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.
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.
Car rental vs train
- + We are planning on riding from Buffalo to Albany this summer. Are there any car rentals in Albany set up with bike racks that we can use to drive back to Buffalo? It would seem this would be easier t...
Discussion started 02/07/2023 08:32 AM by Jim M - 7 replies (last reply by Jim M at 02/23/2023 09:59 PM)Jim M from Canton Oh on 02/07/2023 08:32 AM
We are planning on riding from Buffalo to Albany this summer. Are there any car rentals in Albany set up with bike racks that we can use to drive back to Buffalo? It would seem this would be easier than a train and good opportunity for a car rental company. I assume they could advetize their services on this site.
M greene on 02/08/2023 11:08 AM
I was looking into car rental also but at this point I’m leaning toward renting a uhaul truck.
There are several along the way and can be dropped off at the starting point. For us that would be Lockport. Riding about 100 miles in two days loading the bikes and driving back.
Uhaul would be about $125
Oldest of the Old from all over the place on 02/08/2023 01:24 PM
I'd be interested in learning about renting a bike rack, too. Never heard of it. How about buying a used one cheap, using it, and selling it cheap? Or, run an ad. Pretty sure there are alot of racks in garages no longer being used. Put an ask out on the trashnothing web site in Albany, and make an offer.
Or, how about rent a van and stash the bikes in it?
Just a few ideas.
Yankee John from Vermont on 02/09/2023 06:17 AM
The Amtrak train has become more rider friendly, and it's not expensive, but you need a reservation for the bike which locks your trip into certain dates. You can rent a van that will hold 2 or 3 bikes, or more bikes if you want to break them down, but van rental is expensive, and you are limited to pickup and return at airports. UHaul rentals are much cheaper, with many choices for pickup and return. The truck will hold several bikes, which you can roll on and roll off, but you will need to carry or buy quite a few ropes or bungees to secure the bikes to protect them from damage in the back. At ~12mpg Uhaul is not the green way to travel, and if gas prices become stratospheric again the cost of the gas might be significant.
Bop from Rochester on 02/09/2023 10:47 AM
I'd stay home.
Bill in Houston from Houston on 02/09/2023 05:15 PM
We rented a minivan one way for the two of us when we rode the GAP. Cheaper than Amtrak.
John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 02/13/2023 09:25 AM
I second Bill’s mini-van idea. I’ve done this before. Just put the back seats down and maybe remove your front tire(s) and they will easily fit. You will need to figure out how get from drop off/pickup point to and from the trail of course.
John
Jim M from Canton Oh on 02/23/2023 09:59 PM
Thanks for the ideas! I will check into van and uhaul rentals.
Dick Sonne's Cycles in Utica
- + Do you rent bicycles? or are you able to direct us to a shop that does?
Discussion started 02/22/2023 07:13 PM by paul richman - 1 reply (last reply by Ray (webmaster) at 02/22/2023 08:07 PM)paul richman from del mar on 02/22/2023 07:13 PM
Do you rent bicycles? or are you able to direct us to a shop that does?
Ray (webmaster) on 02/22/2023 08:07 PM
That shop might not see your question here, but I am pretty sure they do not offer rentals.
Here is a link to all businesses that I know of, on or near the Erie Canal towpath trail, that offer bike rental:
https://bikeeriecanal.com/planner.aspx?scid=4&ecid=51&rt=0&rtid=1&svcs=|6|
If anyone sees errors in this list, or knows of others that I might have missed, I welcome your input.
Happy trails!
RV camping
- + My group ( we’re in our mid 60’s)is planning to ride a large portion of the trail in early June. We are planning to start near Buffalo and ride about 50 miles a day for four days. What is the best sta...
Discussion started 02/06/2023 10:31 AM by Don Kleber - 2 replies (last reply by Bob at 02/13/2023 12:53 PM)Don Kleber from Fairfield Ct on 02/06/2023 10:31 AM
My group ( we’re in our mid 60’s)is planning to ride a large portion of the trail in early June. We are planning to start near Buffalo and ride about 50 miles a day for four days. What is the best starting point? Is it Buffalo or should we move East a bit? Can anyone recommend towns to overnight at about 50 mile intervals? In the past since we have 10-12 riders we’ve used RV’s. Are there camp grounds/RV parks within a short drive of each overnight town? Lastly, we are mostly road bikers and May look to rent some gravel/hybrid bikes at a shop near the end of our ride. Any recommendations?
Thank for any response. Remember ride fast, stay upright!!
Bill in Houston from Houston on 02/09/2023 05:28 PM
Assuming you don't want to see Niagara Falls, you couldn't go wrong by starting at Lockport and riding to Rome, I think.
Brockport and Weedsport would be decent places to stop, with an approx 50 mile spacing. Not sure which town in between them would be best.
No idea on RVs or camping, sorry.
The Trip Planner link above and Google Maps can really help you nail down the amenities you want.
As road bikers, do you have an idea what it feels like to ride 50 miles on the gravel trail? 50 miles of gravel would be about 80 miles of road.
Bob from Albany on 02/13/2023 12:53 PM
This is my itinerary from Buffalo to Weedsport. Although I do have a breakdown to Albany. The referenced mileage is from the zero mileage trail marker in Buffalo to the lodging facility. Lockport is a pretty good start as previously mentioned. We are doing the whole trail in a few months where we will take the train from Albany to Buffalo. Except for the winery we are lodging pretty much on the trail.
2.5 Arrive Buffalo 6:45 pm stay Buffalo Marriott 2.5 miles
43.1 Arrive Gasport
Lodging Becker Farms vineyard / brewery 1.4 mi from trail
103.0 Arrive Pittsford Lodging Del Monte Hotel & Spa
163.0 Arrive Weedsport Lodging Red Roof Inn
enjoy the ride. let me know how you broke down your ride.
Charged E-Bikes in Pittsford
- + Is this a place to stop and charge our batteries?
Are there any places on the trail to do this?
Discussion started 02/08/2023 11:34 AM by M greene - 1 reply (last reply by Bill in Houston at 02/09/2023 05:18 PM)M greene on 02/08/2023 11:34 AM
Is this a place to stop and charge our batteries?
Are there any places on the trail to do this?
Bill in Houston from Houston on 02/09/2023 05:18 PM
You should call and ask them. I would expect that they are a bike shop of some sort, rather than a charging station.
Trip advice
- + Will be first time on this trail. Is it fairly flat the entire way? Looking for best itinerary for 3 days of riding, about 125 miles total. What 125 mile section would you reccomend and where would yo...
Discussion started 01/20/2023 08:18 PM by Dan - 2 replies (last reply by Elevation at 01/25/2023 12:46 PM)Dan from Phillipsburg, NJ on 01/20/2023 08:18 PM
Will be first time on this trail. Is it fairly flat the entire way? Looking for best itinerary for 3 days of riding, about 125 miles total. What 125 mile section would you reccomend and where would you start. Better to travel east or west? Did the Gap trail last year and loved it. Any info would be appreciated.
Bill in Houston from Houston on 01/23/2023 10:22 AM
If I had 3 days and wanted to do that distance, I'd start in Buffalo, and ride to Palmyra or Newark.
You are parallel to the old canal, which is so nice, and the towns along the way are great. Lots of older history.
There is also less road riding, and it's fairly flat.
If you have concerns about hills, try to avoid the section between Newark and Weedsport. Some people say it doesn't have hills, but when I was there, I was on hills. I guess it depends on your frame of reference. A lot of it is also on roads.
Elevation from Erie Canal Shuttle on 01/25/2023 12:46 PM
If you look through the bikeeriecanal site you will find an elevation chart to help in your planning