Erie Canal Forum

I plan to bike the Erie Canal trail around 8/16 from Buffalo to Albany. What is the condition of the bike trail after Hurricane Isaias at the eastern end near Albany. Thanks

Trail is great. Sometimes it's fun to find the next section of trail....but aren't we looking for challenges?!
I just finished on Tuesday 8/4/20

@ Bob from Fairport -- congrats. How was the ride? Did you camp or buy lodging?

hello -
going to ride erie in a couple of weeks and thinking to bring hammock instead of tent. for those who camped along the canal, do you think i can find spots to pitch my hammock?
thank you

Hi everyone—I’m thinking of riding the full length from Buffalo to Albany and camping each night. I’m looking for input about how many others I might encounter? Any idea how many people ride multi-day on the trail? And do many people camp? I read the suggestion about camping on canal land and that it’s generally accepted but is that because the tents are few and far between? I ask as someone who has ridden the GAP and C&O Canal trails (as a woman by myself) and found myself more comfortable with others nearby— not just for socializing but also security. I’ve spent a couple of uncomfortable nights as the only person in a designated camp site. If there are no designated camp sites I imagine it could be even more unsettling.

There is tenting allowed behind the Lyons FD (which is right next to the canal). They used to allow access to restrooms\showers but not now because of COVID19.

Hi. In June I did just what you are setting out to do, and add to that, I just completed the GAP two days ago.

Relative to your questions... The Erie Canalway Trail (ECT) is a lot different than the GAP. You are very much more in communities as opposed to the very rural GAP (after PGH anyhow). There are no designated campgrounds. The Canalway Corporation does list some Locks as hiker/biker/paddler friendly, however, having had conversations with them... none really officially exist. Some Locks are better for camping than others, but really most could easily host an overnight camp.

I stayed one evening on a large lawn just off the trail with "approval/agreeable thought" from a neighbor, another on an owners lawn next to the trail (with permission) and at Locks on others days -- at that time the Canal had not opened so things were rather unmanned.

It's hard to give you actual help b/c I don't know how many daily miles you are planning. Post some thoughts on your itinerary and I'll try to help.

Now, about other through riders... again, not the same. There are riders out doing the trail, but certainly not in the numbers as you see in the GAP (at least not on my experience). And, because there are no common campgrounds, there are not gatherings of riders. I totally understand where you are coming from, but do not plan on the same experience.

Admittedly, I had somewhat of a renegade, male attitude about camping. I felt if I found a space that could work -- I'd go for it. As it turned out I pretty much had permission (before or after) and most times had a picnic table next to or close-by.

Suggestion I saw and used was that I made a sign stating "Thru Hiking ECT" added my name, hometown AND Cell phone number so if someone had issue they could call me and ask me rather than shake my tent, etc.

I'd be glad to email or phone chat with you. You can send an email to my gmail account -- wnybubba@gmail.com

I finished the C&O and GAP yesterday, driving to Erie tomorrow and then ride to Buffalo and down the Albany. Will be camping too most of the way, so all information is appreciated. Oherwise I'll wing it and see what appears at the end of each day.

Dave from Durban -- Is that you are bike riding from Erie? If so that should add some adventure. Staying near the Lake Erie shore would eliminate hills!

In that you posted on the current thread, you have relative information in the post above. Again, as I mentioned to missbaltimore... not knowing how many miles you average on a daily basis it is hard to provide more detailed information. Throw out some ideas or email me and I'll see if I can give you some more targeted suggestions for camping, etc.

From the standpoint of you having just finished both C&O and GAP, I think you will find the ECT to be a fun adventure. The trail is in very nice shape. Some older paved surfaces along the way need some attention because of bulging tree roots, but many are marked to alert riders. [I was surprised that more of this wasn't done on the GAP where necessary.] There are some sections of road travel, but most are limited distances. Canalway signage is much better than Empire State Trail signage for directional purposes. The Empire State Trail is a new initiative to link trails across the state and my experience was that signage was just there to announce the trail rather than give directions.

Using Google Maps in Bike mode will solve any questions if unsure of route. It will also get you to Canal Locks which are not always right on the trail. Simply put in "Lock 32" as the destination and Google Maps understands.

As far as camping, there are many options. Locks are always an option and certainly can accommodate tent camping, but few, if any, have facilities available. Much of the western portion of the Canalway travels through more rural settings so picking a spot either right along the trail or at trailheads or crossings are options if you are self-sufficient. Much of the Canalway trail has mowed grass on either side of the trail corridor that could nicely handle an overnight camp. On my trip I figured that this was easily an option if I didn't find another decent space [however, that was never the case].

The Canalway travels through many small towns and developed areas so you are never far from supplies or facilities -- this is different from the GAP. Currently, most of the state is functioning in the COVID-19 environment with some limitations. Restaurants are at least open for takeout and most are also open for inside dining at a 25 or 50 percent occupancy. Restroom facilities are available in stores and restaurants and there are some scattered along the trail when in a town or hamlet.

The interactive maps here and on the PTNY site are useful
PTNY: https://www.ptny.org/bike-canal/map/

Here is the official Canalway Corp page on camping:
http://www.canals.ny.gov/trails/camping.html

There is a thread further down on this forum about trail routing around Lyons and Savannah that you should read - the trail is not marked well and there is an option of routes.

Lastly, know that as you get closer to Albany that you are in more developed cities and townships. I had great luck with staying at Locks in this area and Lock E2 in Waterford is great to set as a destination before Albany if it works for your schedule. It has a nice park-like area with picnic tables blocks away from a small business section with stores and restaurants. You are then approximately 10 miles out of Albany.

Best of luck with the ride. Enjoy and stay safe.

I just learned that Maryland has been added to the list of states restricted from traveling to NY and required to quarantine for 14 days. That puts a crimp in the plans. ??

Hmmm... just don't gather with others. Isn't that quarantine? And, as best I know, it's a self-imposed quarantine. Maybe get tested just before coming so you have proof.

I was looking into this issue as it will affect me too, and as a result, I canceled my hotel reservation for my bike ride in New Jersey this month. I may have to cancel my hotels and rental car reservations for the Erie Canal ride in September.

I found NJ's advisory, which is linked here:

https://nj.gov/health/cd/documents/topics/NCOV/Travel_advisoryFAQs_6-25-2020.pdf

A quarantine means a person stays indoors during the duration of the quarantine, except in order to get food, etc.

Even if one gets tested for COVID, s/he must self-quarantine for 14 days upon entering New Jersey. Although the self-quarantine is merely "advised," compliance is expected.

New York may have a different advisory.

The difference here may be camping vs hotel stays. missbaltimore was camping solo hence my suggestion that one can effectively "quarantine" while biking and camping. Let's hope that we are all smart enough to know if we have been exposed or, worse yet, have symptoms of the virus. If a rider is smart and takes precautions pre-ride I'd feel comfortable that one could follow through with plans and safely bike the Canalway.

WNYBubba - How was your GAP trip?

@John W. from Pittsburgh, PA
I posted a trip report on the GAP Forum

Thank you! What a great trip you had!

John

Title: Kiwanis Park, Another Kaaterskill Falls? I think NOT!

Last Sunday morning I stopped in to see what havoc had been done to this picturesque Mohawk River park located on route 5S in Rotterdam Junction, NY. The visitors the day before had trashed the place. It was a pigsty from the pavilion to the end of the picnic area. The scene reminded me of the Kaaterskill Falls area located near Tannersville, NY where the locals are dealing with huge amounts of trash from out of towners who are coming in and leaving garbage and trash all over the place.

THIS IS NOT GOING TO CONTINUE TO HAPPEN TO KIWANIS PARK. I propose to friends of the park to take back control. Lets make it VERY uncomfortable for the trashers and troublemakers. If its a hot and sticky day, stop in and observe whats happening in the park. If you see trash or trouble don’t confront the perpetrators but go up to the upper parking lot and call country emergency control at 518-384-3444 and ask for police help. If you are law enforcement stop in and check on things. Give out some citations if needed. Word will get out and the troublemakers will disappear.

Another idea is to make this park into a strictly carry in, carry out park. Get rid of the trash barrels, put up the signs. Believe it or not trash barrels just makes for more trash. People even come along and empty their car’s trash in them. And there is a law against that.

Another problem in the park are the swimmers in the boat launch area. They just won’t get out of the boats way. A very dangerous act to both boaters and swimmers. When launching or coming in with swimmers in the launch area holler “Boat coming in” or “Launching a boat”. A simple load shout may help to ovoid an accident.

So, lets get out there and enjoy a little slice of heaven. Boot out the troublemakers.

Does anyone have suggestions about camping outside of Schenectady, NY? For example, at Lock 9, Lock 8, or a town park? There's a campground right off the trail (Arrowhead Marina & RV Park), but it isn't booking out their tent sites this season, and the other campground in the general vicinity (Frosty Acres) seems to be ~10 mi off the trail.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

In terms of locks, when I biked last week:

Lock 12 looked the nicest and most remote, but furthest from Schenectady, about 20 miles. Locals recommended this one to stay at. From Google Maps it looks like it has decent tree/shady areas to pitch a tent.

Lock 11 is in the town of Amsterdam. I don't know if camping is allowed there but on the western end of the trail I camped very close to a small town. With school out, there were kids hanging out in the park overnight, and fishers coming very early in the morning, wouldn't recommend.

Lock 10 is sort of an industrial zone, there's a concrete plant across the street with bright lights that reach the lock and some machinery noises. Didn't seem like a great place to camp either.

We put up camp at Lock 9. There's a port-a-pottie but no other services like water or bathrooms (most of these are closed due to COVID anyway). However there is a Stewart's right up the hill open until midnight. Some fishers arrived in the morning after 6 after the sun was up. There is a bit of noise from the water rushing out the lock but it was kind of like a white noise machine to me. No trees or shade to speak of.


Hope this helps.

Super helpful! Thanks, Joe! Lock 9 it is.

1 yr ago my wife and I went from Lockport to brockport on the. Canal trail , it was under construction for bank rebuild , is it done ????? We had to get off the trail and ride the roads due to the work being done , we would like to try again .

I was biking that stretch yesterday, and I don't remember any construction and/or having to get off the trail.

I’m not sure who to talk to.
Currently you are working on the bike trail in Pattersonville ny . Currently your building or repairing the bridge over the creak . That’s behind my house.The trail is all open and you can see my house. I would like if you can replant trees or brush the you ripped up So it’s not so open. Being a cancer patient who enjoys sitting out back for the peace and quite . I don’t want to see people walking or riding on the path. Please advice. My email is
Uryskaren@yahoo.com thank you Karen urys

Hi Karen - I don't believe this site is run by the NYS Canal Corporation or NY Parks department. You may want to reach out to the state, if it's work related to the canal trail they may be able to point you to the agency responsible for the construction.

https://www.ny.gov/programs/empire-state-trail

hrvg@hudsongreenway.ny.gov

https://www.ny.gov/empire-state-trail/about-empire-state-trail#documents-amp-resources

We are planning a day trip from Clyde west. We’d like to see Montezuma so we’re thinking of heading south to Seneca Falls then up. Any suggestions are appreciated!

Hi all!

Just finished traveling the canal from Buffalo to Albany, had a great time.

Unfortunately we lost our mascots somewhere along the way. Two little stuffed sheep in a ziploc bag fell out somewhere between Mindenville and Lock 9 at Rotterdam Junction. Think it's most likely between Fort Plain and the trailhead in south Amsterdam.

Here is an image of them from earlier on the trail.
https://imgur.com/a/Kt5hCnC

Anyway if anyone comes across them greatly appreciated, I am offering a reward!

our plan is to "rent" a vehicle / train from Albany to Buffalo on July 24 or 25 and bike back. We seem to be having difficulty getting a train / rent a car / UHaul. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks so much ;)

Whenever I’ve done one way rentals, usually the only way to get one is from one Airport to the another Airport. Of course if the airports are far away from the trailheads, you could get an Uber/Lyft to get you and your bikes to/from airport to the trail if riding is difficult. Good luck.

John

I reserved a minivan with Budget rental for September for pickup in Albany and drop off in Buffalo. The rental was $127.43 for 1 day, after taxes, fees, etc. Enterprise wanted over twice that amount. I had called around for shuttle service, but I was quoted $450-$500 (I can't remember the exact amount), and that was too high for us, so Budget Rental it is!

Rented a regular car from Budget and put bikes on a bike rack. Abandoned bike rack in Buffalo. There’s a Budget office in downtown buffalo about a mile from the trail start

Interested if anyone has recommendations for parking in a secure lot or garage in Albany that is not extremely expensive. We are meeting another couple there, so two cars for a week. We are riding from Albany to Rochester.

Not specific to ALB, but I've had great luck asking for permission at National Motel Chains. Last week on the GAP I called an was given permission at both the Marriott Courtyard and Holiday Inn Express. Both of these were more suburban, but I didn't mind having a little extra miles to save daily parking fees.

Amtrak station in Rensselaer/ Albany has long term parking. Very cheap. Near the end of the trail.

is there train or shuttle to get from 1 end to the other...Albany/Buffalo?

Several posts in previous threads on the forum concerning train travel [which is limited]. Many choose to rent a vehicle one-way, but shuttle arrangements are not something that are formally available [to the best of my knowledge].

"With the COVID-19 pandemic and delayed opening of the NYS Canal System this summer, a recently started “staycation” program is being offered by the state Canal Corporation to promote six hubs of canal and trail activity and to help local canal-side businesses.

The program began July 10 and runs through Labor Day. Among its features are four free outdoor “staycation” kayak and/or bike excursions being offered in Schenectady, Chittenango, Seneca Falls and Rochester.
...."

Full article:
https://www.syracuse.com/outdoors/2020/07/great-places-to-visit-along-the-nys-canal-system-including-4-free-biking-kayaking-excusions.html

78 years old but going to give it a good try in September

Nothing really dramatic on the Canalway. Worse case there are occasional short down and ups like when you have to go under an overpass -- down one side and up the other. Regardless, if there was something you felt was too difficult it would be a rather short and easy bike walk.

Hairpin Turn outside Schenectady is steepest...about 1/3 mile long. Up then down.

https://youtu.be/aXmciT0oF-U

Any update on going through Syracuse? Went from Buffalo to Albany a few years ago, it was great other than getting through Syracuse. Heard they were going to connect the trail in that area. Any update?

Still thru city streets as of early June.

I would like to plan a bicycle trip from Little Falls to Albany this summer. I am wondering if there is anywhere to park my car for about a week in Little Falls.

Contact the Little Falls Marina & Park there

Hi all. I am coming to Utica in a few weeks and wanted to take my nephew out for a 50 mile ride on the canal trails. It looks like they don't start in Utica form what I can see on the maps. I was hoping to start there and head east or west. Should we drive to another town and go from there? Any advice? Thanks!

Here’s a map that the “Cycle the Erie Canal” event uses. https://www.ptny.org/bike-canal/map/

Look like you can start in Utica and go west as there is a combo paved/stone dust trail. Going East appears to be on roads (some of the Canal doesn’t exist any more in spots).

Thanks so much!

Thanks so much!

drive if have vehicle to Little Falls then cyclevthe ECT from there. Little Falls Marina & Park is a good place to park and start

Feel free to share this new facebook group connecting cyclists who share interest in posting about their ECT rides or asking others for input. The group is like the C&O/GAP enthusiasts group but is for the NY ECT.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/749385035808873/?ref=share

Hello all a few questions:

1. I am looking to ride the Erie Canal Trail From Albany to Buffalo in mid-August as I can arrange travel easier that way.

2. Any issues or concerns riding East to West?

3. Are lodging services open this year? Any covid-19 issues to consider - yes, we will social distance and take all precautions for sure.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks very much for your help, SY

Hi SwampYankee!

Shouldn't be any issues relative to East to West. There is elevation gain this way, but really? How much in 360 miles?

On my June ride I never felt uncomfortable with any Covid-19 issues. No reason lodging should not be open and, with things the way they are, I'm sure they will be welcoming travelers!

In my experience, New Yorkers a pretty much onboard with masks and social distancing.

leaving Saturday from Albany and "shuffling" off to Buffalo. Hope to make it by the next Saturday. Plan on camping along the way and explore the local towns. Are there any places we should zip through or avoid? Thanks!!

I really can't think of any. The Trail does go through any number of different locales (small town, city, rural, etc.) but none that I ever felt unsafe in -- if that is the nature of your post.

I just hatched the idea of my husband and me biking all 50 states by 2030, and I would LOVE input on "must-ride" trail(s) for each state. Our criteria:

1. At least the majority of the trail must be car-free.
2. If completing a trail requires multiple days, trails must have hotel/BNB/AirBNB lodging available along the way (we are not hardcore enough to camp).
3. Trails must be at least 25 miles long each way, OR there must be multiple trails within a hour drive of each other (in other words, don't want to drive/fly for several hours in order to ride one trail that is only 10 miles long.
4. We are willing to drive/fly/rent a vehicle/Uber/taxi in order to get to the trail. We will be riding our gravel bikes.
5. Trails cannot be more than 50% paved. We've noticed (at least in our neck of the woods) that paved trails tend to be more crowded than non-paved trails.

By the end of 2021, we will (hopefully) have biked in 13 states: 1) California, 2) Delaware, 3) Idaho 4) Maryland, 5) Missouri, 6) Nebraska, 7) New Jersey, 8) New York, 9) Ohio, 10) Pennsylvania, 11) South Dakota, 12) Virginia, and 13) West Virginia.

I'd love suggestions for trails that meet our criteria and are not in one of the 13 states listed above. I've been looking at the TrailLink entry for each state, but I wanted recommendations from the riders on this forum too.

Thank you!

My wife and I are planning an overnight trip, leaving\returning to Fairport. Is there a safe and legal place to park our car overnight?

24 he parking is available in the lot behind the town hall as well as the lot across the street where the library is located.

78 years old but going to give it a good try in September

Is this a good section to ride? I don’t want to be on the road.

Yes you'll get a nice feeling for the Canalway. Along the riverfront up to N. Tonawanda and pick up the Canal... new section up to Lockport see the Locks there [also things to do] Then you'll leave pavement and follow the Barge Canal through smaller towns, more locks as you bike through more rural areas and then into Rochester-- a nice destination. Lots to do in ROC and consider going to Pittsford before ending. If Ice Cream is a reward... definitely hit Pittsford Dairy Farm a block north of the trail. Enjoy.

Looking for info on places to park overnight in Lyons NY.

Thanks in advance

How often are their water fountains on the Erie?

Bright Morning in West Newton is excellent. Possibly the only choice too

The trail goes from town to town, so there should be little concern for being able to acquire water - whether purchasing it or asking to fill up your bottle. I never had an issue.

Not that it helps much but I discovered a GREAT source of spring fed water on the Erie Canal. It is a mile west of Lock 16, Mindenville, right the road. It is piped off of a hillside and flows at about 15 gallons a minute and it is so pure and good. It must come from an underground source.

Since I've discovered it, I use it for ALL my drinking water at home. People line up with their trucks and 250 gallon tanks on the back and fill up.

Country living :)

Worst case, carry a Sawyer filter, and filter from the canal.

Looking for any information about hiking the trail. We are avid hikers and finished the Camino in 2018. Looking for any information to include lodging or other advise or experiences.

thanks