Parking in Albion
- + Good afternoon! Does anyone know about parking in Albion? Hope to start in Albion next week and go west but, I could not see any parking areas near the canal in Albion.
Many thanks!
Discussion started 05/08/2023 03:54 PM by Joseph Pafundi - 2 replies (last reply by Joseph Pafundi at 05/09/2023 07:54 AM)Joseph Pafundi from Saratoga NY on 05/08/2023 03:54 PM
Good afternoon! Does anyone know about parking in Albion? Hope to start in Albion next week and go west but, I could not see any parking areas near the canal in Albion.
Many thanks!
Bop from Rochester on 05/09/2023 07:46 AM
I'm going to ride my fat bike from Albion to Medina. It looked to me when I stop by, there were places to park between to two lift bridges on the north side in town. Take a look on street view and a satellite view. I was only going to be there a few hours. I don't know about over night.
Joseph Pafundi from Saratoga on 05/09/2023 07:54 AM
Many thanks for the advice. I will take another look on Google. My trip is just a day one, so there should be no issues. Thanks again!
Amtrak Station in Rome
- + Arriving via AMTRAK and looking for suggestions where to stay near bike trail
Discussion started 05/05/2023 04:49 PM by Mat - 0 repliesMat on 05/05/2023 04:49 PM
Arriving via AMTRAK and looking for suggestions where to stay near bike trail
Parking in Buffalo
- + My wife and I are driving up to Buffalo this Sunday to ride the trail to Albany over the week. We will be taking Amtrak from Albany back to Buffalo. Any advice on safe week long parking near the Excha...
Discussion started 05/04/2023 08:11 AM by Tommy - 0 repliesTommy from Raleigh NC on 05/04/2023 08:11 AM
My wife and I are driving up to Buffalo this Sunday to ride the trail to Albany over the week. We will be taking Amtrak from Albany back to Buffalo. Any advice on safe week long parking near the Exchange St Amtrak station in Buffalo?
Also any other advice or tips are always welcome. We are doing a credit card tour this trip staying in hotels, airBnB's and Inns. We love finding places for a good beer, coffee, food etc.. when on a bike tour.
-tommy
Dunn Memorial bridge in Albany
- + Hello All - I read that the Dunn Memorial Bridge (Albany) pedestrian access is closed. Does anyone know anything about when it may re-open? Riding the canal at the end of April and wondering if I'll...
Discussion started 03/23/2023 07:39 PM by Mickey - 4 replies (last reply by Beth at 05/03/2023 11:56 AM)Mickey from Central NJ on 03/23/2023 07:39 PM
Hello All - I read that the Dunn Memorial Bridge (Albany) pedestrian access is closed. Does anyone know anything about when it may re-open? Riding the canal at the end of April and wondering if I'll need to plan to ride the detour through Troy to get to the train station. Thanks in advance!
Bob from Albany NY on 03/25/2023 08:38 PM
A temporary barrier and walkway was installed and it connects to the bike trails. Opened for pedestrians and cyclists around March 6th
Mickey from Central NJ on 03/29/2023 06:42 PM
Great news! Thanks for the info - much appreciated!
Beth from Albany on 05/03/2023 11:56 AM
The detour is very easy to follow. It's right next to Jerry Jennings landing.
Beth from Albany on 05/03/2023 11:56 AM
The detour is very easy to follow. It's right next to Jerry Jennings landing.
First time Erie Canal biker!
- + Hey my fellow trekkers !! I’m about to embark on a trek from NYC roundabouts to Rochester planning to take the canal trail the whole way
Been jumping around maps feeling everything out planning etc ....
Discussion started 04/29/2023 06:07 PM by Jw - 1 reply (last reply by Bill in Houston at 05/01/2023 05:03 PM)Jw from Port Jeff on 04/29/2023 06:07 PM
Hey my fellow trekkers !! I’m about to embark on a trek from NYC roundabouts to Rochester planning to take the canal trail the whole way
Been jumping around maps feeling everything out planning etc .. just looking for any useful advice tips anything! Anyone might want to share .. has anyone camped out on the trail itself? If so how does that work .. I have a fantastic portable hammock ! How’s the peace and quiet level for camping on the trail? Thanks for your help!
Bill in Houston from Houston on 05/01/2023 05:03 PM
The trail jumps from street, to canal path, to highway, to bike trail, to dirt track. Make sure to trace the path of the trail and understand every interchange. Many of them have signs. Many do not. There are improvements every year.
We had a great time. I hope to ride the trail again some day.
What sections are paved
- + What sections of the trail are paved.
Discussion started 04/22/2023 08:48 AM by FJP - 4 replies (last reply by Bill in Houston at 04/24/2023 09:48 AM)FJP from Utica on 04/22/2023 08:48 AM
What sections of the trail are paved.
Statsanalyst from Rome on 04/22/2023 12:21 PM
As I recall from my 2022 trip:
Everything from Buffalo (Naval Park) to Lockport is paved as is the stretch from Rochester to east of Fairport. You'll be on the road for about 10 miles prior to reaching Weedsport. After that, and points in-between, it's stone dust. Once you hit Syracuse, it's paved through to Cicero. Be mindful of signage on that stretch or you'll miss the trail around SYR and travel through downtown SYR. After Cicero, it's stone dust all the way to the Marcy lock with the exception of navigating the miserable traverse on surface streets through Rome. (signage sucks!!). It's paved from the Marcy lock through Utica. There's ~3 miles of road travel just east of Utica. From there it's all stone dust until Schnectady where it's fully paved to downtown Albany. You'll hit surface streets in Cohoes. This isn't an exhaustive list of paved sections since the trail is also paved through each small town or you're on surface streets through those towns. Recommend 32mm tires at a minimum for the ride. Wide 650B's are overkill. Thirty-sevens are perfect. Sign up for the 360 challenge. Ride it. Enjoy it. Hope this helps.
Statsanalyst from Rome on 04/23/2023 12:03 PM
Correction: Paved from Naval Park through N. Tonawanda. Stone dust from there to Lockport.
Lancaster Cyclist from Lancaster NY on 04/24/2023 08:49 AM
Referring to Statsanalyst's correction, the trail is indeed paved from North Tonawanda to Lockport with some limited roadway segments. It is a great ride with a handy ice cream stand along the way. One has to be careful at some roadway crosses near Lockport; traffic seems to be blind to the presence of these features and move fairly fast without yielding to cyclists.
Bill in Houston from Houston on 04/24/2023 09:48 AM
this map shows trail surface.
https://www.ptny.org/cycle-the-erie-canal/trail-map
Western terminus marker???
- + Is there an "official" marker for the western terminus?
Some info indicates Canalside (Parks and Trails guide Book) others (Google) about 2.5 miles south at Buffalo Harbor State Park.
Discussion started 04/02/2023 09:39 AM by John - 6 replies (last reply by Bop at 04/17/2023 04:52 PM)John from Little Silver, NJ on 04/02/2023 09:39 AM
Is there an "official" marker for the western terminus?
Some info indicates Canalside (Parks and Trails guide Book) others (Google) about 2.5 miles south at Buffalo Harbor State Park.
John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 04/05/2023 08:32 AM
When I did Buffalo to Albany years ago, the marker wasn’t installed yet but it looks like a few years ago they built a marker at the top of the Commercial Slip (42.8776240, -78.8788791). Before that, I was told it was the middle of that little pedestrian bridge that crosses the water right next to it.
John
Bill in Houston from Houston on 04/05/2023 09:57 AM
I haven't ever seen anyone suggest that the western terminus would be at Buffalo Harbor State Park, but I do see on Google Maps that someone has taken a couple of miles of road between Canalside and the park, and labeled it as Empire State Trail.
I'd still say it's at the marker on Commercial Slip.
Bob from Albany NY on 04/15/2023 06:28 PM
30 Buffalo Skyway is the address of the zero marker. Walk towards the dockage slip I believe you may need to cross marine (st?) to get to fence that has the marker plaque it is Near Buffalo Bike Tours and Rentals
Bop from Rochester on 04/15/2023 11:34 PM
Putting that address into street view shows a bus stop near a parking lot. Nothing clear as far as I can tell.
Bill in Houston from Houston on 04/17/2023 08:31 AM
Right here.
https://goo.gl/maps/tvcftDUpUDevfkwD6
Bop from Rochester on 04/17/2023 04:52 PM
Great....Looks great thanks
Ice Cream and Burgers
- + Karen's Ice cream and produce is a good stop along the way.
https://www.facebook.com/people/Karens-Produce-Ice-Cream/100064630331863/
Between Amsterdam and Fultonville.
I am unable to pass it by on...
Discussion started 04/13/2023 11:49 AM by DK - 1 reply (last reply by Bill in Houston at 04/17/2023 08:33 AM)DK from Fultonville on 04/13/2023 11:49 AM
Karen's Ice cream and produce is a good stop along the way.
https://www.facebook.com/people/Karens-Produce-Ice-Cream/100064630331863/
Between Amsterdam and Fultonville.
I am unable to pass it by on my regular rides.
Nearby is Auriesville Shrine. Remains of the Aqueduct over Schoharie creek.
Bill in Houston from Houston on 04/17/2023 08:33 AM
I agree. A great place to get ice cream or a milkshake. I was having a bad day, so I got some ice cream, and went down to the Schoharie park and had a nap, and it did wonders for me.
The Del Monte Lodge Renaissance Rochester Hotel & Spa in Pittsford
- + Very, very nice hotel. However, no pool. When I booked, the website stated it had a pool, which I really wanted after a 100 mile ride!
Discussion started 04/16/2023 05:16 AM by MG - 0 repliesMG from Manlius, NY on 04/16/2023 05:16 AM
Very, very nice hotel. However, no pool. When I booked, the website stated it had a pool, which I really wanted after a 100 mile ride!
Long term parking in Albany, ny for the Erie Canal bike trail
- + I plan to start my ride in Albany ny. I will need long term parking. Can someone recommend where I should start from and where I can park long term. In addition, trail directions via Albany to Amsterd...
Discussion started 04/07/2023 07:42 PM by Joe - 2 replies (last reply by Ed at 04/10/2023 08:25 AM)Joe from Millis,ma. on 04/07/2023 07:42 PM
I plan to start my ride in Albany ny. I will need long term parking. Can someone recommend where I should start from and where I can park long term. In addition, trail directions via Albany to Amsterdam ny. Thank you, joe
Ed from Western Mass on 04/10/2023 08:25 AM
there are 3 lots near the Amtrack station and the cheapest outdoor one is $7 a day.
Ed from Western Mass on 04/10/2023 08:25 AM
there are 3 lots near the Amtrack station and the cheapest outdoor one is $7 a day.
- + Does anyone know of a good place to park for 9 days in Albany while we're doing the Erie Canal Trail? We're planning to leave our cars in Albany, then take the Amtrak to Buffalo and bike west to east...
Discussion started 04/08/2023 07:22 PM by Mark Bauman - 1 reply (last reply by DK at 04/09/2023 09:00 PM)Mark Bauman from Madison, Wisconsin on 04/08/2023 07:22 PM
Does anyone know of a good place to park for 9 days in Albany while we're doing the Erie Canal Trail? We're planning to leave our cars in Albany, then take the Amtrak to Buffalo and bike west to east, arriving in Albany about 9 days later.
DK from Fultonville on 04/09/2023 09:00 PM
You might want to contact the Amtrak station there is long term parking there. 1/2 mile from the trail.
post to Facebook
or share this link to just this thread:
https://bikeeriecanal.com/talk.aspx?tid=557&tonly=1
Restaurants
- + I have recommended Shorties Southside in Amsterdam NY as a good place to eat. Unfortunately, they are now closed until further notice.
Discussion started 03/15/2023 10:50 AM by DK - 2 replies (last reply by DK at 04/07/2023 02:32 PM)DK from Fultonville on 03/15/2023 10:50 AM
I have recommended Shorties Southside in Amsterdam NY as a good place to eat. Unfortunately, they are now closed until further notice.
Bill in Houston from Houston on 03/17/2023 02:47 PM
Awww, man, that was one of my favorites. Chowing down with the locals.
DK from Fultonville on 04/07/2023 02:32 PM
Just now got a notice that Shorties will be reopening April 14.
Albany to Buffalo
- + Hi all,
There are 10 women who are looking to do the full trail in 8 days in September. Would welcome any and all recommendations for B&B's, AirB&B, restaurants, sights to see, do's and don't etc. B...
Discussion started 03/27/2023 03:22 PM by Mickey - 6 replies (last reply by Sal the Mule at 03/28/2023 06:07 PM)Mickey from Indianapolis on 03/27/2023 03:22 PM
Hi all,
There are 10 women who are looking to do the full trail in 8 days in September. Would welcome any and all recommendations for B&B's, AirB&B, restaurants, sights to see, do's and don't etc. Best way to get from Buffalo to Albany and safe place to park the cars.
This is not our first long ride, we do a rail to trail ride each year.
Look forward to your suggestions.
Mickey
Bill in Houston from Houston on 03/27/2023 03:51 PM
I have an itinerary that's too long to post here. What's your email address, and I can send it to you.
Phil from Many Places from From Albany to Buffalo on 03/27/2023 05:57 PM
Maybe try to find a reasonably priced used issue of "Cycling the Canal" which is currently out of print, although published by NYS Parks and Trails of NY. It seems to have detailed vistor information (address, phone, and sometimes web sites for many of the segments.
Linda from Indy from Indianapolis on 03/28/2023 08:00 AM
I have a group of about 10 ladies doing the same but from Albany to Buffalo this September. I would love to have anyone itinerary and suggested B&B or places that can take a large group each stop.
Old Man on A New E-Bike from 16 miles on the Erie Canal on 03/28/2023 11:51 AM
The book entitled:
Cycling the Erie Canal, Revised Edition: A Guide to 400 Miles of Adventure and History Along the Erie Canalway Trail (Parks & Trails New York) by Erie Canalway (2015-08-01) Paperback
is available on Amazon, used, for $64. Seems like alot, but it is worth it, especially if 12 women want something that they can study and is authoritative. Lots of great maps, and info on exactly how to get local information.
You will not be sorry to buy this. Snag it and you'll be glad you did.
DK from Fultonville on 03/28/2023 01:10 PM
Get it from the source.
https://www.ptny.org/publications/cycling-guidebooks/cycling-the-erie-canal
Sal the Mule from From Albany to Buffalo on 03/28/2023 06:07 PM
Many, many thanks! Got a new copy!!!
Yaay!!
Ellicott Creek Park in Tonawanda
- + Is it safe to park here then travel the Erie canal bike trail for 4 or 5 days?
Discussion started 02/19/2023 04:18 PM by Bob - 3 replies (last reply by Yankee John at 03/05/2023 05:56 AM)Bob on 02/19/2023 04:18 PM
Is it safe to park here then travel the Erie canal bike trail for 4 or 5 days?
Bop from Rochester on 02/19/2023 05:30 PM
Take a look on https://www.instantstreetview.com/ and see what the area looks like. Best I can do.
Bob from Fort Collins CO on 02/20/2023 12:05 PM
Thanks for parking info. I'm also considering parking near Amtrak Station in Buffalo (we ride to Rochester then Amtrak back). Any ideas on parking near Amtrak / Buffalo?
Yankee John from Vermont on 03/05/2023 05:56 AM
The downtown Buffalo AMtrak station at Exchange Street has been recently renovated - the old station looked like it was
was circa 1945 and was dark and dirty. This area is part of the renovation of downtown Buffalo, including the one of a kind Tim Horton's restaurant where Tim Horton himself played hockey back in the day. There is some parking at the new Exhange station, but not all of the trains stop there, some only stop at the larger Amtrak station in Depew outside of town near the airport, and it's unstaffed and in a part of town where there isn't much activity at night, so safety might still be a concern. Only a few blocks from there are the multi level City of Buffalo Parking structures that have cameras and staffing. We stayed at the downtown boutique Curtiss Hotel and left our car overnight in a nearby parking structure in 2018. It worked out well and it wasnt expensive.