Explore the best rated trails in Oneonta, NY. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Tannersville Bike Path (Huckleberry Multi-Use Trail) and Andes Rail Trail. With more than 13 trails covering 392 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
A great walk to do in section. The best sections are from Bloomsville to grand gorge. To Roxbury follow the main roads
On August 12, 2022 I rode my bicycle on the Erie Canalway trail from Port Byron to the Erie Canal Park and Museum in Camillus (which is on the trail) and back, approximately 19 miles each way. It was a dry, sunny day in the 80’s. The surface was mostly crushed gravel and packed earth with a few stretches on asphalt in the breakdown lane of some local roads where the trail diverged from the canal. The condition was good to excellent except for the final short stretch near Camillus which was unacceptable because erosion in two areas created the dangerous possibility of falling into the canal and because the trail was too narrow for two bikes in opposite directions to safely pass each other. For this small section, I recommend riding on the local road on the other side of the concrete barrier dividing this path from the local road. The surface on this local road was only fair secondary to potholes and cracks in the asphalt.
The museum in the Camillus Erie Canal Park is open 12-4 PM on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday and is open from 1-5 PM on Sunday. Most sections of the Erie Canalway Trail from Port Byron to Camillus run along a non-navigable branch of the Erie Canal which is very shallow and is overgrown with algae or cattail plants or is filled in with dirt. Other sections go through wooded areas, rural areas, farmland and the small town of Weedsport.
My wife and I, fit and in our 60s, took this trail for a pleasure jaunt on a Sunday afternoon in late July. It was a sunny, 90-degree day. Based on prior reviews, we decided to start in Stamford and head southwest toward Bloomville.
We had the trail just about entirely to ourselves, passing just a four cyclists in the couple of hours we were on the trail. Despite the heat, the ride was very comfortable, with lots of shade and a nice breeze.
The terrain was varied just enough to keep us alert--occasional gravel patches, some grassy areas early in the trip--but nothing alarming or difficult to manage. I ride a 10-speed bike (not a mountain bike) and had no problems--it was pretty smooth sailing.
Other reviewers have mentioned motorized vehicles. We got on the trail just as a half-dozen retirees were steering their all terrain vehicles off the trail in Stamford. That was the last we saw or heard of anything motorized.
We didn't quite make it to Bloomville, but turned around just west of South Kortright. A lovely ride--varied scenery, lots of shade, lovely birdsongs--couldn't have asked for anything better.
Road stretch of trail from Canastota to Route 290 trail head and return. Total 28.6 miles. Trail in great condition but stretches of Erie Canal are still standing/ stagnant algae. It was 90+ degrees. Lovely gift of a case of cold water at 290 trail head. The surprise gift was much needed by riders/runners. Posting this to keep track of completed sections as I don’t see that feature on trail link. Perhaps it will be added.
ON 5/16 with a storm coming in from South, I started out at Orson pond and headed south. Trail conditions are very choppy as this end is pretty much ATV's are the prime users of this section of trail. At about 1/2 mile as you get into woods, the trail begins to smooth out on the edges. The biggest draw back is missing the great scenery on both sides of the trail as you must stay mindful of the trail conditions and constantly finding a smooth path. Also noteworthy is the width of the trail is almost double most rail trails. So sharing this with ATV makes for easy passing. Ended up at StillWater in a bout 90 minutes. Also - there are no markings on this end for miles as all signage is for ATV community. I did not see anyone this day and did not see a single Cycle track, so if you want solitude - this run works.
Parksville Rail Trail is one of our favorites! It’s gorgeous year round (though usually quite wet in parts, and icy in winter) but it’s one of our go to trails for a quick hike. Great for kids too!
As you come into Utica, there is a construction area that would benefit from some temporary signs. You ride down a small hill into a wide open area. Once you do this, you will find that there is no sign that should direct riders to go left. Going left will take you across railroad tracks, and to one of the locks. You cross the lock and rejoin the trail. If you make the mistake and take a right instead of going left, you will be forced to ride into Utica on a busy road. Other than needing a sign at this location in Utica, the trail is amazing. We road from Syracuse to Albany.
Started in Carbondale on the Lackawanna Trail and continued seamlessly to the D&H. Trail was nice compacted cinders as described up to Ararat trailhead, trail was nice continuous uphill climb at about 1-2% barely noticeable. Last mile or two to Ararat increased to maybe 3% and was noticeable. The scenery along this stretch was varied and beautiful with small lakes an Stillwater Lake which is dammed.
From Ararat to Starrucca Viaduct is also as advertised, minimum is Hybrid with suspension, the one review that said he did it without suspension must have reverberated for weeks. This stretch is downhill and would be very difficult riding the other way the downhill grade helped overcome the friction of the uncompacted gravel.
The big disappointment came as we neared the Viaduct, the trail markings almost diminished and alternate paths made it confusing we ended up riding into town and onto town roads to the Viaduct. The Viaduct should be a highlight for this trail and unless you start there which is not recommended you could struggle to find it.
The section north of the viaduct to NY was almost impossible to find and poorly maintained dirt trail, NY line wasn't even marked, total waste of time.
2021: Biked the Erie Canal trail from Buffalo to Cohoes. Well worth the time. And mostly a very pleasant experience, with just a few caveats. Trail improvements are ongoing and signage along the trail is not always up to date, so check your route carefully, especially where it is on-road. The initial section from downtown Buffalo is grungy city streets, but that improves with a great, mostly off-road trail all the way to Lyons. Lockport to Spencerport is fairly exposed, but from there on to Lyons is generally pleasantly green and shaded. From Clyde to Port Byron and through Syracuse were onroad and not always clearly signed and were the least pleasant. From the east side of Syracuse all the way to Cohoes was a delightful and beautiful ride, with the exception of finding one's way onroad and with poor signage through Rome. All in all (despite my caveats) a good, local, human-powered bucket-list endeavor, with thanks to all the communities along the way and everyone maintaining and improving and filling the gaps in the trail.
I rode from the viaduct to Thompson (13 miles) then Thompson to Carbondale (26 miles). From the viaduct to Ararat road was mountain bike trails (hopefully with suspension). Beautiful scenery. From Ararat rd parking area south to Carbondale was a developed rail-trail. So many beautiful things to see! The constant up hill grade from Carbondale definitely adds to the ~20 mile ride.
Signage coming into Rome traveling east, or leaving Rome traveling west, is non-existent. Expect to travel on busy city roads. Trail Links is a bit better than the Erie Canalway booklet in navigating this, but it’s still a challenge. Lots of construction in Utica and the trail east of Leland Ave is closed.
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