Cycling the Erie Canal: A Guide to 400 Miles of Adventure and History Along the Erie Canalway Trail

New York’s Erie Canal Corridor is fast becoming an international bicycle touring destination. Staff members from Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) have cycled the Erie Canal many times and are pleased to provide a guide to help others enjoy the fine scenery, fascinating history, and great cycling awaiting them on the Erie Canalway Trail.

In 1999, to promote completion of the Erie Canalway Trail and bicycle and heritage tourism along the historic Erie Canal Corridor, PTNY conducted its first cross-state cycling event, “Cycling the Erie Canal.” The event grew out of a partnership with the New York State Canal Corporation and early joint boat and bike treks. That first year, sixty-five intrepid cyclists set out from Buffalo and arrived in Albany eight days later, thoroughly amazed at the beauty and rich history of the area, and, of course, the terrific cycling. These days more than 500 cyclists from around the country and the world take part in the annual “Cycling the Erie Canal” bike tour.

As the corridor’s reputation grew, more and more requests came from cyclists who wanted to ride the route on their own and were looking for a resource to provide detailed information about attractions, historic sites, visitor centers, bike shops, parks, and lodging. As a result, PTNY created this comprehensive guide, which has now gone through several best-selling editions.