Erie Canal Forum

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

Hello Fellow Canal riders,
I am planning to do a 3 day ride on the Erie Canal trail from Buffalo to like Rome in early September. Does anyone know what Amtraks policy on bike transportation. Other Amtrak trains provide bike storage in special cars and I have used that to ride the GAP trail from Pittsburg to Cumberland MD.
Other than the train, interested in bike transport services available.

Thanks very much for any information.

Ken

Hi Ken. It seems rail travel isn't very good with bikes.
Look earlier on this Forum for a thread that covers the topic.

I don't have the info in front of me but there is 1 train aday from Albany to Buffalo. It offers roll- on service. Departs Albany around 7:30 pm with a 12am Buffalo arrival. There is a hostel about 2 miles from the train station. Please note these are appx times as I don't have the info handy. If you visit Amtrak you can figure it out but you need to "read between the lines. They don't make it easy to understand. Which is stupid as we're trying to give Amtrak our business.

Ken - Rick is right about one train and times. The only thing I'm thinking I remember is that the roll off was in the Depew station. If I'm right, then the hostel is not that close. The downtown station (Exchange Street) is close to the Hostel. Just make sure which station you are able to use.

wnybubba is correct: The rollon service is to Depew, not Downtown Buffalo.

The info posted is correct because I called this week and they confirmed it. I also suggested to them that by providing bike storage from Albany to Buffalo (Exchange St) they'd have a lot of business from bikers since it is a natural partnering of bikers, the path and transportation needs. The operator stated that if it was profitable, they'd be doing it and, according to her it must not be profitable. I then interjected that by that thinking then the Albany to Depew train, getting in at midnight, was a real money maker, it makes the cash pile up, since that is what they offer. She had no reply :(

Okay, I know it was me being snarky but having the Albany to Buffalo train carry bikes is a win-win and I don't see why it isn't done.

I concur, it is kinda silly to not have rollon service on all lines, but I also understand cycle touring is not a huge business (ie, it's hard to find a purpose designed touring bike most times in LBSs).

I think a lot of this has to do with purposeful kneecapping of multi-modal transport at various levels of government until pretty recently. Now, it seems (In NY at least), the federal government (Who runs Amtrak) is the blocker here :(

It seems that this doesn't have to be so difficult. I've seen 3 different approaches: (1) Toronto VIA allows roll-on service onto any non-handicapped car with a limit of two bikes (I believe). (2) The AMTRAK Capitol Limited (once daily) that services DC -> Cumberland, MD -> Pittsburgh (specifically for bikes), that has 8 racks that must be reserved and cost $20. [Their reservation system is not user friendly to find a day with available racks.] (3) AMTRAK service here in NY (once daily) with specific roll-on stations.

What is so difficult to model after the TO VIA train system. It works great. Get on with your bike, get off when you get to your destination.

It's not that it's hard to do... It's that promoting multi-modal transit isn't what they want done at the federal, pro-car-everywhere level.

Hello,

Can someone point me to forums for the C&O Canal Trail and GAP Trail?

Art

That was fun! I hadn't done any research on the C&O or Great Allegheny Trail. Just got my "feet wet" and learned a bunch. It's on my Bucket List. Interesting that the GAT is nicely groomed and only 150 miles. The C&O appears is a bit less groomed with typical dirt/gravel lanes with grass strips in middle.

A bit disappointed in the NPS website. Haroers Feery trial Bridge damaged due to derailment -- lots of info but nothing about what the re-route is! Hmmm...

Anyway -- I found what you were looking for! Here it us:

https://bikecando.com/

That previous post was from me! Sorry it posted as Anonymous.

Thanks, wnybubba. Just what I was looking for.
Art

Glad to help. Looks like a good ride. What are your plans?

To: wnybubba

We live in Gaithersburg, MD, and have done the C&O Trail from DC to Cumberland and the Gap from Cumberland to the Continental Divide.

We are planning to do day trips on the GAP in 15mi sections (30mi RT). We are thinking of Meyersdale, PA, and Ohiopyle as possible starting points. What are the trails like in these areas? And we are open to other suggestions as well as places to stay.

Art

Art - I wish I could help, but I'm just starting to look into both the C&O and GAP as rides myself. Possibly post something on the other forum for good answers! I enjoyed the 360 mile ride on the Canalway Trail and figured I was already outfitted so a quick 150 mile ride on the GAP is attractive. Problem I see is that PGH is a 4-hour drove from my place, but I'm looking into parking in PGH and taking the train back from Cumberland so I don't have to depend on rides. (Make my wife happy!)

To: wnybubba. Thanks anyway. Posted same to GAP forum, no response yet.