Cyclist in the morning mist near Medina, photo by Debbie Stern
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THINGS TO DO: Bicycling
Enjoy great scenery, fascinating history, and unparalleled cycling along the 365-mile Erie Canalway Trail. The paved and stone dust trail follows both active and historic sections of the Erie Canal. 
 
More than three-quarters of the 365-mile off road trail between Albany and Buffalo is now complete and is safe for all ages. Because the trail closely parallels the Erie Canal, it offers easy access to and from communities throughout the Corridor. Cyclists can follow New York Bike Route 5 to connect off road segments.
 
Along the Champlain Canal, two short, off road trails follow the towpath of the old Champlain Canal in Waterford and Schuylerville. The Glens Falls Feeder Canal Trail offers eight miles of cycling along the historic feeder canal from Glens Falls to Ft. Edward. Alternately, cyclists can take New York Bike Route 9 along Route 4 and the present day Champlain Canal.

 
Cycling resources
  • Go to the Erie Canalway Trail page of our website for details about the trail.
     
  • A cycling guide and award-winning online interactive map is published by Parks & Trails New York. The guide and website make it easy to plan your visit to the Erie Canalway Trail. Awarded "Best Travel and Tourism Site for Trails" by American Trails in 2009.
     
  • Trails maps are available from the NYS Canal Corporation. Call 1-800-4CANAL4 (1-800-422-6254).
     
  • The Feeder Canal Alliance offers a map and information about the Glens Falls Feeder Canal Trail.
     
  • We also recommend Cycling Along the Canals of New York State (2nd edition) by Louis Rossi, which includes over 1,000 miles of rides along New York’s canals; 208 pages; fifty photos, 25 maps; extensive resource section.
     
  • The Erie Canal Bicyclist and Hiker Tour Guide and Finger Lakes Bicyclist's Tour Gide by Harvey Botzman offer detailed route descriptions, tour preparations, and attractions for more advanced cyclists.
 
     
  kids on the trail near Herkimer  
   
Cycling with Kids

Take your kids on the trail with one of our suggested rides go >
 
 
  Up for a Challenge?
Join cycling enthusiasts from across the nation for Cycling the Erie Canal. This annual weeklong tour from Buffalo to Albany attracts 500 riders.
 
Our partner, Parks & Trails New York organizes the event each July and provides logistical support.
Parks and Trails NY >>

 
     
     
     
     
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