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Short segment for young rider


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Ho Nguyen from St. Mary’s City, MD on 8/8/2026 9:14:42 PM:
Advice please. I’m looking for a smooth (no root) & scenic 3-5 mile section on the ECT to take my son and 3 grandsons, aged 10 (twins) and 5, for a day ride. I rode the entire trail in 2021 for my 75th birthday but I don’t recall the details. My plan is to ride with the boys for 3-5 miles to a picturesque town to have lunch and rest. Afterwards, we’ll ride back to our vehicles. The distance is limited by the 5-year old who has biked up to 5 miles on his own. My son lives in the Corning area so recommendations for towns between Buffalo and Rochester are appreciated. Thank you.

 
Phil Lussier from Ashfield on 8/8/2026 10:07:16 PM:
A short section you might like is to ride into Lockport and see the Flight of Five Locks. There is a parking lot about 2 miles east of that spot so you would have a four mile round trip from there. However you could ride a bit further into Lockport and find a spot to eat. You'll probably be walking the bikes if you head further into town just to be playing it safe with young riders. The museum associated with the Flight of Five would be worth visiting.

 
Cathy from Churchill, PA on 8/11/2026 1:18:07 AM:
I agree with Phil about Lockport and the flight of 5 locks and museum. The kids may enjoy the statues of travelers near the locks. And if you can get to any locks that are operating and let the kids see them in action, that would be icing on the cake. I don't know if the flight of 5 is still operational, but other locks on the Erie canal still work. Even if it ended up being something you drove to, your grandsons will enjoy and remember it.