Best time to Ride Erie Canal?

Go to Forum

Anonymous on 6/23/2020 9:37:24 AM:

We plan on riding the entire Erie Canal in 4 days and Katy Trail in 3 days in 2021. From what I understand, mid-October would be a good time to ride the Katy Trail. Therefore, we were thinking about riding the Erie Canal at the end of August so that we would have about 6 weeks of recovery time in between the two rides. Is the end of August a good time to ride the Erie Canal, or is too humid/hot? When is a good time to ride the Erie Canal? Another option is to split the two rides and bike the Erie Canal this fall and Katy trail next fall. Thank you!

wnybubba from Bflo-Roc on 6/23/2020 4:42:08 PM:

Not sure there is really a bad time to bike the Canalway Trail!
You do not state where you are from, so I'll assume that you are not familiar with upstate NY weather, but IMHO... June and July are the best weather months as far as warm, sunny weather. By the time the 2nd week of August comes 'round, the weather has already stated to get a bit chillier. THe end of August OR the beginning of September would probably be a perfect time to ride the Canalway. Typically you shouldn't have to worry about hot/humid in late August, however the weather can certainly do it's own thing at any time. No controlling Mother Nature!

PS - 6 weeks recovery from a rider who is comfortable planning 90 miles a day seems excessive.

Anonymous on 6/23/2020 6:09:19 PM:

Thanks for the input! I am not familiar with upstate NY weather. I was also thinking earlier today that 6 weeks is excessive, so it's good to have affirmation.

John from Cobleskill from The Buffalo to Albany trip sounds good on 6/24/2020 6:56:53 AM:

If you're doing the whole Erie Canal in 4 days, that means that you are going through the cities and towns at an amazing pace, not much stopping or sightseeing on your calendar (which is fine).

So with "speed" your main goal, I'd suggest late July until the end of August because that's is when there is the least amount of rain. Because rain means soft ground and soft ground means slowing you down. And wherever there is stone dust (which there is a lot of), mud is right below the surface in rainy conditions.

Anonymous on 6/24/2020 2:42:48 PM:

John from Cobleskill, thank you for the insight! We are both in our 40s and I just started biking serious miles 3 years ago after I discovered how fun it was. My husband, on the other hand, has been riding ever since he was a kid. There are so many great gravel trails to ride all over the US, and we want to zip right through them while we still physically can. I guess in a way, it is me trying to make up for lost time in my 20s and 30s. Once we retire, we will do some sightseeing during our rides, as everyday will be a biking day, which will be so fantastic! But for now, our focus during our rides is just speed.

Anonymous on 6/24/2020 3:19:42 PM:

wnybubba from Bflo - Roc on 6/24/2020 11:27:39 PM:

I'd concur with John from Cobleskill regarding dates from a rain standpoint. Late August & Sept might bring on some rain -- but that's always a crap shoot anyway. Also... don't be too hard on us "older" guys. I just completed the trail living off my bike in 7 days with no stress or concerns. I was also out with a 40 yo friend this past weekend for a 25 mile hilly ride and was up some hills faster than him.

John from Cobleskill on 6/27/2020 7:47:00 AM:

If you're in your 40's, you still have many wonderful years of biking in front of you. I am turning 60 in a few days and I am still at it and will be doing 60 mile days when I do the Erie Canal trip soon.

But on the flip side, I'm retired so I can afford to take 6 days "off" where you might be pressed for time due to your work schedule so I understand the need for speed.

wnybubba from Bflo - Roc on 6/27/2020 11:04:35 AM:

@John from Cobleskill -- Spot on.

FEEDBACK! - Please let us know if you have suggestions, corrections, complaints, or ideas. Your input is valued and appreciated - thanks in advance!

More info: Erie Canal Home Erie Canal Map Trip Planner Travel Timeline Forum Towns & Services Mileage Chart Elevation Profile Advertise Search Contact Us

By using this website, you agree to the Terms and Conditions.

how this website uses cookies