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Special Features
Bikes, Barges and Trains (Part 1)
©April 2005 by Peter Lynn
 Return to Bikes, Barges and Trains Return to Special Features
New York State Canal System/New York State Canalway Trail System : New York
Area Mountain Bike Trails: New York
The New York State Canalway Trail System is a network of more than 240 miles of multi-use recreational trails across upstate New York. Major segments follow the present day working canal system, while others follow remnants of the original canal from the early 19th century. The trails are easy and flat with a crushed stone or gravel surface. The four sections are:
- The Erie Canal Heritage Trail (100 miles) in western New York
- The Old Erie Canal State Park Trail (36 miles) in central New York
- The Mohawk-Hudson Bikeway (60 miles) in the eastern Capital Region
- The Glens Falls Feeder Canal Trail (8 miles) near Lake George
There are four operating canal waterways today: the Erie, Oswego, Cayuga-Seneca and Champlain. They are part of the Intracoastal Waterway that runs up the eastern seaboard and operate between May and early November. There are many water-based options available from canoeing to day tours and overnight cruises. The canal comes alive during the spring and summer with festivals and events in communities along the route. Enjoy the spectacular fall foliage from both your mountain bike and from the water.
Depending on which segment of the canal you are riding there are many canal boat operators to choose from, as well as types of boats. The website for the canal, www.canals.state.ny.us, provides information about these operators. There are:
- English Narrowboats and Houseboats (self-skippered)
- Crewed Charters
- Tour Boats
- Overnight Cruises with accommodations
The Erie Canal, opening in 1825, was the engineering marvel of the 19th century. It helped to unleash an economic boom and spur westward expansion. The canal provided access to resources to the west and made New York City a premier commercial center. Travel the canal by bike and boat for a unique insight into the places, people and events that shaped today’s canal communities.
Contact information:
Canal Tourism Information and Canalway Trail
Phone:1-800-4CANAL4 (1-800-422-6254)
New York State Canal System
Albany Division
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