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Started in Simpson and headed north. The first 12 miles is very nice, except for the occasional noise from the ATV trail nearby. The next eight miles is a little rough, but not too bad. Then a mile of the trail was very soft, like they were working on the trail. After that, it becomes VERY rough - riding on balast. Some very nice scenery; has the potential to be a great trail - if they ever finish cindering the full length of the trail.
I tried this trail starting in two spots. First at the north end off 208. The first few hundred yards are good, but then it becomes overgrown. I went through the brush and mud for another few hundred yards, but turned around at a washed out culvert. Next I drove to the north end of the southern section off S road. This was better. Bumpy with roots across the trail. Foot tall grass in most places, but passable for a half mile or so. After the underpass there are several bridges in degrading condition. I didn't dare ride across, but walked these. There were also downed trees in two spots. A little over a mile in I turned around at another rotting bridge that had 3 large snakes (I believe Northern Water Snakes, but not 100% sure).
I wouldn't waste your time with trying this trail.
The trail is well marked it's a bit tough going on roads through parts of Lockport. Once back on the trail, is well maintained.
In early June, we rode the section of the Erie Canal from Camillus to Syracuse. We also took a side trip on the Onondaga Lake West and East Shore Trails. Round trip, we biked approximatel 30 miles.
We parked at the June Reed Webster Park. The bathrooms were open. With that said, we have been there before and they have been closed. I would not count on them 100%.
The trail was in excellent shape. The Erie Canal section was hard a packed with small gravel. We did encounter hills, which we did not expect on a canal trail. They were small and manageable. Most of the hilly sections were paved, making them easy to navigate. The Onondaga Lake trails are paved and in fantastic condition. We only came across two small sections with tree root bumps.
This section of the Erie Canal Trail goes through the New York State Fairgrounds. It was eerie and strange to be at the Fair when no one else was around. Made for a unique experience.
The Onondaga Lake Trails were a pleasure with views of the lake, woodlands, birds, and flowers. We saw several bluebirds, which is not something we encounter routinely.
The Onondaga Lake Trails are part of the Onondaga Lake Park which has multiple bathroom facilities and picnic tables. We ate our lunch with a view of the lake and pickleball courts. There were a people playing, which provided our lunch time entertainment.
The only potential downside is the trail near Camillus is next to a garbage dumb. It is landscaped nicely with wild flowers in abundance and we did find a turtle on the path. We noticed an odor on our way back when the temperature was hotter. On the positive side, it is a productive use of the land.
We give this trail a thumbs up and will ride it again.
We have been riding the D&H for years, as it is only an hourās car ride away for us. We find the best parking to be at the Forest City Trailhead. It is paved, large, and has an outhouse.
We recently took a 23-mile ride on our hybrids. The trip started at Forest City, riding south to Carbondale. We turned around and went north, past Forest City, to Union Dale. At Union Dale, we turned to the south and ended the ride at our starting point in Forest City.
The trail is an interesting mix of nature, history, and artwork. For most of the ride you are in an isolated area. We had a white tail deer cross the path in front of us. There are many bridges which provide opportunity to view the stream which is running high this time of the year. In Union Dale, you will find a restored railroad car and remains of a mill. In Forest City and near Carbondale, you will find some interesting artwork.
The trail is in very good shape. It is hard packed with small gravel. At one time there were large stones near the Stillwater Dam, but they are no longer there, greatly improving the ride. While there are no large hills, there is a grade going north and you will have to work. We suggest taking this into consideration as you plan your trip.
As others have mentioned, this is a rough trail. Although somewhat scenic, it requires a lot of vigilance to slog through the gravel and overgrown path. We have hybrid tires, so perhaps mountain bikes would offer a more comfortable ride. The high point of our trip was staying at the Stamford inn and eating at the Millpond Inn.
About a 45 minute ride on the Erie Canal path ,starting at the Medina lift bridge, through farmland and villages (Middleport, Gasport) herons that are absolutely not afraid of you! Beautiful in the fall!
This path would be great if work were done on it. Road bikes wonāt make it. You basically need a mountain bike with suspension. I have a hybrid bike with suspension and wide tires but itās still a difficult ride. The scenery is nice but you have to pay a lot of attention to the path.
We had a beautiful Saturday for the ride, and surprised to encounter no other bikes! (Just a couple of walkers and 2 on horseback.) We started in Starrucca (at Little Ireland road), and went toward Lanesboro from there. Not clear where to park at the Starrucca trail entrance, but there's room off the road for a couple of cars.
It's always a good day on the trail when you can start with a historical marker! And there is a nice one there on an old railroad work shed that is still standing. The trail stretching north to Stevens Point is largely unimproved, but certainly ride-able with a decent off-road bike. There are stretches of grassy track that are smooth, some pretty rocky stretches that can be rough, and some muddy spots after a rain. But it's really no problem to keep moving, with a pretty steady, gentle downhill grade. Very pretty tree-lined experience, quite shady, with breaks that reveal the beautiful valley below. The stream down to the right, and occasional small waterfalls on the left, make things very pleasant.
When you get to Stevens Point, you do have to cross Starrucca Creek Road, but not a big deal, and you quickly come into the main trailhead parking area at Rockwell Memorial Park. (Thank you, kind Samaritans, for leaving some water bottles there for bikers!! Really saved us!) From there it's clear sailing all the way to Lanesboro. For this stretch, it's a broad, fine-gravel path that is very easy going, with the slight downhill grade continuing. Fantastic to ride along Starrucca Creek as it rushes to meet the Susquehanna. Outstanding dedicated bike bridges over the creek.
Before you know it, you're under the phenomenal Starrucca Viaduct, standing tall and true since the 1850's!! A testament to engineering!
We continued on to the NY border, just to say we did it! That last stretch occasionally puts you right alongside the Susquehanna, which is broad and calm. Trail surface is largely quick good along this stretch, except as you approach the border ... just gets a little rougher, but not bad.
From Starrucca to the NY border was 11.3 miles. We turned right around and went all the way back. Admittedly, the return was harder as you're going back up the gentle grade, especially the last 5 miles in the unimproved section. But it was an epic and fine journey that took us about 3+ hours of riding and a little over 4 hours elapsed time. (For what it's worth, I'll say that we are 60 and 66 years old ... and we weren't trying to set any speed records.)
If you want a less challenging and much shorter round trip, starting at Stevens Point and going down to Lanesboro and back is just the ticket!
Parked in Bloomville and traveled 7 or 8 miles. E bikes with wide tires. There are spots that are a little rough because larger stone base, but they are minimal. Trail is a real beauty. We did see 2 UTVās, first one was rude. Also gave right of way to a horse and rider. We were concerned the whining of our e bikes might freak him out. We pulled over and shut them off. Beautiful horse, he looked thankful. Weāll be on this one again, especially when the leaves are changing. Canopy covers lots of the trail, so you can get cooled off.
A beautiful start of the trail beneath the Viaduct. Itās newly blacktop/ crushed stone trail heading south towards Starrucca. After about 3 miles it turns to jungle. Itās also all up hill which makes the ride back nicer.
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