Erie Canal Bike Trail Forum

Joseph Pafundi from Saratoga Springs, NY on 4/30/2020 12:24:44 PM:

Good day to all!

Several months ago, I contributed to a discussion about "on-road" sections of the Erie Canal Bike Trail. I gave my ideas at that time about my experiences from Albany to Medina, NY. Two days ago, 04/28/2020, I went from Lock 8 to Lock 10 in Cranesville. In Rotterdam Junction NY important progress is being made concerning the elimination of the on-road section between Rotterdam Junction and the Pattersonville trail head. This road section is very busy. The new path has been marked out (seems to follow an old rail line). The intriguing issues are the two tunnels to be made under the used rail line in Rotterdam Junction. This task seems daunting (they will get it done!) so, when will this section be complete? Only the engineers and workers know. The main point here is that this busy, risky sector will be eliminated some time this year making the ride from Buffalo to Albany safer and more enjoyable.

Safe travels to all! Be Healthy!

Jospeh Pafundi, Saratoga Springs NY

wnybubba from Bflo-Roc on 4/30/2020 9:52:41 PM:

Thanks for your update. Getting the Empire State Trail complete in 2020 is the goal.

John from Cobleskill on 5/5/2020 11:10:13 AM:

This web site has the BEST trail map for the Erie Canal. Every step of my planning, BIKEERIECANAL map has been a part of it.

That said, I wish that they would add a feature of the canal trail surface for each mile. That would be helpful.

Also a way to support this page. The resources on here is without question the best and I wouldn't mind throwing some $$ in their direction to keep this page up and running..... and current.

Just an idea.

Leanne from Berea, OH on 5/5/2020 7:28:50 PM:

Joseph Pafundi, we are considering riding the entire trail this summer. Is it difficult to get back on the trail when the path ends? Did you have an app to help you?
Thanks!

Joseph Pafundi from Saratoga Springs, NY on 5/6/2020 5:31:26 AM:

Dear friend, Leanne, Ohio,

I would like to extend a warm welcome to NYS. In my opinion, you will find the trail to be very pretty and home to many historic villages whose existence is rooted in the history of the Erie Canal. Your question is very, very good. Difficulty leaving the trail and accessing "on-road" portions will vary. I suppose that a good GPS will help (there is this site's map + NY Parks and Trails book which are excellent!). A case in point:in coming from Rotterdam Junction and entering Schenectady, NY at the SCC campus, one is confronted with navigating some confusing streets. The area is very quaint (Stockade district) but, the signage is poor in my view. A rider needs to get to North Jay Street/Union College before picking up the trail. I have seen others con Facebook complain about this transition. It is what it is!

Hope you will enjoy your ride and our very pretty state!

Joseph Pafundi

Randy from Albany on 5/21/2020 8:08:05 AM:

The Rotterdam Junction train track interruption (eastern track crossing) was caused by installation of the tracks across the trail to serve the chemical company across Rt 5S without installing a tunnel at that time. This occurred about a decade ago. At that time I wondered why they did not install the tunnel before piling all the rail bed material on the trail. Now it is going to cost much more to "drill" a tunnel through that mass. I have climbed over that track right after installation, and it was not pleasant at all. I look forward to the tunnel and hopefully trail improvement through that area to encourage usage. The second train track crossing (western track crossing) occurs right at Rt 5S where you need to get onto that road to bridge to Pattersonville trailhead. That short section (few miles) is very bumpy and could also use improvement and repaving. Meanwhile it looks like the plan is to cross the 2nd track near the Alt Erie Canal on the same line as the trail between the two track crossings. I think this "wrong" is finally being "righted." Good to see.

wnybubba from Bflo-Roc on 5/21/2020 12:20:45 PM:

@Randy from Albany -- So is the bike-around clearly marked or are we on our own to navigate through this situation?

Joseph Pafundi from Saratoga Springs NY on 5/21/2020 8:42:49 PM:

Good evening!

I rode out there yesterday. Work to the trail is moving forward. Still no drilling done yet under the railway. So, you need to get off the trail at Mabee Lane and go to Rotterdam Jct via 5s. You pick up the trial at Iroquois Street. Stay on the existent section (still bumpy) and exit back onto 5s to Pattersonville trail head on 5s. Bottom line: status quo for now but, not hard to navigate.

Safe travels!

wnybubba from Bflo-Roc on 5/22/2020 5:41:02 AM:

Well, that's up to the minute information. Thanks - I'll follow your instructions and try to make it safely.

Reply to News About Rotterdam Junction Improvements