Cycle the Erie Canal 2022

Every summer, cyclists leave their cars behind in Buffalo to pedal along the historic Erie Canalway Trail to Albany for Parks & Trails New York’s annual  Cycle the Erie Canal bike tour .  Cycle the Erie Canal is one of Parks & Trails New York’s most anticipated events, as the 400-mile journey along the legendary Erie Canal ends in Albany eight days later.

Over that time, participants will enjoy eight days of cycling, scenery, history, friendship and endless adventure. Covering between 40 and 60 miles per day, cyclists travel along the  Erie Canalway Trail , which is now more than 85 percent complete and the east-west axis of the statewide 750-mile  Empire State Trail . 

Through photographs and daily route maps, experience firsthand what it’s like to Cycle the Erie Canal. Visit the famous “flight of five” locks in Lockport and ride through a modern lock by boat, cycle over the restored Nine Mile Creek Aqueduct, and discover what it’s like to sleep in a Revolutionary-era fort.

Scroll down for a point-by-point guide to the history, views, good eats, and brews you'll find each day. Tip: Use the menu at the top to navigate to each day individually.

Note: the route here is meant to give you an idea of what to expect and may not be the final route followed.

Mileage: 48.4 miles, Elevation: +710 ft/-772 ft

Can you guess where the drop is around mile 30? Scroll down through the map to find out where!

End your first day of riding with a much deserved rest on the grounds of the Medina Central Schools, resting up to be ready for another day on the saddle tomorrow!

Mileage: 62.2 miles, Elevation: +942 ft / -989 ft

End the night at Center Park West, a Perinton town park that is connected to the Canalway Trail by the Rochester, Syracuse and Eastern Trolley Trail, and features numerous soccer fields as well as playgrounds, picnic tables and grills, shelters, and more.

Mileage: 49.9 miles, Elevation: +907 ft/-913 ft

Spend the night on the grounds of Mynderse Academy- be sure to get a good rest, because tomorrow morning’s ride has some hills before you get back to the trail!

Mileage: 40.5 miles, Elevation: +736 ft/-654 ft

Your ride is halfway complete! The 4-day riders who are only joined from Buffalo to Syracuse will leave the tour tonight. If you need to cool down, head over to the Burnet Park Pool for a quick dip!

Mileage: 48 miles, Elevation: +287 ft/-390 ft

One of the highlights of the tour is undoubtedly the night spent in Rome, where you’ll have the chance to spend the night on the grounds of historic Fort Stanwix.

Constructed to protect the western headwaters of the Mohawk River during the French and Indian War, the original Fort Stanwix also played a key role in the Revolutionary War. Fort Stanwix National Monument, a reconstruction of the fort managed by the National Park Service, provides a glimpse of life in an 18th century military outpost.

Mileage: 61 miles, Elevation: +1,017 ft / -932 ft

The last bit of riding on Day 6, to get to the overnight location, has gained notoriety among Cycle the Erie Canal riders over the years as the “Canajoharie Climb” - look out for signs along the trail on the way into Canajoharie, and in years past, local volunteers have sold “I Survived the Canajoharie Climb” t-shirts. The climb itself sees you gain rise out of the Mohawk Valley, climbing roughly 200 feet in about a mile- and there’s no shame at all in walking your bike up the hill, as you’ll see many of your fellow riders doing.

Mileage: 46 miles, Elevation: +706 ft / -836 ft

Spend the last night of the tour on the grounds of the Niskayuna JCC. In celebration of your accomplishment, enjoy a toast to your fellow riders at a celebratory dinner and program.

Mileage: 27.5 miles, Elevation: +598 ft/-996 ft

Complete your cross-state ride by pedaling into Albany, New York's Capital. Colorful banners and live music, and maybe even a group of cheering onlookers, greet you. Relax, listen to the music, and have a bite to eat at the food trucks. Don't forget to pick up your ride merchandise and take a photo at the "I Did It" sign.

For more information about the Cycle the Erie Canal bike tour from Parks & Trails New York, visit  www.cycletheeriecanal.com