How long does it take to bike the Erie Canal trail?
Every summer, cyclists leave their cars behind in Buffalo to pedal along the historic Erie Canalway Trail to Albany for Parks & Trails New York’s annual Cycle the Erie Canal bike tour. The 400-mile journey along the legendary Erie Canal ends in Albany eight days later.
Is there a bike trail along the Erie Canal?
The Erie Canalway Trail between Albany and Buffalo is 87-percent off road and suitable for all ages and abilities. The trail closely parallels both active and historic sections of the Erie Canal. You’ll enjoy great cycling and easy access to communities, attractions, and amenities throughout the Canalway Corridor.
Is the Erie Canal bike trail flat?
This 90-mile stretch in western New York boasts some of the best cycling along the Erie Canal. The trail is off road and flat, so it’s great for families, as well as experienced cyclists. You can easily break the route into a series of day trips. Along the way, be sure to make time to stop in Lockport.
Is the Erie Canal bike path open?
COVID-19: the Erie Canal bike path IS OPEN and offers a safe and healthy option for recreation. The Erie Canalway makes up nearly half of New York’s ambitious Empire State Trail, a 750-mile multi-use trail system which runs from New York City to Canada, and connects into the Erie Canalway at Albany.
What killed the Erie Canal?
More than half of the original Erie Canal was destroyed or abandoned during construction of the New York State Barge Canal in the early 20th century. The sections of the original route remaining in use were widened significantly, mostly west of Syracuse, with bridges rebuilt and locks replaced.
How much of the Erie Canal bike trail is paved?
Between Little Falls and Albany, this section of the trail—also known as the Mohawk-Hudson Bikeway or Mohawk-Hudson Bike Trail—stretches 39 miles and is paved with some on-road connections.
Are snowmobiles allowed on the Erie Canal trail?
According to Betsy Graham, Public Relations Officer for the New York State Thruway Authority/Canal Corporation, “Snowmobiles are only allowed on the canal path if a permit is issued to a local snowmobile club. The club pays $250 for the permit and has to prove they carry $2 million in insurance.
How many miles is the Erie Canal trail?
400 miles
One Trail… Whether enjoying a leisurely ride from one village to another or spending a week completing the entire 400 miles, the Erie Canalway Trail offers endless adventures exploring the charming towns, living history, scenic beauty and cultural attractions of New York State.
Can you walk the whole Erie Canal?
Join this exclusive club! The distinction of being an End-to-Ender is reserved for those who cycle, hike or paddle the entire distance (360 miles) from Buffalo to Albany (or Albany to Buffalo). Plan an extended trip or get there by checking off one 90 mile region at a time.
Where does the Erie Canal Trail take you?
Most of the Erie Canal Trail uses gravel paths along the route of the Erie Canal, although some sections use local roads. The trail will take you across almost the entire state of New York, including through the cities of Rochester, Syracuse, and Utica, plus many small towns and beautiful New York countryside.
Are businesses open on the Erie Canalway bike path?
However, business hours and closures are unpredictable and subject to change. If you are counting on a business to be open, call ahead to make sure. The Erie Canalway Bike Path streches across over 350 miles of upstate New York, from Buffalo to Albany. Plan your trip using these maps and planning tools.
How high is the elevation on the Erie Canal Trail?
The Erie Canal Bike Trail System The Canalway Trail extends 360 miles if you want to be an “end-to-ender” who does the whole route the barges used to travel. You only rise 566 feet in elevation that whole time if you’re heading west, or go down that much if you’re headed east.
Can you ride the Erie Canal on Amtrak?
Amtrak runs regular service between Albany, Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo, with several stops in between. So even if you rode the entire length of the canal route, you could take the train back to where you started. There’s limited cargo space for bikes though–usually six are allowed per train—so you have to plan ahead.