BIKE TRANSPORT
- + I wanted to take the train to Buffalo with my bike this week. However, the train is only 60% full but the bike spots are sold out. Does Anyone have any ideas?
Discussion started 06/27/2022 10:02 AM by Ed - 9 replies (last reply by John W. at 11/18/2022 03:39 PM)Ed from Glenville on 06/27/2022 10:02 AM
I wanted to take the train to Buffalo with my bike this week. However, the train is only 60% full but the bike spots are sold out. Does Anyone have any ideas?
Sarge P from Sarasota, Fl. on 06/27/2022 11:23 AM
Ed,
Keep trying to get that bike reservation. My brother couldn't get a ticket for his bike either, but checked a few days later and a spot became available - so he grabbed it right away. This was just a few days ago. You might try calling them as well.
Yankee John from Vermont on 06/27/2022 02:28 PM
Try booking your bike for various legs of the trip on Amtrak, since the booked reservations might not be for the whole trip. Maybe you can take the bike Utica or Syracuse to Buffalo and leave your car in Utica/Syracuse. Then take the train from SCTDY/ALB back to Utica/Syracuse without your bike to pick up your car.
AC from Nashville on 08/15/2022 01:15 PM
We rode the C&O and GAP last year. We decided to go east to west because it was easier to find bike tickets out of Pittsburgh than out of DC. I noticed when we stopped at towns between the two, plenty of people put their bikes in the baggage compartment, which had plenty of space. They did this even though the bike racks (i.e. where they put the ticketed bikes) were full. My takeaway was that Amtrak may let you take your bike onboard even if you don't have a ticket. I haven't been brave enough to try this, but I'm curious if others have.
SP from GSL on 08/17/2022 06:33 PM
I heard about this issue, so we rented a car in Albany and am dropping it off In Buffalo. Paid extra for the one way, but it wasn’t much more than the train tickets.
Bill in Houston from Houston on 08/26/2022 01:11 PM
Yeah, we have never been able to make the train make sense when we compared it to a one way car rental. Add in the risk of Amtrak just flat out cancelling you with no notice, and the car becomes a no-brainer.
Chris from Chicago on 09/11/2022 02:29 PM
I had a similar problem last spring when riding the GAP/C&O trail. Bike transport available Chic to Pitts, no bike available Wash DC to Chicago. It turns out, Amtrack allows you to box you bike and it travels as luggage, they provide the box for $15 and all you need to do is turn your handlebars and remove panniers. Racks, fenders and wheels all stay on. Most amtrack customer service reps don’t seem to know of this optio. Call the station luggage phone line to confirm, this service may not be available everywhere,
CJ from Cincinnati on 09/19/2022 08:45 PM
Are there any bike shops along the paved sections of the trail that rent electric assist bikes? Thanks
Bill in Houston from Houston on 09/26/2022 04:16 PM
I would think that Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse, at a minimum, would have bike shops that rent out e-bikes. Have never looked, but that's my hunch.
John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 11/18/2022 03:39 PM
The best strategy is calling Amtrak ticket reservations and speaking with a live agent. You might be on hold for 10 mins but they can see all of the bike ticket openings that you can’t.
If you can’t get the date you want, ask them what days have bike ticket openings during the week of such and such and pick from there.
Good luck,
John
Erie Canal bike trail
- + Where are the off road sections of the Erie Canal ny
Discussion started 11/06/2022 08:47 AM by Joe caffrey - 1 reply (last reply by Bill in Houston at 11/07/2022 12:16 PM)Joe caffrey from Millis, ma on 11/06/2022 08:47 AM
Where are the off road sections of the Erie Canal ny
Bill in Houston from Houston on 11/07/2022 12:16 PM
If you look at the map, you can see where the trail is on a road, and where it is separate. I might not be understanding the question.
Charging electric bikes
- + Can anyone recommend good places along the trail to charge an ebike during the day? My bike has a battery that cannot be removed so the bike itself needs to be plugged in. Thank you
Discussion started 07/28/2021 04:24 PM by KGL - 2 replies (last reply by M.A. at 11/03/2022 06:24 PM)KGL on 07/28/2021 04:24 PM
Can anyone recommend good places along the trail to charge an ebike during the day? My bike has a battery that cannot be removed so the bike itself needs to be plugged in. Thank you
Bill in Houston from Houston on 07/29/2021 08:21 AM
If you want to plan it tightly, you could look ahead to places where you could eat lunch, and then call them now to see if they have an outlet outdoors. And you better bring a long cord...
Some of the towns on the eastern half have boat tie-ups with utilities that you ought to be able to plug into.
Seems like you can find outlets on the outside of convenience stores, grocery stores, little shopping centers, gazebos at parks, churches, etc.
As long as you are physically able to pedal your bike with a dead battery, I wouldn't worry about it. Stop and have a drink and a snack at an outlet every so often.
Just make super sure that you don't have a dead battery for the on-road stretches, as those are much hillier, especially on the day you ride into Weedsport.
M.A. from Rochester on 11/03/2022 06:24 PM
We are planning a trip from troy to rochester next year and we also have bikes with batteries that cannot be removed. Wondering if you would share your actual experience with finding outlets along the way to top off.
I’d like to plan 40-50 miles a day whereas our batteries are rated for max 40 miles.
Thanks.
Route from Niagara Falls to ECT at North Tonawanda
- + We are planning to ride from Niagara Falls and hit the Erie Canal trail at North Tonawanda. I previously had something on that but now cannot find anything on it. Is their a trail linking the two or ...
Discussion started 09/04/2022 10:20 AM by Susan - 5 replies (last reply by Crewzilla at 10/07/2022 11:45 AM)Susan from Ga on 09/04/2022 10:20 AM
We are planning to ride from Niagara Falls and hit the Erie Canal trail at North Tonawanda. I previously had something on that but now cannot find anything on it. Is their a trail linking the two or do we need to take roads. Any guidance would be appreciated!
Ed Marrone from SPRINGFIELD on 09/05/2022 04:27 PM
Try this:
TONAWANDA & NORTH BUFFALO RAIL TRAILS:
NORTH BUFFALO SPUR TRAIL:
I used this to connect from Depew to Niagara5\The Minnesota Linear Park has one official trail. There are two other trails however, if you are willing to look around.
Crewzilla from New York on 09/28/2022 06:50 PM
Thank you who responded to this post I had this exact question. I really didn’t want to take my bike on any major highways. So thank you again
Gretchen from Buffalo on 10/07/2022 02:51 AM
Unfortunately there is not a 100% bike path that will take you from Niagara Falls to North tonawanda. There is a section that you will have to take the road for and that is a dangerous section of road. The cars go fast and there is little room for a bike lane. Be careful.
Crewzilla from Boynton Beach on 10/07/2022 11:45 AM
Hello Gretchen so from Niagara Falls I rode nheading north we were able to get on the Niagara Gorge trail into Lewiston which is a beautiful little town with coffee shops restaurants and lodging (we spent the night there) the next day we rode the bikes to Old Fort Niagara which was beautiful to see lake Ontario we did ride the rode it wasn't awful 18F to 18 parelling lake Ontario we rode until Rt 78 south and made our way into lockport were we spent the night and were able to get on the Erie Canal. I dont know why they wouldn't extent that trail into Fort Niagara Lewiston and Youngstown are beautiful quaint little towns!
Crewzilla from Boynton Beach on 10/07/2022 11:45 AM
Hello Gretchen so from Niagara Falls I rode nheading north we were able to get on the Niagara Gorge trail into Lewiston which is a beautiful little town with coffee shops restaurants and lodging (we spent the night there) the next day we rode the bikes to Old Fort Niagara which was beautiful to see lake Ontario we did ride the rode it wasn't awful 18F to 18 parelling lake Ontario we rode until Rt 78 south and made our way into lockport were we spent the night and were able to get on the Erie Canal. I dont know why they wouldn't extent that trail into Fort Niagara Lewiston and Youngstown are beautiful quaint little towns!
luggage shuttle---inn to inn
- + Is there a company that can transport our luggage daily , inn to inn as we traverse the Erie canal next September, 2023?
Discussion started 10/01/2022 06:27 PM by paul richman - 0 repliespaul richman from del mar on 10/01/2022 06:27 PM
Is there a company that can transport our luggage daily , inn to inn as we traverse the Erie canal next September, 2023?
Parking in Verona (just north of Durhamville)
- + Hi folks -- wondering about parking for 3 days in one of the small parking areas next to the trail in Verona. We will be starting our trip there and ending in Albany. I could park at the hotel where w...
Discussion started 10/05/2022 04:59 PM by Pete W - 0 repliesPete W from Falls Church, VA on 10/05/2022 04:59 PM
Hi folks -- wondering about parking for 3 days in one of the small parking areas next to the trail in Verona. We will be starting our trip there and ending in Albany. I could park at the hotel where we are staying but it would be a five mile ride to just get on the trail.
Syracuse Amtrak Station in Syracuse
- + Is overnight parking or multi day parking allowed at this station?
Discussion started 10/04/2022 03:56 PM by Carmen - 0 repliesCarmen from NJ on 10/04/2022 03:56 PM
Is overnight parking or multi day parking allowed at this station?
Riverside Motel in Fultonville
- + The link to this motel is wrong....it is a link to a hotel in North Carolina!
Discussion started 09/06/2022 08:45 PM - 2 replies (last reply by Ray (webmaster) at 09/19/2022 08:01 AM)Anonymous on 09/06/2022 08:45 PM
The link to this motel is wrong....it is a link to a hotel in North Carolina!
Pat from Greencastle, IN on 09/14/2022 08:47 AM
Hello…
Can’t help you with the link, and hope you have time to make alternate motel arrangements. My husband and I stayed at the Riverside Motel on 8/28, and although it is basically the ONLY place to stay in Fultonville….please don’t! It is a very dirty, run down and fly infested place. Pretty gross!
No real good options other than to pick a nearby town rather than F’Ville.
Just wanted to provide a ‘heads up’ about this place
Pat
Ray (webmaster) on 09/19/2022 08:01 AM
I have removed that link, and cannot find any new link to the place.
There is a note in Google that it's "under new management as of August 2022". However, Pat from Greencastle stayed there at the end of August, so... good luck with accommodations.
Lock 15 State Campsite in Fort Plain
- + I camped at lock 15 on 9/14/22. While it is free to camp and has some pluses the major minus would keep me from staying or recommending it.
On the plus side it is pretty with picnic tables and grills...
Discussion started 09/16/2022 10:00 AM by Gary - 0 repliesGary from Vermont on 09/16/2022 10:00 AM
I camped at lock 15 on 9/14/22. While it is free to camp and has some pluses the major minus would keep me from staying or recommending it.
On the plus side it is pretty with picnic tables and grills and a nice grassy area under trees and down to the canal edge. It also has potable water and portable toilet. There is also a power pedestal so you could charge your devices. It is close to Fort Plain which has a small supermarket and a few restaurants. Finally, the staff working at the lock and gate were very nice and informative.
There is also a tame peacock that lives in the area and visits campers.
The reason I cannot recommend this location was the lack of ability to get a good night of sleep. The train tracks are just across the canal and the freight trains ran all night with their whistles blowing and the sound of the engines and many trains on the track. On the other side of the lock is the NY Thruway with many loud trucks and flapping tarps also going all night. There were three of us camping at the lock and no one had a restful night of sleep which makes it challenging to have a good ride the next day.
Palmyra Aquaduct
- + Is the trail open at the Aquaduct west of Palmyra? There was a detour the las time we were out there. but it has also been a while
Discussion started 09/02/2022 09:24 AM by John Stewart - 1 reply (last reply by John Stewart at 09/03/2022 07:20 PM)John Stewart from Rochesteer on 09/02/2022 09:24 AM
Is the trail open at the Aquaduct west of Palmyra? There was a detour the las time we were out there. but it has also been a while
John Stewart from Rochesteer on 09/03/2022 07:20 PM
Still a detour
Where can I park for a day bike ride in the Rochester area along thecanal
- + Where can I go park for a day bike ride in the Rochester area along the Erie Canal
Discussion started 07/26/2022 10:12 AM - 1 reply (last reply by John Stewart at 09/03/2022 07:20 PM)Anonymous on 07/26/2022 10:12 AM
Where can I go park for a day bike ride in the Rochester area along the Erie Canal
John Stewart from Rochesteer on 09/03/2022 07:20 PM
Genesee Valley park, right on the trail.
Lock 30 State Campsite in Macedon
- + Anyone know if there's water or an electrical outlet here? I'm planning on camping there next week
Discussion started 09/03/2022 07:02 PM by Jason - 0 repliesJason from New York City on 09/03/2022 07:02 PM
Anyone know if there's water or an electrical outlet here? I'm planning on camping there next week
Canaltown b and b
- + Does anyone have experience with the canaltown bed and breakfast in Palmyra? There is only one review and it is very negative.
Discussion started 08/27/2022 07:45 PM by Kathy - 0 repliesKathy from Syracuse on 08/27/2022 07:45 PM
Does anyone have experience with the canaltown bed and breakfast in Palmyra? There is only one review and it is very negative.
"road rash"
- + My 2 friends and I are riding Buffalo to Syracuse this week. We all developed a pink splotchy rash on our thighs after one day on the trail. Some wore sunscreen, some didn't. The weather has been sunn...
Discussion started 08/07/2022 08:17 PM by shale32 - 3 replies (last reply by Bill in Houston at 08/26/2022 01:08 PM)shale32 from Laurel, MD on 08/07/2022 08:17 PM
My 2 friends and I are riding Buffalo to Syracuse this week. We all developed a pink splotchy rash on our thighs after one day on the trail. Some wore sunscreen, some didn't. The weather has been sunny. Anyone else have this happen on the trail?
Bill in Houston from Houston on 08/23/2022 02:29 PM
Nope, I have not heard of this at all. If it's not a place where your clothing touches, It's hard to imagine what it might be. Unless you picked up some poison ivy somehow?
Mary R on 08/23/2022 03:08 PM
Yes, we just got back from riding Canastota to Albany. My friend developed the rash on both legs after the first day.
By the end of the 2nd day, it looked much worse. Used a cream with anti-itch/antibiotics and both legs were clear for day 3
Bill in Houston from Houston on 08/26/2022 01:08 PM
I wonder what caused it? Glad it cleared up quickly.
Showers in Albany
- + End my ride on Albany then catching evening Amtrak home. Would like to take shower before getting on train. Want to avoid paying for a hotel. Anyone know of a cheap shower in Albany?
Discussion started 07/30/2022 08:07 AM by JohnnyShoe - 5 replies (last reply by Ed Marrone at 08/25/2022 05:15 PM)JohnnyShoe on 07/30/2022 08:07 AM
End my ride on Albany then catching evening Amtrak home. Would like to take shower before getting on train. Want to avoid paying for a hotel. Anyone know of a cheap shower in Albany?
Ed Marrone from SPRINGFIELD on 07/30/2022 09:44 AM
Its only 12 miles from Albany, but the Waterford Visitors Center has showers.
JohnnyShoe on 07/30/2022 11:42 AM
Thx. I will check it out
John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 07/31/2022 10:15 AM
You could also look to see if there are YMCA’s or gyms nearby that will offer showers as a one time purchase.
Ed Marrone from SPRINGFIELD on 08/01/2022 10:07 AM
Waterford Canal Visitor Center – Waterford, NY - 518-233-9123
The Waterford site is located along the waterfront at the eastern gateway to the New York State Canal waterways and the Canalway Trail. The site features potable water, toilets and showers. Restaurants, shops and other businesses can be found in the Village of Waterford. The property is managed by the Town of Waterford.
Ed Marrone from SPRINGFIELD on 08/25/2022 05:15 PM
$5 for key for showers and toilets. Pay fee when Harbormaster Office open. Guess people managed to tear up the rooms. T I found this out on 8/15/22
Car shuttle from Buffalo to Syracuse Sunday 9/4
- + Trying to find a car shuttle service to go from Buffalo to Syracuse on 9/4. Traveling to Toronto for a funeral on 9/3 and wanted to try and ride from Buffalo to Syracuse 9/5 to 9/7. Would like to ha...
Discussion started 08/25/2022 02:29 PM by Bill - 1 reply (last reply by Bill in Houston at 08/25/2022 04:01 PM)Bill from Philadelphia on 08/25/2022 02:29 PM
Trying to find a car shuttle service to go from Buffalo to Syracuse on 9/4. Traveling to Toronto for a funeral on 9/3 and wanted to try and ride from Buffalo to Syracuse 9/5 to 9/7. Would like to have the car delivered to my hotel in Syracuse. Any suggestions?
Bill in Houston from Houston on 08/25/2022 04:01 PM
"car shuttle service to go from Buffalo to Syracuse"
"ride from Buffalo to Syracuse"
"car delivered to my hotel in Syracuse"
I doubt anyone knows what you are asking. Try again?
Hiking
- + I’m backpacking west to east and will run out of trail when I hit Syracuse. I don’t know about hiking thru a big city. Is there anyone who could help me get across town to where the trail picks back ...
Discussion started 08/24/2022 04:46 PM by Bonita - 0 repliesBonita from Lake city flor on 08/24/2022 04:46 PM
I’m backpacking west to east and will run out of trail when I hit Syracuse. I don’t know about hiking thru a big city. Is there anyone who could help me get across town to where the trail picks back up at Dewitt. TIA
Oh I have a dog also
Upcoming Albany to Buffalo Ride
- + Hi everyone!
We are setting out on 8/28 for our thru ride. Anyone recently ride the Erie Canal trail and have anything to share on conditions, weather, places that may have closed down, or anythin...
Discussion started 08/22/2022 08:46 AM by Pat - 5 replies (last reply by DK at 08/23/2022 11:52 AM)Pat from Greencastle,IN on 08/22/2022 08:46 AM
Hi everyone!
We are setting out on 8/28 for our thru ride. Anyone recently ride the Erie Canal trail and have anything to share on conditions, weather, places that may have closed down, or anything else worth sharing?
We are really looking forward to our ride. Driving over to Albany on the 27th.
DK from Fultonville on 08/22/2022 10:51 AM
Stop and marvel at the places where the old Erie canal locks are visible along the way. Putman store/Yankee hill lock is a good rest stop west of Amsterdam just off the trail. I only know the trail from Schenectady to Herkimer County. All good some a little bumpy. Watch out for used horse food.
Good burgers and ice cream at Karens Produce.
Visit this site if you have not already.
https://empiretrail.ny.gov/trip-planning
Pat from Greencastle,IN on 08/22/2022 06:33 PM
Awesome….thanks DK for the tips! Will check it out. I did read about a large closure between Utica and Rome, and thus far, they haven’t announced a detour as the flood damage is still being assessed…at least that is what I read today. I checked the map and have a possible route in that area, we’ll see when we get to that point. That will be the start of our 3rd riding day headed west
Thanks again!
Pat
DK from Fultonville on 08/22/2022 06:46 PM
There is a short detour under the route 30 bridge. After the detour take a ride over the gateway overlook bridge.
Pat from Greencastle,IN on 08/22/2022 10:14 PM
Thanks DK…Is that detour in the Utica area, or where? I’ll need to look up where route 30 is located so I can pinpoint the detour you mention
Also looks like a good deal of rain has been going thru the length of the canal. I’m watching the weather until we go, but we will go anyway, and hope for good weather, but also be prepared for rain if we get some
Pat
DK from Fultonville on 08/23/2022 11:52 AM
That detour is in Amsterdam.
Trail Gap?
- + On Alltrails it says "There’s a 30-mile gap in the trail between Lyons and Port Byron, where the trail picks up again." The information about the Canalway on Alltrails seems to be a bit outdated, as i...
Discussion started 08/01/2022 10:31 AM by shale32 - 0 repliesshale32 from Laurel, MD on 08/01/2022 10:31 AM
On Alltrails it says "There’s a 30-mile gap in the trail between Lyons and Port Byron, where the trail picks up again." The information about the Canalway on Alltrails seems to be a bit outdated, as it also mentions a gap in Syracuse that is "scheduled to be completed in 2020."
I am riding Buffalo to Syracuse beginning this weekend, so would like to know about any gaps we may encounter. TIA
Lock Camping
- + We have a group of five riding the trail in a few weeks and will have four tents.
We are planning on camping at locks along the way, I noticed the locks are listed as first come first serve and limit...
Discussion started 07/25/2022 07:07 PM by MPH - 2 replies (last reply by John W. at 07/31/2022 10:19 AM)MPH from St Louis MO on 07/25/2022 07:07 PM
We have a group of five riding the trail in a few weeks and will have four tents.
We are planning on camping at locks along the way, I noticed the locks are listed as first come first serve and limited to four tents.
If we arrive at a lock and there are other campers will we be turned away or will they allow our group?
Ed Marrone from SPRINGFIELD on 07/29/2022 09:21 AM
I have seen on the NYS State Canal site its first come, but you should call the lock operator first. The Numbers are posted on their site
John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 07/31/2022 10:19 AM
Some of these lock areas have huge grass footprints so I can’t imagine a scenario where you are turned away, if there is even anyone there to turn anyone away.
John
Trail Open?
- + Hi all,
Setting out on Tuesday for a Buffalo to Albany ride. Does anyone have any current info on the status of the trail? Particularly wondering if there are any sections closed for maintenance or...
Discussion started 07/29/2022 02:40 PM by Rich - 0 repliesRich on 07/29/2022 02:40 PM
Hi all,
Setting out on Tuesday for a Buffalo to Albany ride. Does anyone have any current info on the status of the trail? Particularly wondering if there are any sections closed for maintenance or other issues. There is a trail advisory website that states the Utica to Rome section of the trail is closed due to flooding damage.
Rich
Peppermint Museum in Lyons
- + The Peppermint Museum is open in May, June, September and October for private tours. Call Patty at 315-946-4596. During July and August the museum is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10-12 and 1-3 o...
Discussion started 07/19/2022 12:21 PM by Peppermint Patty - 0 repliesPeppermint Patty from Lyons on 07/19/2022 12:21 PM
The Peppermint Museum is open in May, June, September and October for private tours. Call Patty at 315-946-4596. During July and August the museum is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10-12 and 1-3 or call for an appointment during the regular week.
Getting to DePew Amtrak station from end of trail in Buffalo
- + We’ll, a new issue arose today with our logistics and Amtrak. The plan and reservations we made back in march was to take the 2 of us and our bikes on train #64 from Buffalo Exchange street station @1...
Discussion started 07/06/2022 08:27 AM by Pat - 3 replies (last reply by Pat at 07/07/2022 09:11 PM)Pat from Greencastle,IN on 07/06/2022 08:27 AM
We’ll, a new issue arose today with our logistics and Amtrak. The plan and reservations we made back in march was to take the 2 of us and our bikes on train #64 from Buffalo Exchange street station @12:55pm back to Albany…….until today!
Amtrak sent a notification saying no bikes now on that train ??. Now they have rebooked us on a 9:05am out of the DePew Amtrak station. Our plan for the last day of riding was to ride Lockport to Exchange station and head East. Now I need to recalculate and see how easy it is to ride to the DePew station and be there by 8am.
For those familiar….we’d appreciate some feedback on how to get from Trail end in Buffalo to the DePew station. Or, is there an alternate path off the Erie trail?
Trying to avoid staying in Buffalo the night before if possible, but would need a short last day ride to get us to station by 8am.
Appreciate the feedback….. thanks!
Pat from Greencastle,IN on 07/06/2022 03:34 PM
I did some research on how to best get from Lockport to the DePew Amtrak station in Buffalo and it doesn’t appear to be difficult (if the route and directions are correct). Actually seems to be a bit shorter than getting to the Exchange Street station overall.
Happy to take additional feedback from anyone who has done this route ??
Pat
wnybubba from Bflo/Roc on 07/07/2022 12:02 AM
Yeah, it may look easier from Lockport. Is there a bike route or are you on surface? Rt.78 is straight from Lockport to Depew (note no Cap), but is a major, busy traffic route.
Lockport to Trail-end is doable and the trip out to Depew is not difficult, however, does require some road travel but less trafficked than Rt 78 (and you get to ride to the end).
On this forum see if you can search for previous thread on the route Depew to Downtown. Google maps in bike mode stays on roads and there is a patgways in the middle.
Pat from Greencastle,IN on 07/07/2022 09:11 PM
Thanks Bubba for your input.
Google directions seem to keep us on the trail off Transit Street in Lockport. Reading thru the directions I wrote down, appears we ride prison the ECT until we get to Tonawanda Creek Rd and then start following streets into Buffalo to the station. Shows to be about 21 miles total ride from Lockport to the DePew station. Hopefully the directions are accurate and don’t run into too many issues.
Rather than have our original 12:55 pm train out of Exchange, we now have a 9:05am out of DePew back to Albany
Thanks again. I’ll try to see this on a visual map to make sure
Bike route from Albany hotels (on Broadway) to start of Erie Canal trail Albany
- + Hi All…
As we’ll be starting our Erie Canal through ride in Albany….I’ve been looking up to see how to get from the hotel on broadway to the start of the trail headed west.
Can anyone who has done ...
Discussion started 06/30/2022 10:16 AM by Pat - 2 replies (last reply by Pat at 07/03/2022 07:37 AM)Pat from Greencastle,IN on 06/30/2022 10:16 AM
Hi All…
As we’ll be starting our Erie Canal through ride in Albany….I’ve been looking up to see how to get from the hotel on broadway to the start of the trail headed west.
Can anyone who has done this share how to get to the start? My research shows we may have to catch the Mohawk Hudson Trail at first which turns into or will link into the Erie Canal trail.
Would appreciate feedback from those who know the area well…….. thanks,
Yankee John from Vermont on 07/01/2022 09:25 AM
The Mohawk Hudson Trail and Erie Canal Trail are the same passing north through Albany along the Hudson River and then heading west along the Mohawk River, eventually becoming only the Erie Canal Trail. There are limited ways to get across the railroad tracks and highway from Broadway/downtown to the bike trail for a bike or pedestrian. This problem has been addressed by the newly opened Albany Skyway, a repurposed highway exit. I haven't been on the Skyway, but would expect it be safe and well designed since it was a NY State project. It does show up on Google Maps. Please take this route and report about it on this forum!
In Watervliet and Cohoes the trail leaves the edge of the Hudson River and turns west to follow the Mohawk River. This is a section of trail on streets with a dedicated bike lane. As you pass through Cohoes consider a slight detour to visit the Cohoes Falls. It is a short ride from the trail where it crosses Manor Avenue to the Falls Overlook. (I'm not sure why this posted three times)
Pat from Greencastle,IN on 07/03/2022 07:37 AM
Thanks much…..Yankee John! We’ll definitely take a look at that route and any others if there are options, and report back after our ride (or after first day since that will be our start!).
Appreciate the feedback on this
Pat