Erie Canal Bike Trail Forum

Tandeming Family from Philadelphia on 6/7/2022 6:45:56 PM:

Hi, We will be in the finger lake area and are planning on riding the Erie Canal trails. We are hoping for a section with good scenic views for a 10 to 15 mile stretch with minimal traffic. We will have a small child trailing along. We are hoping to either have a picnic or go to a local lunch spot. We are happy to drive to our destination and jump on the trails.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Bill in Houston from Houston on 6/8/2022 9:37:19 AM:

I may not be correctly guessing exactly where you are talking about, but to me, the trail between Pittsford and Macedon was really nice.

Looking quickly at my notes, I see a few on-road sections, but I think they were fairly calm. Make sure to check your route on Google Maps and Street View to determine if it's appropriate for y'all.

Pittsford has plenty of nice places to eat. And there are lots of nice places for a picnic along the trail.

wnybubba from Bflo/Roc on 6/9/2022 4:11:27 PM:

Not arguing with Bill -- but his suggestion is much closer to Rochester than I would consider Finger Lakes region. For me this would be Macedon and eastward to Camillus. Within that leg -- do not travel east of Clyde --> Weedsport -- road travel and some hills.

Not sure of the mileage you are willing to do -- you wrote a 10-15 mile stretch. Does that mean total distance or a 15 mile stretch with a 15 mile return? Anyway -- Lyons has a really pretty park with picnic tables, swing sets and a bathroom. It would make a nice destination or turn-around point. All of the trail around here pretty with mostly gravel surface as you ride along the Canalway.

Picking another stretch further east would be east of Weedsport (or just at the edge of town) and anywhere from there to Camillus (actually just past the Erie Canal Park to include the Nine Mile Creek Aqueduct a bit further -- see interactive map). Jordan to here would be a great section -- you figure out the mileage total you want to travel.

Bill in Houston from Houston on 6/10/2022 1:48:14 PM:

Glad someone knows where the finger lakes are, wnybubba!

wnybubba from Bflo/Roc on 6/10/2022 11:33:34 PM:

Bill... pretty much between ROC and SYR. I just felt Pittsford was a bit too close to ROC. Also giving more generic info so they can figure out the mileage they want to travel.

Best Scenic Section with Minimal/No Traffic