Erie Canal Forum

We're planning a thru ride on the Erie Canal Bike Route. Planning to park in Albany and take the train to Buffalo. Upon mid day arrival we're planning to bike to Niagara Falls and back. Map Quest shows a 21 mile 1 way route. Has anyone rode this stretch? Looks like part of the route might he on a bike route. How bike friendly or this a good idea? Also is amtrak travel a pain in butt or what. We'd need to bring a pedal wrench that I'd need to send back home or carry along the route unless there's a bike shop near the train station or trail. Thanks

Very bike friendly. Buffalo to Niagara Falls (NY side) is all bike path except for the whole of Grand Island. The two bridges over and onto the island are big bridges but have separated sidewalks. Once over the first bridge you will take Grand Island Blvd. (Rt. 324) north which parallels I-190. Been a long time for me on that road but I recall it having pretty wide shoulders.

If you bring your passports, I can recommend an even better ride. Cross over the Peace Bridge at Buffalo to Ft. Erie, Ontario and after riding a small section of road heading north in Ft. Erie, you're on the Niagara River Recreational Trail all the way to Niagara Falls. It's a beautiful ride!

You could even incorporate both and just do all of it in one big circle route. If I was planning this I would start at Buffalo (Peace Bridge) over to Ft. Erie, Ft. Erie to Niagara Falls, ONT, cross back into the US (Rainbow Bridge) to Niagara Falls, NY, then take bike paths back to Grand Island and into Buffalo. But that's just me. :) Both sides are about the same mileage.

If you turn Bicycling on in Google Maps, you will see the trails on both sides of the border. Either way is a nice ride.

I'm not familiar with bike shops. You'll have to see if Amtrak has Roll On/Roll Off bike service so you don't have to box your bike, the undoing of pedals and twisting of handlebars is not fun to put back together.

Good luck.

John

John,
Thanks for all of the info. I've started looking/figuring out some of the routes but good to know what I'm thinking is mostly correct.

John,
We've actually had a change of plans and have decided to take the train from Albany to Niagara Falls. The station isn't too far from the state park. Maybe 20 min. We'll have passports so thinking we/ll cross the Rainbow Bridge and back then head toward Buffalo via the routes you mentioned. Time is a factor as we'll also need to get at least to Tonawanda or Lockport in order to get to a campground for the night. Not sure about the mileage but I'm thinking 25 miles from the falls to Buffalo depending on which route we take. Also there's a PO about 5 blocks from the train station so we could send the pedal wrench home after use. Anything else could be done with normal bike tools that I always carry.

If you have any other info please feel free to forward. Greatly appreciated. I'm a great info source for the Allegheny Passage/C&O but the Erie Canal ride will be new to me.Tanks again.

Sounds like a great trip, Rick! Erie Canal is a fantastic ride. Love the GAP/C&O...I’m hoping my trip there this year goes through as planned but we’ll see. I do recognize your name/town from that trails forums.

One more thing you can check out that might affect your trip: the US-Canada bridge wait times. You’ll want to see if there are any major delays. There’s a few sites online. 99% of the time it’s no big deal but sometimes big holiday weekends and global political events effect border crossings. But it’s usually no big deal. Pre 9/11, you could go on the pedestrian sidewalks but now they want you on the roads as if you’re car traffic which is still strange to me. Passport requirements seemed to have reduced traffic a bit though (it must be wide open now I’m guessing).

Since were talking Niagara Falls, one of my favorite rides ever is the Greater Niagara Circle Route. 87 miles, all in Ontario. Start at Niagara Falls, and go north to Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL), west to Port Weller, then turn south towards Welland along the Welland Canal and continue south to Port Colborne, then east to Fort Erie, then north to Niagara Falls. I did it over two days to soak it all in. The falls, the gorge, forts, monuments, the Welland Canal, the town of NOTL, lakes Erie and Ontario, wineries (beautiful!), farms, and old estate houses along the Niagara River. Stunning. All of it is paved and all of it is on trail except the part between NOTL and Port Weller and a small section coming out of Niagara Falls. Obviously that’s one for another day! :)

Oh....Lake Effect Ice Cream in Lockport, NY right at the locks is a must stop.

Well darn. Just did a tentative Amtrak ticket search and according to their website you can't check boxed bikes at Albany, Buffalo, nor Niagara Falls. They only have a page to check small pets. Amtrak is a pain in the butt and there are only a few shuttle services and most only haul up to 4 people/bikes or they want to guide the trip themselves. At least that's what I'm seeing. Darn.

Good grief you can’t even check a boxed bike on that train? Geez. I though at least you’d have that. We’re pretty fortunate that roll on/roll off service is at both ends of Pittsburgh and Washington DC. And you can still do boxed bikes if those sell out. I’m guessing in the vacuum left behind of no train connection bike services that some shuttle services simply have to exist between Buffalo and Albany.

You could try contacting Parks and Trails New York (PTNY). They have responded to me about questions about the trail in the past. They run the annual Cycle the Erie Canal trip and also manage the trail.

There has to be a shuttle out there somewhere! :-)

@Rick from Grafton
Enjoyed reading your messages with John. FTR, I wholeheartedly agree with John about the Fort Erie -> Niagara Falls tour. Regardless of what is happening with the train situation (PTNY is a good source as might be the NYS Erie Canal Corporation - Canalway Trail) for more information or direction. What I wanted to share was the thought that you were thinking of going to NFalls and then to Buffalo and then to Lockport. That is a lot of backtracking. Start in Buffalo - go north to NFalls and then east to Lockport. No need to come back to Bflo from NFalls. I'm local to Buffalo so if you need any help give me a shout.
PS - Nothing wrong with starting in Bflo and taking the trail up to Tonawanda and then over Grand Island to the Falls and then to Lockport to stay in NY and use the Canalway Trail -- but as John mentioned, the CDN side is a beautiful ride. He might have more experience with the bridge traffic, but I'd shirt past cars and get to the front of a line - but that's the renegade in me!

Thanks guys. This route is all new to me. I've ridden the Allegheny Passage probably a dozen times including several Passage/C&O thru rides. Greenbrier River in Wva, Jackson River, and a bunch of other routes. I believe in research so less goes wrong. Thanks for al your help. Hopefully the country will be back on track by the time we leave in Sept.

I've riden from ft Erie to Pt Colborne to Welland but "lost" the trail there. Where can I find a trail map?

Lovetobike...try this downloadable map: https://www.niagararegion.ca/government/initiatives/gncr/PDF/gncr-map-web.pdf

and this also: http://www.niagaracyclingtourism.com/bike-routes/greater-niagara-circle-route/

Looks like near Welland the canal splits...there is an "old" canal and a new modern canal that the Great Lakes freighters now take. The main GNCR route runs along the old canal in Welland but its not that long. I do recall some of the signage being poor in Welland as the trail zig zags through town. I found this odd because the entire trail was well marked otherwise. As you will recall, there is not a lot of shade on the Welland Canal part of the trail so to those who haven't done it yet, bring the sunscreen! ;-)

John

Thanks John! I'm going to give it another try when I can get in the country ?????????

WNYBubba - Oh wow, that’s so funny when you said “but I'd shirt past cars and get to the front of a line - but that's the renegade in me!” One time on the Rainbow bridge coming back to NY, the cars were like 10 deep fanned out in the customs lines but had backed up to the point where the cars we’re still stuck in the two lane part of the bridge. I just snaked through that pinch point and had my pick of the shortest line. : -) Kinda felt guilty cutting but.....ah, not really! No one said anything probably because they don’t want to attract the attention of Customs agents.

I still think it’s silly you have to go through as a car now because pre 9/11 you went on the sidewalk and through the pedestrian custom line. I don’t think Bicycle traffic is going to overwhelm the customs agents!

Rick from Grafton - Did you ever get your bike box/Amtrak situation sorted out? Curious to see because if I ever do the Erie Canal again, I would need to figure out a way back.

@John from Pittsburgh -- we'll see how the renegade in me works out next week. I start my tour Saturday and totally plan on somewhat renegade camping across state. Mostly it's just me, but prompted as a way to deal in the COVID world I'll be touring in.

Actually... from anyone on the forum: any experience in bivouac camping on the trail? I've spotted a few rural parking access areas that should work and am thinking I'll be good at several of the Locks -- even ones that are not specific identified as camping allowed. At this point the Canal is not open, but I don't believe that should pose an issue. Other than that, if there's a patch of ground or clump of trees to crash by, I'm good.

Anyone with any experience to share?

WNYBubba - the only camping I’ve personally done were the sites set up by PTNY during the Cycle the Erie Canal event (ie. school grounds) so I don’t know about campsites. But with that said, I did find these sites that might open up some potential areas for you:

http://www.canals.ny.gov/trails/camping.html

https://forums.adventurecycling.org/index.php?topic=15632.0 (a forum talking about it)

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.reddit.com/r/bicycletouring/comments/44dd0s/erie_canal_stealth_camping/ (Reddit discussion)

Also, I don’t know if your into Podcasts, but please check out The Pedalshift Project. He just wrapped up a three part series on his 2015 trip on the Erie Canal from the archives. He talks about camping at the locks. Mosquitos are an issue he had at some of the swampier parts of the Canal. Very informative! And the host is originally from the Rochester area. :-)

Best wishes on your journey!

John

Just an FYI, through Sunday, there is a curfew at 8PM in the city of Buffalo, so it you're riding through, or starting here, be aware of this.

Find distance from maker 29 to 33

According to Google Maps Uncle G's is 1.7 miles from the trail.

If you are taking the canal trail from the Tonawandas to Lockport, Uncle G's is ON the trail. A recently-completed section is paved all the way into Lockport.

A must stop along an absolutely beautiful new path!

My wife and I are planning a trip from Buffalo - Rochester this summer and the trail is on several different roads for about 6 -7 miles between N. Tonawanda and Lockport. Can anyone tell me if the shoulder is very wide and what the traffic on these roads is like? What is the speed limit? Is there a lot of traffic? Just trying to get a sense of what this portion of the trail is like?

Thanks
Bob

Ahhh... you'll love this answer! That section was opened and paved late last year. Enjoy! All pathway to Lockport.

There is a portion of the trail that is on Tonawanda Creek Road on your way to .Lockport. However, the new section from the Museum ( with a stop at Uncle G's for an ice cream), is just beautiful! TonAwanda Creek Road is 45-55 in sections but not too busy when I was on that section last week.

How much is the trail between Buffalo and Rochester? My friends and I are interested in doing this soon but my friends are very anti dirt

How much is the trail unpaved*

The map on follow URL is good at what is paved and what is not.

https://www.ptny.org/bike-canal/map/

The map on the PTNY.org website is a good map regarding the surfaces on the Erie Canal.

https://www.ptny.org/bike-canal/map/

Hi Nate, Buffalo to the Tonawanda’s is paved surface but after that, it’s crushed gravel. Not really dirt but you And your friends (and your bikes) will be dusty after a day in it. I think you will find it agreeable as you roll pretty fast considering. If it rains hard, the trail gets a little soupy but it drains eventually. I think around Rochester you pick up some more paved trail but I don’t recall where exactly. I think there’s a thread in here From not long ago that mentioned where that is. John from Cobleskill is on the money with his suggestion of checking out the PTNY website and map. Best of luck!

Awesome thanks guys!

Even better... paved to Lockport now.

Indeed, you are right WNYBubba! Lovely trail from Buffalo to Lockport!

Good day to all!

Several months ago, I contributed to a discussion about "on-road" sections of the Erie Canal Bike Trail. I gave my ideas at that time about my experiences from Albany to Medina, NY. Two days ago, 04/28/2020, I went from Lock 8 to Lock 10 in Cranesville. In Rotterdam Junction NY important progress is being made concerning the elimination of the on-road section between Rotterdam Junction and the Pattersonville trail head. This road section is very busy. The new path has been marked out (seems to follow an old rail line). The intriguing issues are the two tunnels to be made under the used rail line in Rotterdam Junction. This task seems daunting (they will get it done!) so, when will this section be complete? Only the engineers and workers know. The main point here is that this busy, risky sector will be eliminated some time this year making the ride from Buffalo to Albany safer and more enjoyable.

Safe travels to all! Be Healthy!

Jospeh Pafundi, Saratoga Springs NY

Thanks for your update. Getting the Empire State Trail complete in 2020 is the goal.

This web site has the BEST trail map for the Erie Canal. Every step of my planning, BIKEERIECANAL map has been a part of it.

That said, I wish that they would add a feature of the canal trail surface for each mile. That would be helpful.

Also a way to support this page. The resources on here is without question the best and I wouldn't mind throwing some $$ in their direction to keep this page up and running..... and current.

Just an idea.

Joseph Pafundi, we are considering riding the entire trail this summer. Is it difficult to get back on the trail when the path ends? Did you have an app to help you?
Thanks!

Dear friend, Leanne, Ohio,

I would like to extend a warm welcome to NYS. In my opinion, you will find the trail to be very pretty and home to many historic villages whose existence is rooted in the history of the Erie Canal. Your question is very, very good. Difficulty leaving the trail and accessing "on-road" portions will vary. I suppose that a good GPS will help (there is this site's map + NY Parks and Trails book which are excellent!). A case in point:in coming from Rotterdam Junction and entering Schenectady, NY at the SCC campus, one is confronted with navigating some confusing streets. The area is very quaint (Stockade district) but, the signage is poor in my view. A rider needs to get to North Jay Street/Union College before picking up the trail. I have seen others con Facebook complain about this transition. It is what it is!

Hope you will enjoy your ride and our very pretty state!

Joseph Pafundi

The Rotterdam Junction train track interruption (eastern track crossing) was caused by installation of the tracks across the trail to serve the chemical company across Rt 5S without installing a tunnel at that time. This occurred about a decade ago. At that time I wondered why they did not install the tunnel before piling all the rail bed material on the trail. Now it is going to cost much more to "drill" a tunnel through that mass. I have climbed over that track right after installation, and it was not pleasant at all. I look forward to the tunnel and hopefully trail improvement through that area to encourage usage. The second train track crossing (western track crossing) occurs right at Rt 5S where you need to get onto that road to bridge to Pattersonville trailhead. That short section (few miles) is very bumpy and could also use improvement and repaving. Meanwhile it looks like the plan is to cross the 2nd track near the Alt Erie Canal on the same line as the trail between the two track crossings. I think this "wrong" is finally being "righted." Good to see.

@Randy from Albany -- So is the bike-around clearly marked or are we on our own to navigate through this situation?

Good evening!

I rode out there yesterday. Work to the trail is moving forward. Still no drilling done yet under the railway. So, you need to get off the trail at Mabee Lane and go to Rotterdam Jct via 5s. You pick up the trial at Iroquois Street. Stay on the existent section (still bumpy) and exit back onto 5s to Pattersonville trail head on 5s. Bottom line: status quo for now but, not hard to navigate.

Safe travels!

Well, that's up to the minute information. Thanks - I'll follow your instructions and try to make it safely.

Planning on doing the entire trail from Buffalo to Albany as soon as the area reopens.

I have lots of questions but one key on is where can I download a file to us on my Garmin. Another website says the *.fit file is best, but for other rides I've used the *.gps.

Any help greatly appreciated.

Eric

Eric - I don't know the answer, but due to lack of responses here, why don't you try touching base with Parks & Trails NY and see what advise you can get. Please post what you find out!

PTNY
(518) 434-1583
ptny@ptny.org

Ride with GPS or Strava should have these.

From Ride with GPS:
Export File Formats
Every Ride and Route on Ride with GPS can be downloaded to your computer as a TCX Course, TCX History, FIT Course, GPX Track, CSV, or KML.

I do not know if these will load on your Garmin but I’m guessing yes.

Need to register. Once in, just search for Buffalo to Albany or Erie Canal. There’s quite a few to pick from.

John

Greetings forum:

I'm thinking of riding from Lockport, NY to Albany. Perhaps this year. Is a road touring bike adequate for the duration?

You *could* do it on a road bike, with thin tires. I would not recommend it for most stretches.

I'd add to the previous comment that you could for sure -- and make the recommendation that you consider the tires that you are using. A large percentage of the trail is on packed gravel so that is the major consideration. Worse case - you have to repair a tire more often than a rider with a wider, more aggressive tread. It's a trade off. I'd also add that you should consider your own riding skills -- There are city sections on the Canalway and if you are clipless are you comfortable in an urban setting? Bottom line - is it ideal? Probably not. Has it been done? Yeah, probably many, many times.

I am using a road bike on my upcoming Erie Canal trip but I am upgrading to a kevlar type of tire (Continental Gator Hardshell) at 28mm and bringing extra tube/patch kit. Even though I have never done the trail end to end, I've talked to enough people to where I'm comfortable trying it this way

@John from Cobleskill
What's your plan? I'm hoping to start next month around the 6th.
[Me direct: wnybubba @ gmail]