Erie Canal Forum

Registration is open for Parks & Trails New York’s 22nd annual Cycle the Erie Canal tour, an opportunity to bike across New York state and take in the rich history of the legendary canal that transformed America. The eight-day, 400-mile recreational bicycle tour from Buffalo to Albany is scheduled for July 12 to 19.
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Full article:
https://www.fltimes.com/briefs/registration-open-for-cycle-the-erie-canal/article_7d739a52-7461-53dc-ad3a-624b36167d7f.html

This is a great ride!

I did the 19th version and had a fantastic time. Nice sized week long bike tour that has a fair amount of people (650 plus volunteer support staff) but not too large, like RAGBRAI, to feel overwhelming.

Parks and Trails New York (PTNY) does a great job organizing this. Breakfasts, dinners, shuttles into town, painted spots on the route for turns, rest stops/snack stations, luggage trucks, mobile shower trucks, device charging stations, and places to camp outdoors.

They also arranged for "indoor camping" if you didn't feel like camping outside. Four of the seven nights you could have slept on a gymnasium floor at the schools we stayed at. Plenty of room available. The three remaining nights were spent at a city park, Fort Stanwix, and a community center. If you wanted indoor camping at these three sites, you had an artificial grass covered indoor sports field, the YMCA or Elks Club, and numerous community center rooms respectively.

The buses back to Buffalo are all easily arranged. They do such a great job putting this together.

Highly recommend this tour.

John

I want to fly into utica and out of albany--is there a bike rental option that I could rent in utica, and drop off in albany? Thanks!

I have the same question but from Buffalo to Albany.

I want to bike the trail this Spring - can my wife meet me and spend the night in an RV?

In 2014, I took a self supported trip from Buffalo to Albany on the trail. I'm looking forward to another trip this summer. I recall that it was about 80 percent complete back then. It was like bicycling through a living history of transportation. Can't wait.

Are there hot showers? Do they allow small dogs?

Not directly on the Erie Canal, but it's very accessible in Buffalo and very cool - a ride to Niagara Falls from the Peace Bridge.
https://youtu.be/Tmy5Imz9fKw
Thanks to Pat StillRiding for sharing

Thanks for sharing Ray. This ride was so fun.

Love the video looking forward to this as an addon ride.

Hi looking to find a hotel for group to stay at for ist night prior to start of ride to Albany. Will also need to have parking for car to be left at for return to pick up. Planner only gives two hotels which I do not know how close to trail. Will be riding in August or late September.

Avoid the Econolodge Dewitt. Rooms came with condoms!

I plan on biking the full length of the canal next spring from west to east, probably around 60 - 70 miles per day along with 5 friends. We want to stay in hotels or B&Bs.

Are there any outfitters that will carry our clothes etc., to our lodging each day. Also wondering what the transportation options are for getting ourselves and our bikes back from Albany to our Western start once we finish.

I did the Erie Canal ride this past may over 6 days. I used https://www.gobikeerie.com/ which is now GREAT AMERICAN BIKE TOURS https://www.cycletheusa.com/
I rented a hybrid and pannier bags from them, and they provided phone map application of the route as well as took care of hotel reservations. I was a solo loosely supported rider, but there was a group of four woman that were supported. It was a bit expensive. I flew into Buffalo. Took the bus (<$5) to downtown where they met us at the hotel and had my bike and equipment waiting. The ride was fairly easy, but about 11 miles of it had the wrong crushed stone, so it was very loose and mushy. Parts of the ride a definitely on roadways, but not too bad. When I got to Albany, I just left the bike at the hotel and they cam later and picked it up. I took the hotel shuttle to the Albany airport and flew home. I understand they will suttle you if you need it.

Hi everyone! I'm running/hiking from Buffalo to Syracuse (tentatively in mid-late spring). I plan on doing this over the course of 5 days. I've done adventure runs like this before (I ran across Ireland a few years ago). Just wanted to throw this out here in case anyone was interested in joining for some training or a portion of the actual event. If so, you can email me at ryansauerman@yahoo.com -subject: Buffalo-Syracuse trip. I hope to see you out on the trail!

If you had to choose only half of the Canal to bike which end would you choose.

Just finished route from Albany to Buffalo (before it was snowing). Because of the headwinds, I would say Syracuse to Albany would be my choice. Plenty to see on each leg. Be sure to visit the Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse.

I rode the Cycle the Erie Canal event in 2017 and I would choose the western end, Buffalo to Syracuse. Just my personal opinion as it seems more of the canal is intact and on trails in this half. The first miles out of Buffalo to the Tonawandas are paved. I would do west to east as prevailing winds typically go that way and also at the locks you are going downhill as opposed to uphill but these are not very noticeable to be fair. Either way is fine though, it's great riding either end!

Gday!
I'm considering doing a section of the canal trail going west to east at the end of this month. I've been checking out different websites to inform myself about the bike trail but thought I'd ask about some specifics.
I'd do a more eastern part since I'm driving from the Boston area. I'm thinking of a 3 day trip, staying in cities/towns along trail. Good places to eat. Then of course, transport back to my starting point.
I haven't done a whole lot of riding lately and I'm not exactly a spring chicken (I'm an active, healthy 71).
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you;
Lindsey English

Planning On cycling the Canal next weekend in its entierity, heard of a lot of rain hitting central New York last few days, curious if anyone has intel on conditions of the path now.

Wet. There has been a lot of flooding on the eastern end of the EC. This doesn't effect the trail much but where there is "stone dust", you might run into a certain amount of mud.

If you are tenting, finding a dry piece of ground will not be as easy as if you were doing in mid July. But none of this should stop your efforts. Best of luck to you.

I'm planning a three day ride with my pal who has asthma. Would like to do about 35-35 miles a day. We are planning to stay at local B&B's. Can anyone recommend a section of the EC that would be scenic and have B&B's available for three nights ? Also , I was thinking of hiring an Uber each morning to bring our gear / gym bag to our next stop . Any thoughts on that cost ?
Thanks for your assistance....

I just met a couple that were doing the Buffalo to Albany trip and they said that the only thing they would change on the trip is that they would NOT start in Buffalo but rather at the start of the Erie Canal itself in Tonawanda. They didn't offer details but they were less than thrilled by this section.

Does anyone have insight to this section? Is it "bad"? I've thought about starting in Tonawanda but I'm not sure. Please advise.

This 1st part pertains to part of the EC trail leaving downtown Buffalo, along the Niagara River heading North:

The part of the Shoreline Trail that was closed since spring for water line repairs at the GM Tonawanda Engine plant has reopened to walkers and bicyclists.

The project's general contractor informed Erie County officials Thursday that they've refilled and paved over where crews had worked and they've removed the fencing that cut off the trail.

The lengthy construction period frustrated users of the Riverwalk section of the trail that runs along the Niagara River and Lake Erie.

This is a another piece of recent good news:

A 2.1-mile gap in the Erie Canalway Trail was closed this year with the construction of a trail along East Canal Road in Pendleton, from Tonawanda Creek to Feigle Road.

The completion of the $4.5 million project will be marked with a ceremony at 1:30 p.m. Friday at the Feigle Road trailhead parking lot.

John,
Canalside is downtown Buffalo is a beautiful recently restored area with lots to see and do, including the adjacent Naval Park with a couple large Naval ships and WW II era submarine. The trail leaving Canalside winds through some downtown parks and townhome developments along the Lake Erie Harbor to the beginning of the Niagara River at the Peace Bridge where there is a brand new scenic ramp taking bikers and walkers from one grade to another. From that point there are some not great sections along Niagara Street for less than a mile, and then that wind around various roads and hwy on/off ramps for another mile or so. You have to be on your toes to follow the trail, as it is pretty choppy in this section. Eventually the dedicated path resumes and follows the edge of the Niagara River, which is beautiful, even though a highway runs next to the path but is well separated by a fence and landscaping. The trail then passes by some older industrial areas on the way toward Tonawanda, but over all this section is good to go.

Thank you for the information!!

Would love to plan a ride this October and am looking for companions. Will use my road bike with wider tires(32's) and hope to do about 40-60 miles per day. Maybe camp, Warmshowers.org or hotel, whatever is closest to the trail. I'm open. Would like to stop and enjoy some of the history. I'm a 62 year old married triathlete in good shape but not particularly fast (c or c+ level). I can go slow or be encouraged to move along faster. Let me know if there is any interest.
Thanks.

Yes I am interested and would love to do it as a group. I am a former triathlete (hip issues) who now does aquabikes so your "formula" sounds perfect. Let me know what and when you have this in mind. Perhaps a week, plus or minus.

I'm maybe open to the idea. Please let me know what you are thinking because I'm a C rider and using a road bike too. 40-60 miles a day is right in the area what I'm looking to do.

Is there a date in mind for this ride? I'm heading to Rochester week of 20th and plan to ride Buffalo to Rochester and maybe beyond. Can I get this done on a road bike (30mm).

I'm heading to Rochester the week of Oct 21st by plane. I'll be there leaf peeping but need to check off a bucket list item...my first century ride. PLanning from Buffalo to Rochester on the towpath but open for suggestions. Also need bike advice. I can ship mine or rent one locally. I have a touring bike (40mm tires) and a road bike (30mm). Could use help on condition info for the towpath or other options as well as bike rentals available.

Coming east this summer with my class I ebike. Are they still not allowed on the canal trail.

What is the address for the start (well end) of the Erie Canal
bike trail in Albany?

Glad we stayed on recommendation of the Lockport lockmaster. There were public washrooms and showers available for a donation. Recommend $20. Pony's was affordable.

Expecting to camp at block 15. Can someone tell me if they think there will be room there for us me

yes there's a lot of room at Lock 15

looking to do a late fall, two day trip along the very eastern end of the Erie Canal trail. I'll plan the length of the days dependant upon the trail condition. Looking for some local knowledge on the section between Albany and Canajoharie. What percentage is paved? How passable will the unpaved sections be in early November? Thanks!

Bonjour et bienvenue aux Etats-Unis!

I very often cycle this segment and it's safe to say that 90% of your proposed travels will be on paved surfaces. If I am not mistaken, the largest un-paved section is from Fort Hunter to Fultonville.

Bon sejour!

P.S. Be careful of a section between Rotterdam Junction and Pattersonville. This is on road (1 mile and 1/2) and very busy with trucks whizzing by.

I often ride this section often and as far as being paved, I think from Albany to St Johnsville is one of the nicest (easiest, smoothest) sections of the Erie Canal. There is a short section (4 miles) between Amsterdam and Fultonville that is stone dust but that's no big deal in November. That starts close to the Schoharie Crossing site (which is worth a stop).

Good luck

thank you Joseph and John....much appreciated

Does any have an opinion about my chances of being able to camp at Lock 15. Will it be full? Is it safe? Thank you.

Our 2 day/1 night west to east ride the last weekend of June 2019 on the ECBT from Lockport to Palmyra, midway between Rochester and Syracuse was really fantastic and memorable. We left a car near the police station in Lockport and the same in Palmyra. We overnighted in Brockport at the Victorian B&B and did about 45 miles both days, which was perfect for recreational bikers. The trail mostly followed the canal closely and was like one long beautifully maintained park. The villages along the way were scenic and historic, and we found a great lunch spot in Albion at the Village Café, less than a mile off the trail. For the most part the trail surface was great for the crossover/hybrid type bikes/tires we rode. A few lengthy sections were recently "repaved" with a hard packed sand-pebble type material that should be great with a bit of time/use and seasoning. It was a bit tacky being recently put down, but not a big deal. The section thru Rochester was on paved trail through more suburban, urban and industrial areas (with quite a few tree root bumps), but all in all just fine. If you are looking for a great overnighter or a couple one day sections, I would highly recommend Lockport to Brockport or Spencerport, and on the other side of Rochester, Pittsford to Palmyra, Newark or Lyons. Really beautiful, peaceful, scenic and easy to ride!!

Is there transportation if I only have one car?

How far west of Canajoharie do you need to bicycle before finding a public restroom (or restaurant with a restroom)?

West? There's a Save a Lot in Fort Plain that's right on the pathway.

Going east from Canajo there's a church in Sprakers (?) that is open and offers a bathroom and water to those using the path.

Hi everyone.
Anyone have a good recommendation for a 4-6 hour ride in/around Syracuse that would make for a scenic day trip in October? Something paved would be ideal, though we could bring our hybrids if there's some rough terrain that opens up a more beautiful part of the trail.

Where can I park overnight in Rochester? I'd like to bike over to Macedon, camp there and then return?

https://www.yellowpages.com/search-map/rochester-ny/overnight-parking

Can't vouch for any or know of any. From the list, Mapco Auto Parks is the nearest to a canal entrance. Less than a mile.

Hello:
Is it safe/legal to leave your car overnight at the canalway parking lot in Amsterdam NY.
Thanks,

I called to make a camping reservation and was told that camping is not allowed!

Thank you for this update - I have removed Camping from the amenities at Black Brook Park.

hello...we are planning on staying in pittsford and taking a couple of day rides...we want to head west for 10-15 miles and turn around and do the same heading east for 10-15 miles...

...my concern is that I've heard that the trail is more of a "hard packed" surface and may be soft ot sandy if it should rain making it more challenging to ride with our road bikes with 28mm tires...

...does anyone know anything about this ??? ...thank you !!

The canal West of Pittsford is paved all the way to Long Pond Road, in Greece. Going east, it's the normal hard pack surface. A hard downpour could soften the path somewhat. On the lead page https://bikeeriecanal.com/forum.aspx

There's a picture showing what the path looks like east of Pittsford for the most part.

Hi, first timer here. We're going to do a five day bike trip in late September early October. Do you think the Buffalo to Syracuse section, or the Syracuse to Albany section is nicer, in terms of riding quality, scenery, traffic noise, general ambiance? Thanks, John

Buffalo to Syracuse more trail, less roads

Recap of our trip and tips:
Carry at least 3 water bottles if it's hot. Water sometimes scarce.
Coming into Rochester from the west, locals told us this is "Indian country". People have been ambushed and mugged. Ride in groups.
We had a layover day in Rochester and rode the Genesee River Trail up to Lake Ontario. First 3 miles not a trail. Rode through some scary neighborhoods, then it turned beautiful.
Be careful following the pavement trail markers put down by the previous bike tour group. They sometimes take you out of the way to rest stops and overnights.
Went through Syracuse on a Saturday. Farmers market, food and live music on the square. Pretty cool.
Between Syracuse and Rome is the Fort Stanwix visitor center. Worth a stop for sure.
Nice restaurant on the canal at Little Falls.
Good hotels: Best Western Lockport,Village Inn Albion, Rochester Riverside, Newark Garden Inn, Days Inn Weedsport,Quality Inn Rome, Red Roof Inn Herkimer, Quality Inn Schenectady (awesome breakfast).
Worst Hotels: Econolodge Syracuse/Dewit, (free condoms in your room), Palatine Bridge Motel (really weird residence motor court. Safe, clean-ish, oddball characters hanging around, people knocking on our doors at night wanting beer, but an interesting experience. Didn't really feel unsafe but memorable).
Amtrak to Buffalo and home from Albany worked out great!

And like my Buddy Mark said "every night's Friday night!"

I'm a First Time Rider on the trail, beginning in Albany and heading west next week. I'm wondering if the Mohawk Hudson Trail beginning in Albany is well marked. The map appears to go on streets. I'm wondering if I need a cue sheet to know how to stay on the trail until it meets the EC Trail. Thanks to anyone who has info.

Carol, good morning!

Albany to Watervliet is all off-road trail (a bit bumpy!). In Watervliet you will head north on road. Google maps are helpful. In Cohoes NY, near 787, you will pick up the Mohawk Hudson Trail and it's easy to follow. In Schenectady you will need to follow the road signs through the Stockade district and then pick up the trail at SCCC. In Rotterdam Junction until Pattersonville there is a short but very busy on road section. Please be careful! Then, until Little Falls it will be all trail.

Safe travels!

Planning to bike from Buffalo to Albany. Are there shuttles that take you back to your car? Also where can I leave my car while biking? Trailhead? Planning first week of August.

My husband and I plan to fly from Seattle to Buffalo with our bikes in Sept/Oct. We hoped to be able to book rooms along the ride each night. Planning to ride to Albany. Does anyone know if a Porter Service we can hire to transport luggage: from point a to point b each day as we ride. Don’t want to have to pack it all and carry on bikes each day. Thanks

Is the trail hilly?

No I wouldn't call it hilly. Remember it mostly follows rivers and a canal, so there can't be too many hills.

I added a page showing the elevation profile for the trail.

As the graphs show, it is mostly small changes in elevation, but there are a few significant climbs:
elevation.aspx

not used to riding hills as none arround here. Could this prove problematic ?

Can you do camping on the side of the trail?

Our address is 2389 State Rt. 5 Utica NY in the town of Schuyler

Thank you for the update, I have corrected the address.