Erie Canal Forum

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.

is the canal path going to be fixed from medina to Rochester. its terrible after all the tree cutting

It was rideable last year between Huberton and Rochester. A few bad spots here and there. This winter they'd looked to have made a mess of it along East canal road between Brockport and Route 260. Just west of route 260 running halfway towards Brockport. I haven't been on it trail yet, so I don't the condition from Rochester and Hulberton right now.

Update. The west end of the trail is closed a Fayette st in Brockport. The east end at Sweden Walker Rd has a sign saying "rough trail ahead"
Heavy equipment was moving all along the trail between these points.

I didn't see and work going on between Sweden Walker Rd and Henpeck Park in Greece.

Just biked from Henpeck park (Greece) to Sweden Walker Rd. The path is still closed from there to Brockport. They've run a tracked wheeled vehicle from east of Adams Basin to Spencerport. There's now 2 rumble strips embedded along parts of the trail. Otherwise same as I remember it from fall.

any updates to this .....mess.

Had a operation last week and I'm off the bike for six weeks (groin hernia). But, did a car recon. Brockport still closed from Sweden Walker Rd to town. No idea what on going west from there. Look's ok from Henpeck park to Sweden Walker.

Around May 1 I tried to ride from Huberton to Greece. Bad. The first mile east leaving Huberton was a wreck. They've scattered Railroad size ballast rocks all over the path. Then it's ok to Holly.

The same size rocks were dumped from Holly to Bennetts Corners Rd overpass. Ok from there to County Line Boat launch. Started going to hell a bit from here to Old West Ave. Unrideable from there to Redman road. Had to walk the bike to Rednan. Didn't look any better east of there.

They may have screwed the path for good, for fast bike riding.

Hopefully they get it restored before the big ride across the state in July!

Hey, wanted to do the trip from Medina to Rochester and back on 6/30

I see there may be some parts closed? will that be done by 6/30?
are their alternatives to get around the closures?

Also, was planning on taking a road bike...is it paved that strech
and if not is it in good conditions (I have 23 tires that aren't horrible on good hard pack trails)

Thanks

Mark, I don't believe there's anyone on this site has any insight on what will be fixed and open. I also ride a road bike on the canal and in the past it's been ok.

The only long paved section starts at Long Pond Rd in greece and ends at Pittsford.

I won't be back on my bike until about the time you'll be coming so I won't have any new first hand knowledge to share here.

If you have to bail off the canal after Holly Route 31 is a good choice, wide shoulders and you can ride it past the section that was or is closed in brockport, then to the Sweden Walker Rd canal entrance. That was fine to Greece on my last ride.

medina to brockport is 100% open now did a 50 mile round trip 6/30
loose dirt on some of the new sections will slow you down a little, but still in great shape

Thanks for the news Mark. I generally ride from Greece to Huberton, then the lake.

This is the response i got from "Parks & Trails NY" when I asked if the trail would be fixed in time for the annual ride:

"We contacted the NYS Canal Corporation on your behalf and this is the information they provided us with:"

Trail Notice: Embankment Work Underway!

Due to ongoing construction work, trail conditions are poor between Middleport in Niagara County, through Orleans County to Spencerport in Monroe County. This work will be ongoing through the end of June. Please use caution in this section or choose an alternate route, and see our map for more information.

Additionally, the trail is closed between Fayette Street and Sweden Walker Road in Brockport for construction activity, and localized closures of other stretches of the trail may occur as needed to facilitate the ongoing construction route. Please proceed with caution and seek alternate routes where possible.

The work is expected to be complete and the trail restored to like-new conditions in time for the Cycle the Erie Canal tour from July 6 to July 14.

I have do doubt the ride will go on. The wording "restored to like-new conditions" has me more that a bit worried. Just from what I saw east of Hulberton this spring, with no equipment remaining on site.

the areas from Medina to brockport were outstanding and 'just like-new' IMO

We parked in Medina to ride the canal path. We were not allowed to head west as they were laying new stone and rolling with heavy equipment. We headed east towards Albion, but ran into another construction crew. It is great that they are improving the trail and we look forward to riding again, but it would be great if signs are posted at parking areas to inform riders of closed areas. We could have easily traveled east or west beyond the construction to start our trip.

Looks like a lot of the work is done, albeit the trail is a little loose on top.

I rode from Median to Brockport uninterrupted along the canal on 6/30

There was still evidence of work, but fully operation east bound

Called the phone number given on the canal app, which is not in service. Stopped by the police station, but the door was locked. Called the police (non emergency number) and nobody answered. Called the sheriffs dept. (non emergency) and nobody answered. Finally found out from a neighbor of the park that
camping is NOT allowed in Holley (June 2019). We were told the new restriction is because some campers annoyed the boaters who were nearby and also docked up for the night. This is unfortunate as Holley has a wonderful park, some of it along the canal, and cyclists staying overnight would spend $ at local stores and restaurants if they knew they could safely stay the night. The gate keeper was wonderful and gave us the code to access the bathrooms and showers available for the boaters. Shouldn't long distance cyclists be given the same opportunities as boaters? Let's make it easier to recreate along the canal, not harder. Somebody should fix this, or at least update the info on the state's app and website.

Yes, I found this out too- we stopped there for lunch and the park is So lovely! So too bad some people had to ruin this! We stayed at the Friendly Hotel in Spencerport instead- very reasonable fees. But the park is beautiful in Holley. I called all the places you did- luckily before we left, what a bummer!

That's really a shame that Holley turned it back on all bike tourists because of the actions of a few.

I have removed Camping from the amenities for Holley Park. Thanks for the heads-up.

Where do i park in Pittsford to ride the canal

https://rocwiki.org/Schoen_Place

If there's any parking left. Or any place near there, it's a small area near that part of the canal.

I watched a youtube video that showed poor road conditions and miles of trail on big highway with noisy heavy traffic.
It was in the section east of rome. I've rode west from Rome to Spencerport and trail was mostly decent/good. Anyone have comments. I plan to bike it in a few weeks.

Hi, We just completed our one week dual family bike trip on the Erie Canal. We rode from Lockport to Syracuse and had an amazing experience with 13 riders! We braved the downpour this past Thursday and the kids were real troopers riding in the rain! Happy to fill anyone in on trail conditions or anything else.

Hello Margaret,

We are riding the same section of the trail this coming weekend, Lockport to Palmyra Were there any major construction areas that meant detouring off the trail? Were there areas that were tough to ride, or is the path in pretty good shape overall? Thx!

Hi,

Yes there were some detours- the most notable one is in Spencerport. The trail was closed- but from the closure point (riding west-east) we took a left from the trail and rode about a mile then took a right then another right onto Sweden Walker Road which brought us back to the trail where it was open. Also there is a detour in Rochester- but very well marked and no issue there- We rode in to see the High Falls-on the Genesee River Trail. That was great. After Lockport there were parts of the trail that were sandy and we found some parallel roads to travel as we spent first night at a campground on Lake Ontario. WE rode Thursday in a huge downpour but the trail ( between Spencerport and Clyde) was great- it was wet but not muddy- really pretty good for the amount of rain we got. We also took a detour down to Seneca Falls and stayed at Cayuga Lake State Park. I think some of the construction may be finished by the time you ride. Oh- and after the big storm there were a few trees down on the trail- but nothing we could not get by. It was really excellent- I hope you have a great ride- Happy to answer any other questions.

Awesome, Planning to do the High Falls section as well. Thanks Margaret!

Anyone know if there’s a designated place I can leave my vehicle for 2 nights in Rome as I ride back to my car after being shuttled 100 miles East?
Thanks

A friend and I only have 2 nights. We can ride 1/2 day, a full day then 1 more half day. We want to take our time and enjoy the sights. We want to avoid the cities as much as possible.
Anyone have a recommendation on their favorite 100 mile section of this trail?

anyone stay here while travelling the trail. thank you

We're heading west on the trail and we are currently staying an extra day at the Quality Inn in Rome because of the torrential downpours that are supposed to go on all day. 1 to 2 inches of rain predicted. Can anyone advise us on the best way to get to Syracuse? Will the trail be too muddy and, if so, what is the best alternative? Are there sections that have been recently paved that might not be on our map?

Hi We just biked from Macedon Lock 30 to Seneca Falls area Had planned to camp at Cayuga zLake but booked hotel 4 night after riding all day in rain Trail was actually not bad at all not that muddy though wet of course Grester challenge was the on road sections w cars flying by

Oh and trail nesr spencerport is under construction Take sweden walker road

Wondering if anyone has ever camped at the Macedon campground? How much space is there? Is there any showers?

Thanks,
Margaret

You can camp in Palmyra, and there are showers.

Does anyone hav suggestions for leaving my vehicle
In Buffalo for 7 to 10 days while I ride to Albany
End of july?

There is a Marriott downtown near the start of the trail. We parked one night there, they charge for it but I don’t recall how much.

Left my car in a pay garage for 7 days in Albany..cost $35.

Hi All. Would love to bike from Buffalo to Albany in late July. My 3 main questions is: 1 Can I use a road bike on the entire trail without a problem. 2. How well marked is the trail especially through cities like Syracuse and Albany/Schenectady. 3. Do I have to reserve a hotel room in advance or can I just show up and get a room. My wife will be following in a car and will catch up to me at the end of my daily ride. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

This is a very small hotel, but our accommodations were just fine. Plenty of room for bikes in room, just make sure to request a 1st floor room as they do not have an elevator and the stairs were difficult for a bike with gear. Clean and friendly.

Stop at the park! There is a neat waterfall, plenty of picnic areas, and a playground.

We've gone from Buffalo to Rochester so far with little issue. Yes the conditions from Medina to brockport were not ideal, but doable. Any detours for closed portions have been well marked and safe (we are riding with a 3 year old and a puppy so we are super careful and have felt fine)

On the suggestion of a large group of cyclists, we had lunch at Pony's Irish Pub. It is across the street from Portside Cafe. This is a local favorite. We enjoyed our beer, wings, and hamburgers. Great bar food and a nice stop!

This was a clean, quiet place to stay in Lockport. Not far from the trail and allows pets as well. No pool, but a free breakfast. We met many cyclists here. Would recommend as a place to stay.

Go to Uncle Gs. You won't be disappointed! They now have food as well as ice cream.

This place is awesome! Plenty of vegan flavors too. They are right on the trail and have food and lots of excellent ice cream. Also gave a pup cup with vanilla ice cream to or dog.

Does anyone know the current condition of the trail between Rochester and Brockport? I heard that a section near Brockport might be closed. We're planning a trip this weekend. Thanks.

Fitzgibbons Celtic pub is a must see place to enjoy a beverage and or meal.

anyone ever stay here

Any tips re: starting trip at syracuse? Need to leave truck until return. Any hoteks let u park while u ride if you stay a night? Hotel duggestions for night befire we ride? Avoid any section of downtown syracuse or no? Ty!

We are looking for a reasonable prices parking option for our car while we are biking... we have transportation to Albany and plan to leave our car in Buffalo for the 8 days we will be gone...
Any suggestions

If you come up with a good solution here, would you mind posting? We are also looking for extended parking in Buffalo. thanks!

"The Erie Canalway Trail will be closed to walkers, cyclists and others near Route-390 in Gates from Monday through at least Labor Day.

"The popular trail will be blocked off between Route-390 on the west and a point to the east of Lee Road, according to a barely legible map disseminated on Twitter Saturday by the state Canal Corporation.

"Users apparently will be directed onto Trolley Boulevard to detour around the closure, which the Canal Corporation said is necessitated by work on Route-390 highway bridges."
...
(at least there is a detour - see web address below for full article... and that "barley legible" map)

Source: Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, 04/20/2019

Full article:
https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/2019/04/20/erie-canal-trail-closing-gates-bridge-construction/3529464002/

I've detour to Trolley Boulevard a few times there. Shouldn't be a big problem. Their stopping people from going underneath the 390 bridge. There's a paved path right before the east side of the bridge that exit's to Trolley. As I remember it.

The detour is easy, and pretty safe. There is a traffic light at the one street crossing.

I'm planning on riding Buffalo to Albany in late June. I can leave my car in Albany and drive a rental to Buffalo. It seems cheapest to return the car to Buffalo Airport. Is it reasonable to think I could ride to the start of the trail from the airport? I'm not averse to riding on the road and in the city.

Is it easy to take a bike on the train from Albany to Buffalo? Thanks.

We were looking for transportation between Syracuse and Buffalo on the train. I contacted Amtrak and was told that you can not bring a standard bike on the train. If you have a foldable bike you can. It’s a shame they don’t.

This is news to me since I have reservation for bike on the train from Rochester to Schenectady. The Amtrak site does say they cannot accommodate bikes at the Albany station, but other than that it looks like you can.

Amtrak only allows bikes on the 49 Lake Shore Limited; bikes are barred from all other trains that run between Albany and Buffalo. Usually the Lake Shore Limited departs westbound from Albany daily at around 7:30 p.m. and arrives in Buffalo (DePew station) at around midnight.

For reference, it stretches all the way from NYC to Chicago.

The information on Amtrak west from Albany was very interesting. Will the bicycle be in the baggage car or are their bicycle racks in the coach cars? Is the schedule only weekday or is it 7 days a week? Do you have to have bicycle reservations?

Thank you for all your help.