Erie Canal Forum

So I am trying to plan a ride on the Erie Canal in 2021. Thought I would drive to Buffalo, ride to Albany, then train back to collect car.

Is this possible - there seem to be conflicting answers on taking a bike on the Empire Service train. Can you do it if you leave from Schenectady rather than Albany?

Thanks for any clarity or suggestions.

Mike

Mike, it seems there is some confusion about trains these days. Previously, train service with roll-on ability was offered on one train a day with that train arriving into Buffalo/Depew somewhere around 1:00 AM. At this point, you're probably fine planning a ride/train tour and see what the status is as time comes closer. I'm hoping that there is enough pressure on Amtrak to cause them to offer better roll-on service.

There is currently no bike service on the Empire Service trains, but there is bike service on the Lake Shore Limited that runs once/day to Chicago. I just rode the Lake Shore Limited #48/49 from Schenectady to Rochester with my bike. The train was on time, an Amtrak staff person put loaded my bike on the baggage car without difficulty and returned it to me in Rochester undamaged. The only hard part is that the short distance Coach seats are at the front of the train, and the baggage car is at the back, so it's a long walk with your panniers after you drop off your bike. You need to have a reservation for the bike because the baggage car holds only hold 6 bikes. It costs $20 for the bike. The train arrived in Rochester at 2315, and it was an easy ride to the downtown hotels on well lit streets.

The Lake Shore Limited does not stop at the Exchange station in downtown Buffalo, only at the Depew station, and it arrives after midnight. The hotels hear Depew are all dull big box airport hotels. The Lakeshore used to skip Rome, and was 30 minutes faster, but apparently the tracks on the direct route the omits Rome are bad so all of the trains go through Rome even if they don't stop there. There are rumors that the tracks repairs will be completed by next year so the trip will be shorter and the train will arrive earlier. It's not expensive to reserve a taxi van in advance that can transport you to a hotel from Depew, but it will only hold 2 bikes. I would recommend staying at the Hotel Henry on the North end of Buffalo. The bike trails connect to the hotel via the adjacent Buffalo State Campus, and there is ample parking near the hotel to leave your car for free. There is not a continuous trail along the water from downtown Buffalo to the trails leaving Buffalo north to the Erie Canal, so if you stay in a downtown hotel you will have to ride on city streets at the start of your trip. Buffalo has some great architecture, so the ride is actually quite pleasant if it's not rush hour.

There is currently no bike service on the Empire Service trains, but there is bike service on the Lake Shore Limited that runs once/day to Chicago. I just rode the Lake Shore Limited #48/49 from Schenectady to Rochester with my bike. The train was on time, an Amtrak staff person put loaded my bike on the baggage car without difficulty and returned it to me in Rochester undamaged. The only hard part is that the short distance Coach seats are at the front of the train, and the baggage car is at the back, so it's a long walk with your panniers after you drop off your bike. You need to have a reservation for the bike because the baggage car holds only hold 6 bikes. It costs $20 for the bike. The train arrived in Rochester at 2315, and it was an easy ride to the downtown hotels on well lit streets.

The Lake Shore Limited does not stop at the Exchange station in downtown Buffalo, only at the Depew station, and it arrives after midnight. The hotels hear Depew are all dull big box airport hotels. The Lakeshore used to skip Rome, and was 30 minutes faster, but apparently the tracks on the direct route the omits Rome are bad so all of the trains go through Rome even if they don't stop there. There are rumors that the tracks repairs will be completed by next year so the trip will be shorter and the train will arrive earlier. It's not expensive to reserve a taxi van in advance that can transport you to a hotel from Depew, but it will only hold 2 bikes. I would recommend staying at the Hotel Henry on the North end of Buffalo. The bike trails connect to the hotel via the adjacent Buffalo State Campus, and there is ample parking near the hotel to leave your car for free. There is not a continuous trail along the water from downtown Buffalo to the trails leaving Buffalo north to the Erie Canal, so if you stay in a downtown hotel you will have to ride on city streets at the start of your trip. Buffalo has some great architecture, so the ride is actually quite pleasant if it's not rush hour.

Mike, my wife and I put our bikes on the Empire train yesterday 9/9/2020
In Albany and trained to Buffalo. We will ride back to Albany where our car is parked.
According to Amtrak they just made this change a couple days ago and now allow two bikes per train.

Mark

Many thanks for the info.

I just completed the Erie canal trail from Buffalo to Albany. We drove to the Albany Airport and rented a van and drove to Buffalo and dropped the rental off at the Buffalo Airport. The cost was about $170.00. I split the cost with my co-rider. We parked the car in Albany at the train station parking lot for $30.00 for the week.

Cohoes to Schenectady on the Erie Canal rail trail. Does anyone have comments about this part of the trail? I’m going to ride it this week.

It is a nice ride, make sure you check out the observation deck at the Cohoes Falls, the trail does not go past the falls. There is a significant problem when you are almost to Schenectady. After you pass Anthony drive the trail is closed for installation of a large sewer or water pipe. Turn right on Anthony drive and then left at the sewer plant on Technology drive. When I rode it 2 weeks ago I went past Anthony drive a little farther and then walked through the grass strip to the parking lots adjoining Technology drive which continues to Maxon Road.

The continuation of the trail is also closed from Maxon road into Schenectady. If you turn right on Maxon Road you will cross the tracks and come to an underpass of Freeman's bridge that connects to new trail from the new Casino to the Stockade district. Then you can make your way into Schenectady from the Stockade. Freeman's Bridge is also under construction and there is construction equipment everywhere, so the underpass is unmarked and might be difficult to pick out. It was open two weeks ago and I rode through without having to walk my bike.

The trail signage in West Syracuse is inaccurate since it has been put up prior to completion of a bike/pedestrian bridge over the train tracks that connects the trail to downtown Syracuse. Following the signs will add 3.5 miles each way riding on a section of new trail without an outlet.

Approaching Syracuse from the west riding east the marked trail ends at Warners Road/Reed Webster Park. A new, paved, clearly visible trail winds east up and over the landfill/tailing piles and ends at Bridge Street/297. The Erie Canal Trailway signs at this point bring you left (North) over the new 297 bridge path down to the NY State Fairgrounds. The trail signs then lead left over a long bike/pedestrian bridge to a new paved trail with a beautiful lake overlook and then continues along the lake towards downtown Syracuse. Unfortunately the trail ends abruptly almost to town and there is no passage for bikes or pedestrians further east to the city. A new bridge is under construction over the train tracks and creek to connect to downtown, but this appears to be many months from completion.

The bicycle entrance to downtown Syracuse from the west is on Milton Avenue, which is a right hand turn on Bridge street where the landfill trail ends, and then a left on Milton Avenue.

Does anyone know which portion of the trail & miles are paved? We have road bikes so no gravel desired! Thank you!

Safe riding!
Sharon

One of the interactive maps shows paved surfaces that's probably the PTNY map IIRC.

Bflo -> Lockport is paved. Then only paved portions around small towns, otherwise gravel until Rochester. Paved around Rochester and then smaller paved portions until Syracuse area. Gravel pretty much until Rome and then once you get to Mohawk it's paved (in various degrees of good to excellent through ALB.

Most of the gravel is very hard packed and easy to ride with my road bike. I did change my tires to a more hybrid type tire.

The trail from Fort Herkimer to Little Falls is currently being paved and looks to be almost completed. From the Lock 17 trailhead to the Montgomery County line the trail is being resurfaced with stone dust.

The entire section from the western Montgomery County line to Albany the trail is mostly an excellent, new paved trail except for a short section of road riding near Rotterdam Junction, and some older sections of trail with tree root bumps.

Next week I will bike the Canal one way & I will need to a shuttle. Many of the shuttle services are no longer in business. Can anyone tell me how I can shuttle with my bike (by bus or car) from Rome to Amsterdam, NY. - about 85 miles? Amtrak representative says I cannot take my bike on the train. Ideas or thoughts would be great.

Bonnie -- I see that you have not gotten a response. Your request seems to be rather strange. Are you only riding from Amsterdam to Rome and then needing a ride back?

If that is the case, possibly asking a warmshower host if they would provide the service for a fee. I can't think of another option for randomly reaching out for a shuttle. Possibly Uber or Lyft might be able to arrange something, but no sure if you can specify your need to accommodate a bike. Then again... letting it stick out of a trunk wouldn't be the worst option!

Good luck.

We rode from Buffalo to Rochester in 2019. Diane of Go Bike Erie met us in Pittsford and shuttled us back to Buffalo with our bikes. She has a large van that seats 7 and a trailer that holds 8 bikes. She was enthusiastic, reliable, and informative. It appears the name of the business is now Great American Bike Tours. From the website:

(315) 316-BIKE

E-MAIL: info@CycleTheUSA.com

© 2018 Erie Canal Bike Tours, LLC

I just met Diane on the trail near Syracuse. She and her husband are no longer offering bike shuttle service. They continue to use their excellent van and bike trailer arrangement for organized bike tours.

Is there camping at lock 17 and Rotterdam? This trip planner doesn't list it, but paper map we received by mail says there is camping available. Thank you!

I remember looking at this as an option before my ride earlier this year (but did not stay there). I just used Google Maps -- couldn't get a street view but there was a decent pic. Seems there is some space to accommodate a tent. Typically asking Lock personnel is adequate for permission.

Here's the pic:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Erie+Canal+Lock+17/@43.0384101,-74.8465783,3a,37.7y/data=!3m8!1e2!3m6!1sAF1QipMp9716fBnlGKIqpdik6EBDf-QnfGgfEl7hRwLC!2e10!3e12!6shttps:%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipMp9716fBnlGKIqpdik6EBDf-QnfGgfEl7hRwLC%3Dw203-h152-k-no!7i3968!8i2976!4m5!3m4!1s0x89deb6f3b4c8b351:0x30f30d402bacf114!8m2!3d43.0384101!4d-74.8465783

The Erie Mansion is closed until further notice per the owner. Hoping to reopen next spring.

Day I rode from St. Johnsville to Lock 18 (Jackonsburg). Crew was working on paving the section between highway out of Little Falls to the lock. Looked very nice! I was unable to speak to the workers about a possible completion date. So, hopefully a local friend will update cyclists as to when this section will open.

Safe travels!

Can I ride a motorized bicycle on canal path??

The posted signs say "No Motorized Vehicles" so I would take that to mean No. However, I have seen them on the trail. Seems most will disengage when approaching you on the trail or when groups are present. As a multi-use trail I could see a good argument for them to be allowed as they become more popular.

E-bikes are fine, I think those signs are to deter motorcycles and dirt bikes if I were to guess. I see E-bikes all the time any trail I’ve ever been on in the last couple of years and I wouldn’t even notice them if it wasn’t for the fat, battery part of the bike! :-)

So I am trying to plan a ride on the Erie Canal in 2021. Thought I would drive to Buffalo, ride to Albany, then train back to collect car.

Is this possible - there seem to be conflicting answers on taking a bike on the Empire Service train. Can you do it if you leave from Schenectady rather than Albany?

Thanks for any clarity or suggestions.

Mike

Mike, there’s been a few threads on here about that topic. Dive down a few pages into the forums and you should see some of the discussions. It’s not promising though.

Seems to be, like you said, a lot of confusion. Seems like a lot of people are giving up on the trains because of Amtraks mixed Covid related messages and cancellations. There is no guarantee they’ll get their bike on board, dropped reservations out of the blue, and not to mention the messaging from Amtrak is confusing at best. Many are opting for renting a van from one airport to another airport (some local rental places may do one way drop offs but typically only the airports do it).

From the airports you could hire a Lyft or Uber if they’re too far from the trail to safely ride.

Biking 30 miles out and back from Syracuse which is the best direction to go?

Sue - the Erie Canal is pretty flat except at the locks which you’re up and down in no time at all. And you are technically going downhill going W-E though is not much to write home about.

I would go east towards Buffalo first, then turn back for the last half of your journey to Syracuse to finish. You’ll be going down the locks on the way back (but to be fair, they’re nothing dramatic!).

Of course you could check the weather and see if winds will be a factor. If the wind is going strong, you could go into the wind first, get that out of the way, and have tailwinds at your back all the way home.

The wind would be the biggest factor for me if it was reasonably strong. In that case, I would go into the wind on my way out and with it at my back the way home. If winds are mild and not a factor, then get the “uphill” out of the way first.

I'd also add that if you go East, you are following the "historic" canal and West you will follow the regular Barge Canal [look at map to see how far out this is because the canal now heads north to Baldwinsville]. Additionally, the trail from Syr [west] through Camillus and Jordan is nice, but know that past Weedsport and into Clyde/Lyons it is more road than trail. I thought the section from Montezuma to Savanna was the worst/most unsafe part of the tour.

Eastward, once past DeWitt, the trail goes through Green Lakes State Park, hits historic villages and is a nicely maintained pathway. Several points of interest may or may not be open such as the Canal Museum.

I will be riding the erie canal trail in September. I'm planning on staying in regular lodging, not camping. What are the best towns to stay in along the route. I'm planning on 60-70 miles per day of riding. Also if you can recommend good lodging places to stay.

I’m traveling in similar fashion the week before. The interactive map with hotels highlighted made it
really easy to find hotels during the amount of miles you want to travel!

Thank you. I came up with a 7 day plan. First night in Brockport and then Newark and so on. I wasn't too excited about Newark. I'm going to take a side trip to Seneca Falls and Auburn. Staying in Auburn. I hope that is a good idea.

Little Falls is a nice town The Inn at the Mill is nice

On the Cycle the Erie Canal website it says:

Trail Closure! Due to construction, portions of the trail will be intermittently closed between Harder Park and North Main Street in the Village of Newark. Cyclists can use adjacent roadways or follow posted detours.

Does anyone know if this info is up to date? Also, does anyone have directions or a physical address for Harder Canal Park in Newark? I understand there is parking there to head west on the canal. I can't locate an address to plug into the GPS.

Thanks!

The trail is completed in that section. All blacktop and really nice ride. We have been on it several times in the last couple of weeks. Enjoy! Look for the osprey nest if you go.

I have walked the trail near the end of I890 and have pulled weeds from concrete wall going over the Mohawk River,the sides of the trail have not been mowed since early June. Whoever is taking care of mowing is NOT doing there job, looks terrible!!

Wow. What was the rest of the trail like in 1890?

Lol. Interstate. 890.

We rode the entire trail last week and the sides are all nicely mown and it was a great trip!

I'm looking at riding the Erie canal(early October) and then Lake Champlain (mid October. Any comments about what the weather will be like would be appreciated.

Should be a good time to ride with some precautions. I would plan for mild fall temps during the day and much cooler at night. Definitely could rain so expect that. Unexpected cold snaps could happen so bring the right clothing just in case.

By October, the days will be much shorter to make camp or town. A bike light would be useful if you get caught out short of your destination for the night. Good luck.

I am going to ride the Canalway for my first time next week. I will start in Syracuse.

Can I ride on a road bike with slick 32m tires or will that be a terrible mistake?

I've used theses for 8 years on the canal. Had one flat.

Bontrager R1 Road Tire 700 x 32

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.