Completed in 1825, the Erie Canal spans 363 miles across New York State to connect Albany and Buffalo, which made it an indispensable tract for commerce 200 years ago. While the canal’s use as a primary means of moving commercial goods across the state has been replaced by trucks and trains, its recreational usage has increased exponentially since then.
The path that parallels the waterway has become a mecca for hikers, bikers, and runners of all ages. In celebration of the Canals’ 200th anniversary, The Erie Canal Traveler’s Guide (North Country Books, 2025) features more than 200 restaurants, pubs, and attractions for the entire family and the curious traveler alike, all within ‘a stone’s throw’ – or, to be precise, 445 feet and ten inches – of the Canal Path. [Read more…] about The Erie Canal Traveler’s Guide: Restaurants, Pubs, and Attractions on the Canal
Go for a spin this fall and discover the scenic biking trails at New York State Parks. 
Registration is now open for Parks & Trails New York’s 20th anniversary Cycle the Erie Canal tour, an opportunity to bike across New York State and take in the rich history of the canal that transformed America.
Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) and the Canalway Trails Association New York (CTANY) have released their sixth annual report – Closing the Gaps: A Progress Report on the Erie Canalway Trail 2015 – detailing progress made in completing the statewide Erie Canalway Trail as a continuous, off-road route. With 288 of 360 miles open to the public, the Canalway Trail is 80% complete and well on its way to becoming the longest trail of its kind in the United States, and a significant tourist destination for Upstate New York.
The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and the New York State Canal Corporation have teamed up to sponsor 28 festivals and events in 2016 to showcase the Canalway Corridor’s nationally significant heritage and the recreational appeal of the waterway and trails today. Events include cycling and paddling tours, canal festivals, and concerts at the waterfront. The canal system is scheduled to open May 1, weather permitting. 
