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 The information about the Canalway on Alltrails seems to be a bit outdated, as i...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
Rotterdam-LeRoy
- + Is there a good online trail map going from Rotterdam to LeRoy?
Discussion started 06/26/2022 09:26 AM by Jason - 1 reply (last reply by wnybubba at 07/02/2022 11:18 AM)Jason from Holyoke on 06/26/2022 09:26 AM
Is there a good online trail map going from Rotterdam to LeRoy?
wnybubba from Bflo/Roc on 07/02/2022 11:18 AM
You do know there is an excellent interactive map on this site, right? The Erie Canalway would get you from Rotterdam to Rochester area. I guess you'd have to figure out how to get down to LeRoy.
Of course, your other option is to ride on the State Bike Route 5. It will take you directly to LeRoy from Rotterdam!
Transportation to Syracuse with bikes
- + Parking in Albany and want transportation for 3 with bikes to Syracuse ny. What is the best easiest way?Reservations? Thanks!
Discussion started 07/01/2022 05:46 PM by elizabeth reeves - 1 reply (last reply by wnybubba at 07/01/2022 10:40 PM)elizabeth reeves on 07/01/2022 05:46 PM
Parking in Albany and want transportation for 3 with bikes to Syracuse ny. What is the best easiest way?Reservations? Thanks!
wnybubba from Bflo/Roc on 07/01/2022 10:40 PM
No idea on parking, but I've always had luck asking a chain motel for a BIG favor to leave my car in the lot.
Amtrak is generally the answer for travel with bikes, but, good luck transporting 3 bikes. Trains generally only have 4 spots and reservations for them go fast.
Getting to Rochester Amtrak Station
- + My wife and I will be riding from Buffalo to Rochester, then riding Amtrak back to Buffalo.
Looking for guidance to get from the trail to the Rochester Amtrak Station.
It looks like I can leave the...
Discussion started 07/01/2022 06:30 AM by Chark on Bikes - 2 replies (last reply by wnybubba at 07/01/2022 10:34 PM)Chark on Bikes from Brecksville OH on 07/01/2022 06:30 AM
My wife and I will be riding from Buffalo to Rochester, then riding Amtrak back to Buffalo.
Looking for guidance to get from the trail to the Rochester Amtrak Station.
It looks like I can leave the trail and ride surface streets to the station, or continue on the trail to the Genessee River Trail, and ride that to within a few blocks of the station.
We prefer to stay off streets- just more comfortable not having to deal with traffic and distracted drivers.
I’m guessing some of you that follow this forum might have some insight, which I appreciate!
Yankee John from Vermont on 07/01/2022 09:30 AM
Search the forum for 'Rochester' and review my 5/27/22 post, it might be helpful.
wnybubba from Bflo/Roc on 07/01/2022 10:34 PM
I just did it in reverse. Google maps did take me on a few streets from the station (shorter distance) but you can get to the Genesee River Trail even closer. If you look at Google map you can prbly figure where to exit the trail to get over to the station. I think it was approx. a 1/2 hour ride.
Bike Lane?
- + We're staying at one of the local downtown Albany hotels after finishing the ride from Buffalo, and then taking the Amtrak (Albany-Rensselaer) back. Is there a bike lane that we can ride over the Dunn...
Discussion started 06/05/2022 06:49 PM by Sarge P - 7 replies (last reply by Ed Marrone at 06/29/2022 04:29 PM)Sarge P from Sarasota, Fl. on 06/05/2022 06:49 PM
We're staying at one of the local downtown Albany hotels after finishing the ride from Buffalo, and then taking the Amtrak (Albany-Rensselaer) back. Is there a bike lane that we can ride over the Dunn Memorial Bridge to get to the station? Or should we have the hotel shuttle us there? Thanks for any assistance.
Anonymous on 06/06/2022 05:27 AM
Sarge:
A bike/pedestrian lane has been added to the bridge to connect Jennings Landing at the river in Albany to Rensselaer. I have driven by it multiple times on my way to the train station, but have not ridden it. It is high and exposed, so it is not a ride for the meek, likely the reason I haven't yet seen anyone walking or riding on it. On this forum someone posted that Jennings Landing was the official terminus of the Erie Canal Trail, and that a small marker had been placed there.
Ed Marrone from SPRINGFIELD on 06/06/2022 01:54 PM
Rode and walked over the Dunn Mem. Bridge mor than once. Steep climb up from the Albany side and rode over the river. Going down the ramp sign states bikes should be walked. Bridge does get a fair share of trash.
Sarge P from Sarasota on 06/21/2022 09:57 PM
Thanks Ed,Yankee John, and anonymous for clarifying the trip over the bridge. As our hotel doesn't have shuttle service, we're riding over in the morning. Your clear description of the lane and route takes away any confusion. You are appreciated!
Pat from Greencastle,IN on 06/28/2022 12:25 PM
Hi All….
We will be riding the trail East to West then taking Amtrak back to Rensselaer end of trip. Got that all figured out.
If anyone has parked at the Amtrak station in Rensselaer and crossed the Dunn Memorial bridge by bike, I’d be interested to know how that is. We’d just need to cross over and get to the Holiday Inn Express on Broadway from the Amtrak station. Is the bridge and where to get off to catch broadway an easy task?
Coming back…no worries as our car will be at our end point already, so won’t need to negotiate the bridge on return
Appreciate anyone who has done this…. Thanks
Pat from Greencastle,IN on 06/28/2022 12:52 PM
Following up on my post about going over the bridge….
Looks like there are a few CDTA busses that run from near the Amtrak station Herrick & East streets) to the Albany side near several hotels. Says they all have bike racks and run every 30 minutes. Cost is $1 or $2. I think this may be the way to go! At least an option we may explore
Barbara from Middleport on 06/28/2022 02:58 PM
Middleport has public bathrooms and showers behind police station which is just steps from the canal path. cross lift bridge and the police station is on the right 4 buildings down. behind the building the restrooms are easy to find. there is also electric outlets on the canal.
Ed Marrone from SPRINGFIELD on 06/29/2022 04:29 PM
The entrance to the Dunn Mem. bridge is just past the Dunkin on Broadway in Ren. Look for the NY Bike Rt. 5/9 sign. Long climb up and you canride over. Watch out for trash. Steep down on the Albany side with a sharp turn on the ramp. Cross street at light and you are right on the path. Usually a hot dog truck on the Ren. side (good dogs and burgers)
Buffalo Long Term Parking Availability
- + Looking for info on any long term parking available by the Buffalo Amtrak Station?
We are taking the train to Albany and riding back to Buffalo, hotels also seem limited in Buffalo for a stay the nig...
Discussion started 01/10/2022 04:18 PM by Mph - 5 replies (last reply by Ed at 06/28/2022 09:42 PM)Mph from Saint Louis Missouri on 01/10/2022 04:18 PM
Looking for info on any long term parking available by the Buffalo Amtrak Station?
We are taking the train to Albany and riding back to Buffalo, hotels also seem limited in Buffalo for a stay the night before we leave.
Any suggestions?
Bill in Houston from Houston on 01/14/2022 06:06 PM
The Buffalo Grand was a dive, but it's cheap, and felt safe, and the staff is nice.
wnybubba from Bflo/Roc on 01/30/2022 06:26 PM
You might be able to leave a car on the Amtrak grounds -- may be worth a call. The depot is back out of the way kinda by itself. I've always had luck asking local hotels if I could leave a vehicle in their lot -- there are plenty of options along Transit Road (NY 78). There is also a Park & Ride at the entrance to the NYS Thruway at Exit 49 (Transit Road). And, if you want safe, safe parking, Bflo International Airport is not far away for on-premises parking or several Car Rental places that might allow you to leave your car for a fee.
Scott from Baltimore on 03/27/2022 05:00 PM
Last summer I parked at the Exchange Street Amtrak lot and rode the train with my bike to Albany. They give you a permit to put on the dashboard and there is no charge.
wnybubba from Bflo/Roc on 03/27/2022 05:31 PM
Scott -- great info. Thanks.
Ed from Ann Arbor on 06/28/2022 09:42 PM
In October, we'll be cycling the opposite direction: Parking in Buffalo, cycling to Albany, and then taking the Amtrak back to Buffalo. Think Amtrak would let us park in their lot on Exchange Street (or we'd settle for Depew) even though we won't be taking the train (back) until about 10 days later? Otherwise, are there other long-term parking options available? Spothero unfortunately doesn't seem to think so... Thanks!
Lock 21 State Campsite in Rome
- + The person on the phone was very nice when I called ahead of arrival. There is a porta john, a water source and an electrical outlet all pretty close together on the south side of the canal.
Discussion started 06/27/2022 03:44 PM - 0 repliesAnonymous on 06/27/2022 03:44 PM
The person on the phone was very nice when I called ahead of arrival. There is a porta john, a water source and an electrical outlet all pretty close together on the south side of the canal.
tire choice
- + Bike the trail in a few weeks. Wondering if the 700x35 Gravelking Slicks that I have on my bike are good for the trail or I should get something with larger or bigger treads?
Discussion started 06/17/2022 12:24 PM by Danimal - 2 replies (last reply by Biker Girl at 06/24/2022 12:21 PM)Danimal from Buffalo on 06/17/2022 12:24 PM
Bike the trail in a few weeks. Wondering if the 700x35 Gravelking Slicks that I have on my bike are good for the trail or I should get something with larger or bigger treads?
Bop from Rochester on 06/17/2022 04:33 PM
I've ridden many thousands of miles on the canal with 700 x 25c with out much trouble. Two flats, one a pinch in all that time. The only real problem I've had was washouts after heavy rains. I generally ride the same end to end 70 mile length in my area. Can't speak for it all.
Biker Girl from Web on 06/24/2022 12:21 PM
I have ridden hundreds of Canal miles with GK SS+ 38s on my bike without issue. You'll be fine. Have fun!
Amtrak Station in DC
- + I would like to take the train from Washington, DC all the way to the start of the trail and
back to DC. Can you please let me know the best way to do this?
Thank you!
Discussion started 06/11/2022 09:33 PM by Armando - 4 replies (last reply by Armando at 06/23/2022 10:02 PM)Armando from Rockville, MD on 06/11/2022 09:33 PM
I would like to take the train from Washington, DC all the way to the start of the trail and
back to DC. Can you please let me know the best way to do this?
Thank you!
John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 06/11/2022 11:58 PM
Armando, did you mean to post this the C&O/GAP Forum (bikecando dot com)? The Erie Canal does not connect to DC.
The Capitol Limited goes from DC to Pittsburgh. You’ll need to load your bike either in the bike storage area (bike ticket) or you’ll have to box it. I would get a bicycle ticket online or call Amtrak and get hold of an agent and they will tell you what dates they have bike tickets available. It’s so much easier than boxing it.
John
Armando from Rockville on 06/12/2022 07:56 PM
John- No I meant the Erie Canal. My question is what’s the best way
To get to the Erie Canal trail? Is it taking the train to Albany, riding to Buffalo
And taking a shuttle or a train back to Albany? Thanks.
John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 06/13/2022 12:46 AM
Thanks Armando. Sorry I misread your post. I know the most frequent and popular Amtrak route goes along DC to NYC. You could then explore a connection from NYC to Albany to Buffalo and begin your bike journey. I would call Amtrak and hang on the line and speak to an Amtrak agent who should be able to select the best train routes to take to get you there.
In addition, once you complete the Buffalo to Albany portion you could then turn south and head to NYC on the newly branded Empire State Trail. You would then only need to train home from NYC to DC.
Alternatively, you could do one way car rentals to get you there and back.
I hope some of these are helpful.
Take care,
John
Armando from Rockville on 06/23/2022 10:02 PM
Thank you, John. I appreciated.
Good meals near Trail?
- + Where are favorite stops for meals along trail - lunch & dinner?
Discussion started 06/20/2022 06:35 PM by Bruce - 5 replies (last reply by anonymous at 06/23/2022 04:15 PM)Bruce from San Antonio on 06/20/2022 06:35 PM
Where are favorite stops for meals along trail - lunch & dinner?
Anonymous on 06/22/2022 11:22 AM
Shorty's South Side, Amsterdam NY.
Bill in Houston from Houston on 06/22/2022 02:52 PM
Absolutely go to Shorty's and get the chicken riggies. And for breakfast the next day, go to Evolve Eatery.
Others that we enjoyed, with a * on the really great ones
My Tomato Pie in Tonawanda* Meatball sub and some kind of salad with an amazing lemon vinaigrette
20 North Broadway Tavern in Schenectady*
There's some kind of ice cream place in Lockport that's supposed to be good
Barber's Grill and Tap Room in Brockport*
Simply Crepes and the Pittsford Dairy in Pittsford*
Craft 120 in Newark
Spankey's Ice Cream in Lyons*
La Bamba MTZ in Canastota
Sugarbeets in Rome*
Aqua Vino in Utica has a nice location
There's a fruit stand and ice cream shop at Schoharie Crossing*
wnybubba from Bflo/Roc on 06/22/2022 04:32 PM
Bill has done well -- especially listing "Evolve Eatery" (Amsterdam, a block off the trail) -- try to make it there for b-fast or lunch. Also I caught a great Italian meal at "Sorrento Pizzeria" in Ilion -- just up the road from the Canalway. I have a traditional celebratory meal in Albany at "Better Bite" -- located diagonally from the state Capital (NW Corner of West Capital Park, Washington & S. Swan Sts.) featuring homemade Hash (the best) and lots of great food prepared by Greek family cooks. In Weedsport you can opt for a nice handcrafted brew at Lunkenheimer Craft Brewing Co., or stop along Rt. 31 a few doors down at DB's Drive in for a frosty ice cream choice with plenty of outside seating areas.
John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 06/23/2022 10:30 AM
Lake Effect Ice Cream located at 79 Canal St. in Lockport is excellent.
from Fultonville on 06/23/2022 04:15 PM
Karens Produce makes a great cheeseburger.
It is right off the trail between Amsterdam and Fultonville.
Stone 8 Tap House in Clyde
- + Closed for the summer - reopening Aug 2 - per the website
Discussion started 06/21/2022 07:28 PM by Matt - 0 repliesMatt from Syracuse on 06/21/2022 07:28 PM
Closed for the summer - reopening Aug 2 - per the website