Some of our most relaxed guests arrive on bikes. Others borrow ours. The Erie Canalway Trail runs right past our door in Herkimer, and on a warm spring or summer morning, it offers one of the simplest pleasures Central New York has to offer: a flat, shaded ride along a 200-year-old waterway, with a cup of coffee in your bottle holder and most of the day still ahead.

If you have never cycled the trail before, this guide is for you. We will cover where to start, what to bring, where to stop, and how to plan the kind of day that ends with tired legs and a good story.

Why the Erie Canalway Trail Is Perfect for First-Timers

The Erie Canalway Trail is part of the larger Empire State Trail, the longest multi-use trail in the country. It runs 360 miles from Buffalo to Albany, but the beauty of it for first-time cyclists is that you can ride as little or as much as you want. The trail is mostly flat, mostly paved (with some compacted stone sections), and threaded through small upstate towns where it is easy to find lunch, a bathroom, or a friendly conversation with a fellow rider.

The Herkimer section is one of the prettiest. You are moving through farmland, past historic locks, alongside the canal where boats still pass through in summer. It is the kind of ride that gives you exactly as much challenge as you choose.

Where to Start From Grand Colonial

The trail access point closest to Grand Colonial is just a few minutes away. From our front porch, you can be on the trail in under ten minutes of pedaling. We are happy to point you in the right direction at breakfast, or even sketch you a map.

Don’t have a bike? We rent bicycles right here at Grand Colonial, by the hour or by the day. Helmets are included, and we’ll happily map out a route for you over morning coffee.

What to Pack

For a half-day to full-day ride, we recommend:

• Water. The trail has occasional fountains, but it is safer to bring your own.
• Sunscreen and a hat. Most of the trail is shaded, but not all of it.
• A small bag with a snack. A granola bar or a piece of fruit makes a big difference at mile fifteen.
• A light jacket. Even on warm days, the trail dips into shaded sections that can feel cool.
• A phone with the AllTrails app or a paper trail map. Cell service is reliable but not perfect.

We will send you off after a hearty made-to-order breakfast, which we promise is a better fuel source than anything you would grab at a gas station.

A Suggested Day Itinerary

8:30 AM. Breakfast in our dining room. Eggs your way, bacon or sausage, fresh fruit, and homemade scones if you are lucky. Coffee, of course.

9:30 AM. Pedal east on the trail toward Little Falls. The first few miles take you past Fort Herkimer Church, one of the oldest churches in the state.

11:00 AM. Stop at Lock 17 in Little Falls, the highest single-chamber lock in the world when it was built. Take photos. Wave at boats coming through.

12:30 PM. Lunch in Little Falls. Try Ann Street Deli for sandwiches or Piccolo Café for something heartier.

2:00 PM. Begin the ride back. The afternoon light along the canal is some of the best photography you will find.

4:00 PM. Back at Grand Colonial. A glass of iced tea or lemonade waiting in the parlor, and the rest of the evening is yours.

Best Time to Ride

The trail is busiest in summer and most beautiful in spring (when the wildflowers bloom along the towpath) and fall (when the maples turn). May, June, September, and October are our personal favorites. The trail is technically open year-round, but winter rides require dedication and the right gear.

Where to Stay

Grand Colonial Bed and Breakfast is in the historic district of Herkimer, NY, just minutes from the trail. Four guest rooms, private baths, made-to-order breakfast, and the kind of welcome that makes hard riding days feel easy. We are happy to help you plan your route, store your bike, or pack a snack for the trail.

Ready to ride? Book your stay or explore other activities in the area.