What to See and Do While Biking the Erie Canalway Trail: Frankfort to Little Falls
Things to see and do on the Erie Canalway Trail From Frankfort to Little Falls, NY
About the Erie Canalway Trail
The 360-mile Erie Canalway Trail route runs east and west across Upstate New York, between the cities of Buffalo and Albany. As of 2020, the Erie Canalway Trail forms the east-west leg of the Empire State Trail, which connects north to the Canadian border and south to New York City (a 750-mile route). The trail has on-road and off-road portions, with more than 85 percent off-road. About half of the off-road sections are paved with asphalt, and the other half consist of stone dust (dry and compacted limestone material). The trail is mostly level with an average grade of one percent since it primarily follows canal and rail corridors. For cyclists and walkers, May through September offers the best weather to experience the trail, surrounding natural beauty, and New York’s historic canalside communities.
Where to Stay
Enhance your cycling experience when you spend the night with us at Grand Colonial Bed and Breakfast. We’re located at 112 W German Street in Herkimer, NY, just two-miles away from the Erie Canalway Trail (within Section 3, between Syracuse and Little Falls).
There is no better way to experience the trail and the local Mohawk Valley region than with a comfortable night’s rest and the best-in-town homemade breakfast, specially prepared for you in the morning. With all the comforts of home, we deliver a level of personalized service and exceptional hospitality you won’t find at chain hotels near Herkimer.
Immerse yourself in the historic charm of our 1800s Colonial-style house – featuring four guest rooms with modern amenities, comfortable bedding, private bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, parking, secured bicycle storage, and a bicycle maintenance and repair station onsite. Grand Colonial Bed and Breakfast is a Bike Friendly New York certified business.
Book directly at grand-colonial.com or by phone at (315) 982-5004. Cancellation is free for all direct booking reservations.
Explore Things to See and Do
Location: Village of Frankfort
Don’t Miss This: Heelpath Brewing
Stop by Heelpath Brewing for a hand-crafted beer made with local ingredients plus pub munchies, sandwiches, and pizza delivered by a golf cart!
Location: Village of Ilion
Don’t Miss This: Voss’s at the Marina
Enjoy traditional American cuisine at this summertime eatery located on the grounds of Ilion’s waterfront marina.
Don’t Miss This: Remington Arms
The Remington Firearms Plant in Ilion is emblematic of the challenges facing manufacturing in upstate New York. When the rifle factory opened in 1828, it launched Ilion (which at the time had the canal running right through downtown) as a major industrial center known for firearms, typewriters, and more.
Location: Herkimer
Don’t Miss This: Old Fort Herkimer Church
Built between 1753 and 1767, Fort Herkimer Church is one of the oldest churches in New York State and the oldest building in Herkimer County. It serves as a reminder of days past, having functioned as both a fortress during the French and Indian War and American Revolution as well as a place of worship for valley settlers.
Don’t Miss This: Herkimer Home State Historic Site
Revolutionary War General Nicholas Herkimer led the defeat of the British at the Battle of Oriskany, a turning point in the war. Injured in the battle, Herkimer died soon after at his 1764 home, now a National Historic Landmark and State Historic Site dedicated to interpreting life in the Mohawk Valley during the Revolutionary War era.
Location: City of Little Falls
Don’t Miss This: Canal Place
Historic Canal Place is one of the success stories of economic revitalization in the Mohawk Valley. Cross the river and canal on Route 167 and turn right on Elizabeth Street for this adorable collection of historic mill buildings that now hosts an array of restaurants and shops.
Don’t Miss This: Lock 17
One of the must see stops along the tour is the massive Lock 17 in Little Falls. At over 40 feet, Lock 17 is the highest lift lock on the canal and was the highest in the world when completed in 1915. The lock is also unique among Erie Canal locks for its “guillotine” design.
Don’t Miss This: Moss Island
Known for its large 40-foot-deep potholes, the island is covered in dwarf oak and glacial striations are visible in some places. Often referred to as an outdoor gym, Moss Island is a popular place with local rock climbers due to its wide range of very easy to very hard climbs Admission is free.
