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