Reply to signage and incorrect map

We rode Rome to Schenectady recently. Signage in a few spots was non-existent. East of Utica between the Thruway on the West and 790 on the East is the worst. You will come (going west to east)away from the canal a bit and arrive at a choice of directions a sharp left back toward the canal over RR tracks-- the correct choice. straight ahead on a tarred road or a gentle left on a gravel rd. You will get to a lock which you will cross either at the lower or upper lock and going straight ahead over the field (from the lower lock) you'll find a road to head East on. None of this is signed.To make this even more confusing, there was an Empire State trail sign on the graveled road, but it leads nowhere. It does show more or less when you expand the map. I prefer signs to living off the phone and whatever problems may happen. So, why isn't this signed? We went for several
detours since the correct choice didn't look correct.
And..The interactive map does not seem to be up to date for Utica to Frankfort. Map shows going over river and traveling E on rte 5, but we were able to continue on path on N side of river to rt.37 (schylur). When we got there, there was no sign to indicate which way the trail went. Got info at a local bar and were able to find our way to Frankfort.
We love the Erie Canal trail (especially buffalo to Rochester) and especially because of it's connections to Amtrak. And, we're very disappointment that it isn't easier to find our way.