Bike/Hike the Canals

Cycle The Erie Canal 2025

3 January 2025
Categories: Bike/Hike the Canals
Cycle the Erie Canal

July 12 – 20, 2025

 

Celebrate the bicentennial of the historic Erie Canal out on the trail!

register now
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The historic Erie Canalway Trail offers some of the best cycling anywhere in the Northeast. This 400-mile, fully-supported bike tour takes riders from Buffalo to Albany in 8 days. And this year, we’re celebrating the bicentennial of the Erie Canal!

Covering between 40 and 60 miles per day, cyclists experience scenic vistas, pivotal history, and unparalleled cycling. The Erie Canalway Trail is now more than 85 percent off-road and suitable for all ages and abilities.

See you on the trail!

Lockport to Celebrate 11th Annual Locktoberfest

25 September 2024
Categories: Canal Road Trips, Western Erie Canal

Lockport to Celebrate 11th Annual Locktoberfest

 

          From the Lockport Locks to Canal Street to the Erie Canal Discovery Center, Lockport will be transformed into an exciting entertainment venue and marketplace for the 11th Annual Locktoberfest on Saturday, September 28.

          Canal Street will be filled with over 50 local vendors featuring farm fresh produce and crafts from 10 am to 6 pm as well as food, drink and live music. Added to this will be a Family Fun Zone and all day entertainment at the Locktoberfest stage.

The Erie Canal Discovery Center will welcome to its extensive displays of the Erie Canal and the Lockport Locks. Locks Demonstrations, featuring the Erie Traveler will be available from 11 am – 1 pm, and attendees may visit the Lock Tenders Tribute Monument and the Locks District Museum located in the Lockport Locks.

          Admission to Locktoberfest is free. Additional information is available at locktoberfest.org. Locktoberfest is organized by Lockport Main Street, Inc, and is co-sponsored by the Lockport Locks Heritage District Corporation, Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, NYS Canal Corporation, Heinrich Chevrolet, Cornerstone Community Federal Credit Union and the Locktender Taproom.

 

 

For more information: David Kinyon (716-638-1119 or [email protected])

 

Locktoberfest Seneca Falls 2018

23 September 2018
Categories: Canal Road Trips, Cayuga/Seneca Canals, Uncategorized

Join in on the fun as Seneca Falls celebrates their second annual Locktoberfest. It’s an awesome autumn celebration of our local heritage, farms, craft-beverages, food and cuisine, Artisans, crafters, boaters, families and community all along the Seneca Falls Canal Harbor along the “wall”
The party kicks off first thing Sat. morning Oct. 6th. as the Seneca Falls Rotary Club sponsors a Pancake Breakfast. Pancakes will be flipping at the Seneca Falls Community Center.
Proceeds will help the club support many local projects which include the United Way backpack programs, literacy volunteers, reading in the schools, the House of Concern Thanksgiving Dinners, Camp Onseyawa, educational scholarships, Project Graduation, National Women’s Hall of Fame, Seneca Falls Children’s Committee and many others.
The pancake breakfast goes from 7am. – 11am. $8.00 for adults, $4.00 for children 12 and under.
Take a Hayride down the Ludovico Sculpture Trail.
Hayrides will take you from the Locktoberfest location on the North Side of the Canal to the South side and down the beautiful Ludovico Trail. The Ludovico Sculpture Trails is a trail that parallels the south shore of the Cayuga-Seneca Canal in Seneca Falls. It will eventually be part of the Erie Canalway Trail that reaches across New York State.
This trail is special in that it is a sculpture garden as well as a trail. The first sculpture that was installed along the trail is called, “The Status of Women” and commemorates six important points in women’s history. You will also find statues of Amelia Bloomer and Mary Baker Eddy, two prominent women in women’s suffrage.
After a day of family fun, live music and food, help us create an unforgettable night by lighting up the Canal Harbor with your personalized Floating Lantern. Floating Lanterns will be available for decorating and personalization throughout the day during Locktoberfest. Once the sun has set, the lanterns will be launched.
Music starts at 12:00 and runs all day through 10:00 when the festival concludes. For more information visit the Locktoberfest  website 

Locktoberfest Seneca Falls is sponsored by the Seneca Falls Business Association  

1.5 Billion Dollars Generated Annually Through Events Along The Erie Canal

19 May 2018
Categories: Bike/Hike the Canals, Boat the Erie Canal, Canal Road Trips, Cayuga/Seneca Canals, Champlain Canal, Eastern Erie Canal, Oswego Canal, Uncategorized, Western Erie Canal

Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor just released a study which shows that an estimated 1.5 billion dollars is generated annually by events such as boat tours, bicycle and paddle-sport rentals and historic site and museum tours along the Erie, Champlain, Oswego and Cayuga-Seneca Canals. Events and tours drew more than 3.3 million visitors in 2017
Erie Canalway commissioned this study in part to determine the impacts of tourism throughout the Canal Corridor. The analysis was conducted by Level 7 Market Research  and supported by a grant from Market New York through I Love NY.
Over the last 10 years, the number of events along the Canal system has increased dramatically to include concerts, art festivals, cycling and paddling events as well as celebrations of local foods and beverages and events that focus on history and heritage. The NYS Canal Corporation website calendar listed more than 470 events.
The Erie Canal from Waterford to Brewerton is scheduled to open on May 15th. weather permitting with the entire canal system scheduled to open on May 18th.
In 2018 events include the 20th. Anniversary of Cycle The Erie Canal Bike Tour organized by Parks & Trails New York and the cross-canal journey of the Corning Museum of Glass GlassBarge, traveling with the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum’s Canal Schooner Lois McClure
For the full Canal Event Analysis and Visitor Research Study, click here.
The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor spans 524 miles across the full expanse of upstate New York, encompassing the Erie, Cayuga-Seneca, Oswego, and Champlain canals and their historic alignments, as well as more than 230 canal communities.  Read the entire report

Plans announced to close gap in Erie Canalway Trail in Onondaga County

25 February 2018
Categories: Bike/Hike the Canals, Eastern Erie Canal

 

New York state has released a concept plan that closes the gap in the Erie Canalway Trail System between Camillus and DeWitt. It would extend the recreation trail through an urban area.

From the start, bridging the 14-mile gap has been the most challenging part of creating a seamless trail that closely follows the path of the Erie Canal.

“This segment of the trail goes through the most heavily urbanized areas of Onondaga County,” said Town of DeWitt planner Sam Gordon.

Gordon says there are several elements of the Elevating Erie concept plan that addresses that, but the most visible is arguably a multi-use, landscaped trail and green space running down the center median of Erie boulevard from Syracuse into DeWitt. It’s something that could ultimately change the traffic pattern of a road that was once a main thoroughfare from DeWitt into Syracuse.

“Erie Boulevard itself was designed before 690 was built,” Gordon said.” So there is a lot of excess capacity along Erie Boulevard East. And part of this project will investigate reducing the number of travel lanes.”

Other aspects of what the state is calling the Elevating Erie Concept Plan include a trail bridge over 481 near the Butternut Creek Canal Park and connecting downtown to Onondaga County’s Loop the Lake trail. 

Lawmakers have approved spending almost $22 million to complete the trail as part of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Empire State Trail initiative. The project still needs final approval and there are opportunities for public input. Plans are for construction to begin next year so the trail would be in place by 2020.

Article originally written by Ellen Abbott

 

Art & History Along The Erie Canal

19 January 2018
Categories: Canal Road Trips, Eastern Erie Canal, Oswego Canal

Explore the juxtaposition of art and history along the Oswego and Erie canals in Oswego and Onondaga counties. Experience vibrant arts centers and interesting tours of modern and historical facilities. Take a walk down a quaint historic street, through fascinating museums, shops and a thought-provoking gallery.

 

Begin your tour along the historic Oswego Canal in the Port City. Explore 300 years of maritime history at the H Lee White Maritime Museum, located on a pier overlooking the harbor of America’s oldest freshwater port. Climb aboard the National Historic Landmark “LT-5,” a U.S. Army tugboat and veteran of the Normandy Invasion of World War II; “Lance Knapp,” the last steam-powered vessel on the Barge Canal; and Derrick Barge No. 8, a 1925 NYS Canal boat. View a vast display of artifacts including ship models, navigation equipment and nautical paintings.

 

Continue from the pier along historic West First Street to take in the exquisite architecture of an Underground Railroad site, the Buckhout-Jones Building. Stop into Canal Commons  to find the perfect gift at the artist-owned co-op, Riverside Artisans; browse a fine selection of wines, coffee, or tea at Andrew’s Wine Cellar and Taste the World; or pick up a sweet treat at Man in the Moon Candies.

 

Head over to Fulton for a delectable lunch with views of the historic Oswego Canal at Tavern On The Lock

 

After lunch, walk along the Oswego Canal  to Lock #3. Along the way, view the Salvation Army Building mural by local artist Ben Jerred which depicts the city’s history on the canal and pays tribute to the former L.C. Smith Hunter Arms Company. Enjoy a guided tour of the canal facility, learn what it takes to operate a lock, and possibly see a lock operator in action. (This is a seasonal venue.) Step across the street to the Arts Center  to view assorted artwork in a variety of mediums from local artists. Browse the gallery and add a new piece to your own collection.

 

Make your way to Syracuse to visit the Erie Canal Museum  where you will learn more about the history of this incredible man-made endeavor. Located in the only weigh-lock building still in existence in the U.S., the museum tells the story of the canal through exhibits, prints, photographs, documents and rare books.

 

Cycle the Erie Canal Tour

7 January 2018
Categories: Bike/Hike the Canals

Did you resolve to spend more time outside in 2018? We’ve got the perfect way for you to achieve your resolution! Join us July 8-15 for Parks & Trails New York’s 20th annual Cycle the Erie Canal tour. The tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience great cycling while taking in the rich history of the legendary canal that helped transform America.. The tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience great cycling while taking in the rich history of the legendary canal that helped transform America. Sign up today to join over 600 cyclists ride across New York this summer along the historic Erie Canal, which is celebrating its 200th birthday this year.

This year, the Cycle the Erie Canal tour offers:     2-Day and 4-Day Options: You can still enjoy a cycling adventure even if you can’t make the entire 8-day trip. Weekend and 4-day options allow you to fit a world class cycling experience into your busy schedule. These shorter options are great for families as well. Return Shuttle: Riders from Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Toronto, and points west will be happy to hear we’ll once again be offering our return shuttle from Albany to Buffalo at the end of the ride to make your vacation relaxing and worry free from start to finish. Erie Canal Trailblazers: Interested in cycling the whole tour for only $100? Become a Cycle the Erie Canal Trailblazer and help PTNY promote the Erie Canalway Trail and bicycle tourism! Registration includes a free Cycle the Erie Canal Trailblazer jersey and guidebook and special recognition on the tour. Learn more. If you have any questions about Cycle the Erie Canal, call Parks & Trails New York at 518-434-1583 or email [email protected]. Also, check out our Cycle the Erie Canal website to learn more about all the Erie Canalway Trail has to offer.

It’s A Wonderful Life Seneca Falls

2 December 2017
Categories: Canal Road Trips, Cayuga/Seneca Canals

 

A classic movie that first appeared on the big screen in 1946 is now about to celebrate it’s 71st year and Seneca Falls, considered to have been the community that the Frank Capra directed movie is based on celebrates the classic film once again on December 7th 8th, 9th and 10th. with a weekend full of events located throughout the town.

An Old Time Radio Theatre Broadcast performed by the Seneca Community Players at the “Bedford Falls Bijou Theatre” kicks off the celebration on Thursday night Dec. 7th. and the weekend closes with the Ringing of the Bells by the churches of Seneca Falls in honor of those who made a difference in our lives. Remember every time a bell rings an angel gets their wings!!

The weekend is packed with events on each day including It’s A Wonderful Life participation movie on Friday night where there will be opportunities for Singing, Dancing, and Laughing. Before the movie take in the Mrs. Martinis Pasta Dinner & Movie Trivia from 5:30-7:30

On Saturday Join in on the Taste of Bedford Falls, wonderful food & drinks from many of the fine establishments from “Bedford Falls” from 5pm-7pm and then walk over to the Party in Pottersville being held each night of the event in a heated tent, with Beer, Wine, Soda, Cider, DJ, Dancing with two bars and light snacks available.

On Sunday take the “Bedford Falls” express a 90-minute train ride from Academy Square across Cayuga Lake to the Cayuga train station and back to Seneca Falls. These are just a few of the long list of events happening in Seneca Falls during the weekend. A full schedule of events can be found at www.therealbedfordfalls.com

While visiting Seneca Falls don’t miss the opportunity to visit the It’s a Wonderful Life Museum located at 32 Fall St. As you travel around Seneca Falls, think about how Frank Capra used his visit to Seneca Falls as a backdrop to Bedford Falls. Whether it’s the steel truss bridge, or the Partridge Building, Mr Partridge was the name of the high school principle in the Film. Seneca Falls had a very prominent family of bankers and merchants named Partridge. Visit the museum to learn about all the similarities between the movie and the town of Seneca Falls.

Seneca Falls located in the heart of the finger lakes surrounded by wineries and breweries, as well as being a prime location on the Cayuga / Seneca Canal is also the birthplace of the Women’s rights movement being the home of the Women’s Rights National Historical Park

Town of Niskayuna Cuts Ribbon on New Bike Hike Trail Extension

6 November 2017
Categories: Bike/Hike the Canals, Eastern Erie Canal

 

Town Has Completed Two Extensions in 2017 and Has Three Projects Planned for 2018

Posted on: November 3, 2017 – 5:00pm

Niskayuna Town Supervisor Joe Landry and Town Board Members John Della Ratta, Lisa Weber, and Bill McPartlon cut the ribbon for the new Flower Hill Multi-Use Path Connection, located at the end of Flower Hill Ct off of Pinecrest Drive. The Mohawk Hudson Bike-Hike Trail has over 263,757 trips a year in portions of Niskayuna. 

The Mohawk Hudson Bike Hike trail is a regional multi-use trail that traverses the Town and provides an important transportation alternative and recreational resource that connects a number of residential neighbors with parks and work destinations. The Flower Hill Multi-Use Path Connection was identified by Niskayuna Safe Routes Committee as a high priority project

EERIE HALLOWEEN! At The Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum

16 October 2017
Categories: Bike/Hike the Canals, Canal Road Trips, Eastern Erie Canal

While the Erie Canal has closed for the season the events keep coming and at the Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum Museum October is full of events starting with pumpkin carving on Oct. 19th. & 20th.

 

                Thursday Oct. 19th. 5pm-7pm

                Friday Oct. 20th. 5pm-7pm

 

Deadlines to attend for free is Oct. 18th. noon for Oct. 19th. Carving night and Oct. 19th. by noon for Oct. 20th. Carving Night.

For more information on Carving Night contact Sullivan Parks and Recreation to sign up (315) 687-3471

Or https://sullivan.recdesk.com

One free pumpkin per family member, food and drinks will be provided. Event is free for those who register by above deadlines or $5.00 per family at the door. All pumpkins carved will be entered into the pumpkin carving contest and placed on the Candlelit Pumpkin Path for all to see at the Eerie Halloween

1 free pumpkin per family member, food and drinks will be provided. Event is free for those who register by above deadlines, or $5.00 per family at the door. All pumpkins carved will be entered into the Pumpkin Carving Contest and placed on the Candlelit Pumpkin Path for all to see.

Eerie Halloween Family Fun Event!!!

 

            Saturday, October 21st. 2017

            3:00pm – 7:00pm

            FREE

Bring the family out for this family-friendly event that is sure to be a new favorite tradition. Event will be held rain or shine, with events happening both indoors and outdoors. Please dress for the weather conditions

            *Pumpkin Carving Contest * Haunted House * Scavenger Hunt *Costume Contest

            *Crafts *Refreshments (for purchase) *Candlelit Pumpkin Path * Blacksmith Demos

Come out and join us in some community spirit, fellowship and fundraising at this year’s  Eerie Canal Towpath Run Best Costume Awards for runners and walkers!!

Come out and join us in some community spirit, fellowship and fundraising at this year’s event.

Time: 11 am – 2:30 pm on Sat. (3.5 hr. cut off time) 11 am. 15 mile run start, 11:30 am 5K start. 11:45 2-mile walk starts.

Registration and packet pick up: 9:30am-10:45am on 10/21/17

The run is hosted by Chittenango Rotary Club, Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum and the town of Sullivan Parks and Recreation Department and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.