where I stayed in hotels/hostels/Airbnb, I plan to "rough it" by bike-camping on the Erie canal trail. With the addition of a tent, sleeping bag, stove etc. my total equipment weight is now about 20 pounds (compared to 11-12 pounds on other trips.) I learned to pack lightly after hiking 4 caminos, with the first one at age 67. Successfully completing the first camino (500 miles on the camino Francais) gave me the confidence to try biking. On my first bike trip I felt like I was "cheating" because it was so much easier and faster than hiking.

@wanderingsoul -- I'm close to the Bflo area. Also planning another trip on the Erie in the same timeframe as you. I bikepack, did the Erie that way last year and it was great. Touch base if you want some Beta on the trail, help getting around Bflo or want to discuss a casual co-ride. I like bike touring to be low stress, so I take it at a 55-60-ish daily mileage (maybe less this year as I'd like to make some stops at POI). Last year I biked the first week of June and had great weather. So far thinking the same this year... Reach me at wnybybba@gmail.com

Ray (Webmaster) -- Very cool information on the graphs. Thanks! Explains why so many go from Bflo to ALB if nothing else! :)

Hello,

We are considering a back to back bike trip from 4/29 to 5/17 starting in Albany to Buffalo and then back to Albany

What logistics should we be aware of during these dates? For example...when does the bug season begin in that region? :-) Black Flies or Mosquitoes or those pesky deer flies?


Thanks for any response.

What section of the Erie canal Trail are on shared/open roads with no bike lanes?

That is a most difficult question to answer, and the answer would not be singular -- there are several sections that are off trail and routed onto a roadway -- most having bike lanes. Some, however, have shoulders that comfortably accommodate bicycle traffic. Personally, there are small sections on a state highway with bike lanes that I felt a tad bit uncomfortable on but others, more rural, that I was fine with as it had less traffic but no bike lane.

As a second note, the trail is constantly changing and being re-routed. Ultimately the goal would be to have the trail off road 100%. So, as work continues, what may have been on road is now on trail with maps and experience different that actual fact!

It would be of interest to know the reason you are asking the question. Are you traveling with younger riders who you feel might be in danger or are you simply not comfortable on roadway without a bike lane? In all honesty, there really are not any parts of the Erie Canalway that are dangerous or in such heavy trafficked areas that one should be overly concerned. I'd also suggest that on those sections where the trail is sharing the road, signage is quite decent along the route.

There are sections but none of them are bad. Rt 5 east of Utica use to be a problem but they have fixed it so it is trail now. And where it picks up on the road, it is lightly traveled. I haven't traveled Syracuse since they opened up the new trail areas.

But currently, only 16% of the trail is on the road.

Are there any parking areas for the trail in Frankfort ?? ( Riding East from there ) I do not see one on the map. Thanks

It looks like there is a Marina and Park close by on Railroad Street where you might gain permission. The Town Hall is also close-by and parking may be allowed there.

If all else fails, there is a Walmart Super Center not too far away in Herkimer.

Can i leave my truck here overnight to bike the trail

I just took a look and see that there is a nice sized lot near the locks and another a few hundred feet down Lock 7 Road that is a fairly large lot with trees around. There is another small (5 car) parking area right where the trail crosses Lock 7 Road. I see no signage prohibiting overnight parking. The safest way might be to ask/tell the Lock Engineer that you are planning to overnight your truck and ask for their suggestion (like do they mind if you leave your truck in the "Lock Area" lot). I would also think that parking in the lots closer to the Lock are safer than leaving it at the trail head parking area.

Now... how did I do that? I simply used the Interactive Map (which is Google powered) on this website. Using an overview viewing mode I found Schenectady, zoomed further in to find the Northway (I-87) to get my bearings, zoomed in a little bit closer and moved the map west until I saw Lock 7 Park clearly identified on the map. Then, I zoomed even closer and took the "Little Man" (in the bottom right corner) and dragged him onto Lock 7 Road and took a little tour. I could view the trail intersection, see the parking area, move further down Lock 76 Road more and more until I saw the parking lot and I could even move further to the end all the way to the Lock parking area.

Posting this here because I have mentioned how well this works when planning a trip or tour. I have scoped out camping areas, intersections of interest and anything else. This example was very cool as the Google Map vehicle went all the way to the end of Lock Road -- not always that lucky, but what a fine example of how you can use the interactive map with "Street View" to see what is happening at ground level.

I've ridden by Lock 7 after sunset with my bike lights and headlamp and have seen people with their cars parked hanging around the parking lot at Lock 7 who seem to be doing the usual things; talking, smoking cigarettes, drinking beer. They didn't seem to be hooligans or seriously partying or anything like that. Make sure you lock up your vehicle and leave your roof rack empty.
Going west at the top of the hill is a small parking lot at Blatnick park right next to the road where cars are going by all night and cops are circulating from Knolls. That might be a better choice. Other choices would be the parking lot further east at Lyons Park which is less isolated than Lock 7 and has more activity. Farther west is the large lot at the new Casino. This is patrolled, well lit, and cars are routinely left there overnight. The bike path there is all new, goes along a berm above the river and then down into the Stockade. It's quite nice.

The trail in pendelton is next to impossible to walk on with the 6 plus inches of snow that is now on trail now. The two parking lots no make it three are plowed. This makes no sense. A response would be appreciated. I know I can’t wait to hear this response! LOL

Joseph,

This is just a message board for fans of the trail. This isn’t an official part of the trail or the state parks system. Try Parks and Trails New York (PTNY), I believe they manage the trail.

That said, I don’t know of any local trails that plow snow off the trails. Most I’ve been on just leave the snow as is, so cross country skiers can do their thing.

John

What is the weather like in April? Is riding then possible? May???
Thanks!

Mid-fifties. April showers bring May flowers.

https://www.currentresults.com/Weather/New-York/temperature-april.php

Look Western New York State, Finger Lakes temps

Thank you!

Is long term parking allowed at the park. or near the Amtrak station?

Interesting question, but let me frame the situation for you.

First, LaSalle Park is going to be going through a major re-shape, re-imagine and re-work that has received some major funding. The Olmsted Park might be in a significant construction phase and not be a viable option. Even without the construction, it would not be a likely candidate for long-term or even overnight parking.

Secondly, I'm assuming you are traveling to Albany (or places east) with plans on boarding a train and biking back to Buffalo. To the best of my knowledge (search Amtrak on the forum), bike loading is only available at the Depew (suburban Bflo) station.

I'm pretty sure leaving a vehicle at Depew is an option. The station is quite isolated from the surrounding area and there is ample parking available. To be safe, however, I would make a call to be sure your plans are in place. If there was an issue there... option for leaving a car would be asking permission at a nearby hotel (there are many, and I've never been turned down before). There is also a Park & Ride at the NYS Thruway exit 49 (Rt 78, Transit Road) not too far north of the Amtrak Depew station.

Agree that the Depew train station has plenty of parking and your car is unlikely to be disturbed if you leave it there for a few days. It is a short ride from the Depew Station to the Buffalo Airport which has ample and relatively inexpensive garage parking, but the roads are busy with lots of traffic.

Thankyou, John and Bubba. I have done a lot of research since I posed the Question. Your answers concur with my findings. Riding to Albany. returning to Depew, where my car will be parked.

@lenny
Hope you have a safe and enjoyable trip. If you need any local assistance feel free to reach out. Search this forum because there is another thread about the best bike route from Depew to the trail (even though you will be doing it in reverse). -bubba

Looking on doing part of this trail this summer and wanted to know if there was a leg of this trail that had better scenery, sites, etc
Buffalo to Syracuse?
Syracuse to Albany?
Rode the GAP two years ago and that was amazing.
Thanks in advance

Andre,

To start off with, know that the Erie Canalway and the GAP are much different. The GAP is more rural (once outside of PGH) whereas the Erie travels through small towns and a few cities across the state. The GAP also offers designated on-trail camping. Camping on the Erie is rather unofficial; however, many bikers (like myself) are able to camp with/without permission in places along the trail, at locks or public and private campgrounds.

For me, the answer to your question depends much on what kind of outing you enjoy. Bflo to SYR is mostly alongside the current Erie Barge Canal. Once out of Bflo you travel along a mixed surface bike path that is paved in and around towns and villages and hard packed cinder surface in-between. These smaller towns all have their own special charm and attraction, existing as true ports along the canal (both historically and today). You will travel through the city of Rochester on paved surfaces for many miles with easy access to the city's culture and amenities. Heading further east, you again travel along a mixed surface path, close to the canal and through more interesting villages. However, as you get closer to SYR you are distanced from the current canal and will start following the "historic" section of the canal, traveling through some quite interesting sections of re-built canal aqueducts and skirting outlaying townships heading into SYR. The Canalway becomes more paved as you come into SYR.

The next section used to travel directly through the heart of SYR on city streets, but has recently been re-routed a bit north on a more biker-friendly route (although I believe this to be an designated urban bike lane).

Heading east from SYR the Canalway takes on a much different feel. Again, you are following the historic section of the canal out of SYR and up to Rome. In this section many miles are cinder path through wooded areas with the remnants of the unmaintained old canal alongside. Several of the smaller towns are located a little distance away, but a few smaller towns such as Canastota are right on the pathway. The Canalway heads up north and re-connects with the current Canalway at Lock 21 (west of the City of Rome) and continues directly into Rome where you follow the trail through city streets.

So now let's just talk about the trail from here to ALB... from Rome to Utica the trail changes surface from gravel to paved with occasional routing onto streets. Once you get to Ilion, for the most part the Canalway is following the Mohawk River. To me, the feel of the trail changes because you are now traveling through villages and townships that existed much before the building of the canal because of the river. Not better or worse, just different and maybe not as quaint as the western end. The pathway from here into ALB is paved nearly all the way - some sections better than others depending on the age and maintenance of the trail surface. There are some lovely sections along the trail and many different opportunities in the towns along the way. Often times the trail does set you apart from the canal or river so access to Locks might be a short distance away. Meanwhile, the scenery changes and ultimately becomes more urban as you approach the cities of Schenectady and Rotterdam and into Albany itself. Even with the change to a more urban environment, the trail is delightful and ever changing as you travel from community to community.

Hope this helps you understand the adventure ahead. I think it’s important to understand how different the Erie Canalway is from the GAP. I love them both… but in different ways.

I might suggest you get the new Canal Guide to give a good idea of what you can expect. FYI Syracuse to Albany is a little over 30 miles and you can do this in a day. Buffalo to Syracuse will take a few days depending on your ride style ad what you might like to see along the way

@Bktourer1
You are not giving the right information here! Syracuse to Albany is a 150+ miles. Possibly you were mixed up thinking Schenectady to Albany -- that's closer to 30!

I made a big BOO BOO yesterday when I commented on distance, Sorry for the mistake, though getting the guide would be a help to you

@Bktourer1
I tried to be as kind as I could in my post. I knew you were not intentionally giving out bad info, but wanted to make sure the error was recognized. I will agree with you that the PTNY Guide is of some use in planning. However, as I have previously mentioned on this forum, depending on the type of travel one is attempting (camping, B&B, motels, etc.) there is plenty of information available on the internet including Google Maps that are quite valuable in planning.

Can you take a boxed bike from Buffalo to Schenectady on Amtrak?

John,

Although there has been a fair amount of discussion on this forum about train service between NYS cities and towns, it appears that visiting the Amtrak website gives straightforward answers to your question. It is my understanding that Schenectady and Depew (Buffalo suburb) are "roll-on" stations (reservations for available racks required). Therefore, it would be my assumption based on the following information that you should be able to load/unload a boxed bike at either station. Here is the Amtrak website info: (You're welcome!)

FROM AMTRAK SITE (www.amtrak.com/bikes)
Bicycles may be checked on Amtrak between all cities where checked baggage is offered. Not all trains or locations are equipped to handle checked baggage. Find your station(s) to see if this service is available.

Bicycles/bicycle trailers may be checked in a bicycle container for $10, in lieu of a piece of baggage. Bicycle boxes are sold at most staffed locations for $15 per box. Customers may supply their own bicycle container.

Recumbent, tandem, and special bicycles over the standard bicycle dimensions and will not fit in a standard bicycle box are prohibited. Gas-powered motorized bicycles are prohibited

The fee for checking a bike as baggage is $10.00. This is subject to change without notice.

Check your bicycle at the station at least an hour before departure.
Bicycles/bicycle trailers may be checked in a bicycle container for $10.00, in lieu of a piece of baggage. Bicycle boxes are sold at most staffed locations for $15.00 per box.

Bicycles must be partially disassembled in order to fit in an Amtrak bicycle box. Loosen and turn the handlebars sideways, and remove the pedals. Amtrak does not supply tools for disassembling.
It may be helpful to disassemble and reassemble your bike before your trip to avoid any surprises. Some parts, especially pedals, may be especially difficult to remove.

Attach your name and address to the box.

After much research. and discussion wit Amtrak agents: roll up service is offered at Albany/Rensselaer. No box necessary, bike goes into baggage car. $20.00 baggage fee to be paid when purchasing ticket. Detraining can only take place at stations that handle baggage. In my case Buffalo Depew.

@lenny... The question was with regard to Boxed bikes, not roll-up service. Not that your research was incorrect, just not relative to the posed question.

Sorry for that comment. Thought you were just looking for transport west. I,ve done this many times in many places. some Amtrak service requires boxing and others do not.

A group of us are riding from Buffalo to Albany early June. Wondering where to fill up water bottles? Do the parks where "Restrooms" are designated on the Interactive Map usually have drinking fountains? Also, are they operating during Covid? Thanks for any help!

I'm on so I might as well answer!

There are not any designated drinking fountains or refilling stations on the Canalway. And, as you pointed out, don't expect parks with facilities to be open when COVID is still an active part of our existence.

Rather, you are always close-by to towns and villages. Replenishing your water supply should not be a concern. Fill up at convenience stores, restaurants or anything close that works!

Last year as I headed out in early June with COVID's early onset, I was more concerned about where I might find "comfort stations" -- I can assure you that even with everything in an upset... I never had an issue finding a place available (and I was bike-packing).

Is there long term parking near the amtrak station.

Hi, a group of us are riding Buffalo to Amsterdam in June and plan to spend 2 days in the Finger Lakes Rea. Any recommendation of where to stay? Seneca or Cayuga lake-maybe Geneva, Seneca Falls or Skaneatles? We realize we will have to cycle off the canal trail for a bit so a bike friendly area and sightseeing , vineyard options would be great to take in. Thanks for this terrific site!

If you manage to get near Watkins Glen, check out the Gorge
The Finger Lakes areas can be hilly in places

We enjoyed the Gould Hotel in Seneca Falls. It's a boutique hotel in a renovated historic building downtown. It was perfect for walking to the museums in town, along the canal and exploring the town.

We also enjoyed our stay in a yurt at the Yale Manor B&B on Seneca Lake. The next day was a beautiful ride along the lake to the Wagner Estate tasting chateau.

We enjoyed the Gould Hotel in Seneca Falls. It's a boutique hotel in a renovated historic building downtown. It was perfect for walking to the museums in town, along the canal and exploring the town.

We also enjoyed our stay in a yurt at the Yale Manor B&B on Seneca Lake. The next day was a beautiful ride along the lake to the Wagner Estate tasting chateau.

Of the places that you mentioned, I'd have to say Geneva would offer you the best variety of options. Accommodations range from 3-star hotels, B&B's to campgrounds. Seneca Lake is well known for it's Wine Trail that continues from Geneva all the way around the lake. However, you can get your fill and a experience nice selection close to the City of Geneva. Belhurst Castle is a historic landmark and great place to sip wine. Just outside Geneva is Three Brothers Wineries and Estates -- a very fun place to tour and sample. Others can be found from obtaining an area Guide or online at https://senecalakewine.com Know that experiencing the wineries as well as the tasting is what makes the Seneca Wine Trail fun. Small to large and everywhere in-between, each has it's own unique charm.

On the eastern shore of Seneca Lake is Sampson State Park, considered by many to be one of the nicest NYS campgrounds. Plenty of sites or cabins on what was once a large Army Airforce Base, there is an interesting museum on the grounds documenting of the unique history of the base. Nearby is Deer Haven Park, home of the Seneca White Deer that roam the fenced in area that was once the US Army's main East Coast munitions storage facility until it was decommissioned in 2000. Tours are available but just biking past the grounds often provides a glimpse of the unique wildlife that lives within.

There is a nice day-use park at the northern tip of Seneca Lake.Take in the wonderful views of the large and deep lake... BUT, best to stay out of the lake's cold waters. I sweat that this lake *never* gets warm and especially not in June!

Geneva itself is very much a small city, so with it are places to eat and be entertained. The Colleges of Hobart and William Smith are located on a very picturesque campus setting within, and situated along a local street (S. Main St) lined by historic homes. S. Main Street is also NY Route 14 which is a designated bike route that ties into the Erie Canalway further north. Following it from Geneva south for approximately 38 miles will find you in Watkins Glen. Not a suggested tour necessarily, but worth the mention here.

There are simply a lot of options in this area and it is not too far from the Canalway. Depending on your feeling about staying on the Canalway for the entire journey, surely staying off trail and heading over through Seneca Falls and picking up the Canalway Trail further east is a viable option (several miles of road travel) but taking you past interesting local features and terrain.

Hope this helps in your planning. Enjoy the trail.

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.