Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor:
New York
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Description:
The Erie Canalway Trail runs 380 miles, from Buffalo in the west to Albany in the east, linking other cities of Rochester, Syracuse, Rome, Utica, and Schenectady. As of August 2011, about 75% of the trail is complete with a few remaining gaps (information below). The trail is mostly level, although portions through the Mohawk River Valley are a little bit steeper.

Most of the Erie Canalway Trail is surfaced in crushed limestone dust, which can be smooth and make for easy riding when dry, more difficult riding when wet or freshly laid. For this reason, if you're biking the trail, wider tires are recommended. Other parts of the trail are natural surface, which means tree roots and ruts can sometimes make for difficult biking or hinder wheelchairs. Even fewer sections have asphalt surfaces, and there are long sections in some parts of the trail that are on-road.

Ever since the canalway system was replaced by highway, freight and air traffic, people along the extensive canalway have sought ways to revitalize their communities. As early as the 1960s, communities began to develop trail systems along their neighboring towpaths. Today these trails form a vital part of people's lives, not only providing recreation and non-motorized commuter alternatives, but invigorating communities through commercial, historical and artistic development, while linking neighboring towns.

Trail segments of the Erie Canalway Trail include:

Erie Canalway Trail: Tonawanda to Newark (Erie Canal Heritage Trail)

Erie Canalway Trail: Port Byron to Utica (Old Erie Canal State Park)

Erie Canalway Trail: Little Falls to Albany (Mohawk-Hudson Bikeway)

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Parking & Trail Access:
There are numerous access points and places to park along the Erie Canalway Trail. For more information, contact Parks and Trails New York.

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Reviews: [0 trail ratings]
Me - August 22, 2011
Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Albany to Buffalo
Counties: Albany, Cayuga, Herkimer, Madison, Monroe, Montgomery, Niagara, Oneida, Onondaga, Orleans, Schenectady, Wayne
Trail Length: 380 miles
Trail Category: Canal
Trail Surfaces: Asphalt, Crushed Stone, Gravel, Dirt
Trail Activities: Bike, Fishing, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Snowmobiling, Walking, Cross Country Skiing
TrailLink ID: 6016603

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Guidebook: Learn more about other New York rail-trails in RTC's New York Guidebook.
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