Reply to Erie Canal lodging

Looking to buy land near canal to build anything from platforms to lean tos to yurts. We are few miles outside of Syracuse. Might offer additional services. Would you stay? How much would you pay? What services would you like offered? What type of facility would you most like to spend the night in? Thanks for the input!

I would consider a yurt as opposed to a hotel if one were available. The biggest thing would be shower availability somewhere on the campgrounds, somewhere to charge devices, and drinking water available. I’m not sure how large these would be built. I would say small 1-2 person yurts would be the best and priced lower than a typical hotel.

Definitely would use a lean-to/Adirondack, obviously cheaper than a yurt. There are a few free ones along the GAP in PA and everyone claims them first when I stop by them, people love them.

From a self-contained rider perspective -- I think that John W. is probably right about availability to camp and have water. Comparing it to the GAP Trail is ideal as there are many options along the trail ranging from [A] Free campsites with lean-tos, flat ground areas, pit toilets and water [B] limited "hiker/biker" lawn areas at regular campgrounds that are walk-in free or $8 reserved, [C] primitive campground @ $15 to the usual campground experience.

Personally, I do not care for hard surfaces such as a L/T or platform to set up my tent, rather just a flat space on the ground is fine. Having fire-pits is great, but availability to wood is necessary but a wonderful nicety if it is complimentary!

I'm okay with water and no shower... however, availability to a shower is an awesome find. The above [B] actually had availability to campground restrooms with free showers! Definitely if electrical outlets were available, they are greatly helpful, but that's something that any rider has to figure out. I used a solar charger and was fine.

So, the question then becomes: Who is your targeted audience? There are probably more riders/hikers who are looking for less primitive options for lodging -- and they are readily available. In that case, your experience has to be offering a unique experience to the overnight user, but not limiting too many of the niceties that would be expected.

From a self-contained rider perspective -- Yes, I would stay if it fit into my mileage plans; I think I'd top out at ~$15 for primitive camping and hopefully that would include an option for showering.

Rode Erie 2 years ago end to end Taking my wife this week for 2 days. What would the most interesting 75 miles to ride thanks

Having recently finished E2E, I favored the Barge Canal section between Buffalo and Syracuse. It's a nice mixture of paved and gavel with interesting villages and sights along the way. You'd have to figure out the exact 75 miles, but the western end, ending up in Buffalo at Canalside, would be a prime target. Many things to do there and in the downtown area would be on my list to fully engage your wife! Alternatively... end up in North Tonawanda [the end of the canal as it meets the river]. They have a nice canalside development. This way you'll miss following the Niagara River into Buffalo and not have to deal with a big city. Remington Tavern in NT is a great place to celebrate. Ending up in Lockport would also be a decent ending point offering a good look at the Flight of Five locks with restaurants and lodging available.

if I was to ride 180 miles of the Erie Canal bike trail would the best ride be from Albany to Syracuse or would it be Syracuse to Buffalo comments well appreciated

Bill, just one person's opinion here but if I wanted to do a lary section, I would begin in Fairport and head to Buffalo.nI am not too familiar with the trail from Syracuse to Fairport. I will let others counsel you. I like the mix of natural beauty and small town America you find starting in Fairport. It's my favorite section to ride. Safe travels!

I've biked on the Erie Canal 3 times. The first 2 times were with Wilderness Voyageaurs, and focused on the western portion of the trail. The third time was last year, again on the western portion. I biked for three days from Tonawanda to Brockport with my husband as support. I really loved all three rides. Last year, having my own personal support, was the best. We loved the little towns. I loved the scenery as I biked. I'm hoping to plan another ride before October and pick up where we left off at Brockport.