As a cyclist, you’ve undoubtedly had moments when scenery has literally stopped you in your tracks. And, if you constantly fight the urge to speed through rides focused on your speedometer, cycling The Erie Canalway Trail might just change your focus. Slowing down to take in the scenery along the most commercially enduring and historically significant canal system in the United States might be a turning point for you and the way you travel.
The 360-mile Erie Canalway Trail route runs east and west between Buffalo and Albany in Upstate New York. Along the way, it links major cities such as Syracuse, Utica, and Rome with smaller towns and villages such as Frankfort, Herkimer, and Little Falls. As of 2020, the Erie Canalway Trail forms the east-west arm of the Empire State Trail, which connects north to the Canadian border and south to New York City. This multi-use trail invites bicyclists to explore New York State’s extraordinary experiences, incredible scenery, fascinating history, and unparalleled cycling.
There really isn’t a better way to discover a new destination than from the saddle of a bicycle. Instead of rushing through Upstate New York in a car, why not take your time to burn the beautiful landscape deep into your memory? (Don’t worry about burning your calves too much- the trail is mostly level with an average grade of 1% since it mostly follows canal and rail corridors). You’re trapped in a steel and glass bubble in a car, separated from the environment. But on a bike, you’re hyperaware of the world around you. As you pedal, you feel the wind on your skin, and travel becomes more about the journey than the destination. When you stop in the Mohawk Valley, admiring sparkling quartz crystals known as Herkimer Diamonds or watching one of the highest lift locks in the world (check out Lock 17) gives you much more of a tactile sense of the land and the history of its people.
Choose to be more deliberate with your travel. It’s all too easy to see many of a place’s highlights but not truly experience any of them. If you’re not pedaling a bike, try to find other ways to slow down. If you’re ready to bake in time to explore and let the day’s events unfold naturally, we’re here to help. For ease of planning, the trail is divided into four sections. We’ve got all the details you need to plan a one- or two-day trip on Section 3: Syracuse to Little Falls and Section 4: Little Falls to Albany. We suggest exploring the trail from west to east because the prevailing westerly winds make this direction the path of least resistance.
In the late 1800s, many Italian immigrants who came to work on enlarging the Erie Canal settled in the Utica-Rome area. As a result, there’s ample authentic Italian dining. Be sure to try chicken riggies, a local favorite and delicious blend of chicken, rigatoni, and hot or sweet peppers, served in a spicy cream and tomato sauce. Then there’s Utica Greens, an Italian-American signature side dish traditionally made with escarole, hot cherry peppers, and garlic. Ready for dessert? Try a Half Moon Cookie. Originating in Utica in 1920, these cake-like cookies have vanilla or chocolate bottoms and are half-frosted with smooth chocolate fudge and white buttercream frosting.
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Cycle from the harbor over the Route 167 Bridge and turn right to visit Canal Place. These historic mill buildings, perched on the canal, are now home to unique restaurants, antique sellers, and boutique shops. Try the local brews at 
The highest lift on the canal system, this lock carries boats up and down at heights of over 40 feet. It was once the highest lock lift in the world. Trails for Moss Island begin here. You can reach the lock from Canal Place or from the Canalway Trail on the south side of the canal.
Popular with rock climbers, this island is known for its 40 to 50-foot-deep glacial potholes and ancient crystalline rock. The island offers excellent rock climbing opportunities (a range of easy to challenging climbs). Trails will take you around the island in about 40 minutes. Moss Island is adjacent to Lock 17.
