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.
camping on the trail
- + Good morning all. I am in the process of planning to cycle the canal from Albany to buffalo sometime before the end of Autumn in 2024. I have family in buffalo I am going to visit. My intention is to ...
Discussion started 01/27/2023 05:58 AM by Bill Mackay - 11 replies (last reply by Sarah at 03/01/2023 09:07 PM)Bill Mackay from Glasgow Scotland on 01/27/2023 05:58 AM
Good morning all. I am in the process of planning to cycle the canal from Albany to buffalo sometime before the end of Autumn in 2024. I have family in buffalo I am going to visit. My intention is to camp on the trail. As I am flying in with my bike I do not actually want to carry a tent. In the campsites along the trail are there any that offer one night hire of tents.
Bill in Houston from Houston on 01/27/2023 05:18 PM
That's not really a thing here, and certainly not frequently enough to cover you for the whole trip.
John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 01/28/2023 04:24 PM
Agree with Bill. I’ve not heard of tent rentals and certainly not in all the small towns you’ll be stopping at. If you’re set on not carrying any gear (or you don’t have a support crew carrying it for you), I would just “credit card camp” and stay at motels/BNB’s.
Bill Mackay from Glasgow Scotland on 01/29/2023 06:34 PM
Thanks for both comments fellas, I have plenty of time to plan, so will now look at bed and breakfast along the route and weigh it again st carrying tent and sleeping bag.
Slainte Mhath
DK from Fultonville on 01/30/2023 10:42 PM
You may want to buy a tent and sleeping bag in Albany. Then donate it to good will in Buffalo.
Bill Mackay on 02/01/2023 12:03 PM
Good call on buying tent and then donating.
Cheers DK
Pat from Greencastle on 02/10/2023 08:35 AM
Hey there! We are not rent campers, so won’t comment on that. But, September 2022, my husband and I rode the Albany to Buffalo thru trip. We were the ONLY riders going East to West. There are a few spots along the way that the tailwind you may benefit from when going West to East would be helpful, but I can honestly say that the last 130 miles or so into Buffalo were by far the prettiest! We are glad we chose this direction, although the vast major of riders go not.
I have our entire itinerary I can send if you want. We stayed at motels or hotels over the 7 nights.
Let me know if you are interested in our itinerary and I’ll be happy to send it along. If do, you might provide an email I can send it to
Pat Ness
Donna from Hudson Falls NY on 02/11/2023 07:08 PM
Pat from Greencastle I would be interested in your itinerary lafrancedonna@yahoo.com thanks!
DK from Fultonville on 02/19/2023 11:28 AM
If you haven't yet discovered this site.
https://empiretrail.ny.gov/activities/camping
Lots of good information and a free map to order.
https://empiretrail.ny.gov/trip-planning
Bill Mackay from Glasgow Scotland on 02/19/2023 07:17 PM
Thank you Pat. I would appreciate having a look at your itinerary.
Bill
Williammckay596@gmail.com is my e mail
johnine mccartney from HOPEWELL JUNCTION on 02/27/2023 07:22 PM
Thank you Pat, I would appreciate your sending me your itinerary. Can you tell me do you ride on city streets as you go through Syracuse? My email is Jmccartney@ithaca.edu.
Sarah from Watertown MA on 03/01/2023 09:07 PM
Pat, I would love to see your itinerary too!
sarah.bansen@gmail.com
Niagra Falls
- + Plan to cycle the entire trail in June Buffalo to Albany. How many additional miles am I adding if I elect to go to Niagra Falls?
Discussion started 02/23/2023 08:48 PM by Jack Rafferty - 2 replies (last reply by John W. at 02/27/2023 09:47 AM)Jack Rafferty from Orange, CT on 02/23/2023 08:48 PM
Plan to cycle the entire trail in June Buffalo to Albany. How many additional miles am I adding if I elect to go to Niagra Falls?
Tori M on 02/27/2023 08:34 AM
Check out the shoreline trail.
https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/2d03255fa1d24a9fb8fdf344d9eab651
27 miles round trip from Tonawanda.
John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 02/27/2023 09:47 AM
Beautiful Story Map!
I was surprised to see it not suggest going over the two Grand Island bridges. I used to take that shortcut but that was over 30 years ago! :-) But that route suggested looks really nice.
Alternatively, if you have a passport, you can hop over the Peace Bridge into Fort Erie and take the Niagara River Recreation Route that follows the Niagara River all the way to the Falls.
John
Bikes in hotel rooms
- + Has anyone had any issues with bringing bikes into hotel rooms? I'm looking at a Choice Hotel. There is nothing on their web sites.
Discussion started 02/17/2023 04:31 PM by DK - 2 replies (last reply by Bob at 02/26/2023 09:25 AM)DK from Fultonville on 02/17/2023 04:31 PM
Has anyone had any issues with bringing bikes into hotel rooms? I'm looking at a Choice Hotel. There is nothing on their web sites.
John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 02/18/2023 11:15 AM
I would call the front desk and ask. If they’re near the trail, they will have had many guests who have arrived by bike so they’ll have a pretty clear rules.
The good ones have hoses outside to remove the grit off of your bikes. Most should allow them in the rooms or will at least have a separate storage room if not.
John
Bob from Albany on 02/26/2023 09:25 AM
On our trip we will be staying in The Castle in Amsterdam which does not allow bicycles in the room. They do have a private secure parking garage for guests which is where our bikes will be kept.
Our itinerary also has us staying at Buffalo Marriott, Becker Farms Vineyard, Del Monte Spa, Red Roof Inn, Days Inn and Best Western. I called each to verify and they allow bikes in the room, at least the ones we have booked. So call and find out and make reservations accordingly. Enjoy the ride, stay safe.