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How well is the trail marked?


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John from Cobleskill on 4/4/2020 6:32:09 PM:
I'm concerned about how well the trail is marked from end to end. I have ridden parts of it (the eastern end) and some of it is really lacking on markings. In Rome, the signage is very poor and I ended up on a road that had way too much traffic because I missed the turn. I went back in a car and still couldn't find the marking of the trail. I felt very unsafe on the section I did take. I've driven through the Syracuse section of the ECTrail and haven't been impressed with the signs. Losing your way seems all too easy.

I've thought about a digital map that I could follow on my IPhone but I haven't found a good working solution. I've tried Google Maps and Maps.Me app.

I'm really concerned I will find myself off the trail with no clue as to how to get back to the trail. Am I worrying too much? Or can someone out there help me?

 
John from Pittsburgh on 4/6/2020 6:24:43 PM:
I agree that parts of the trail are poorly marked and need improvements. I think I read about 20% of the trail is on local roads.

I would check out the PTNY’s Cycle the Erie Canal Page, they have an interactive map with the trail marked. I always carry my charged phone (google maps and Maps.me as you’ve mentioned) plus it could’t hurt to print out some paper maps of the trickier sections where the trail is not so obvious.

If you get lost you can always go back a bit. The trail goes through towns and past other cyclists. Someone should be able to assist you I always figure. I’ve only met the friendliest people when I get lost and people are always eager to assist.