Village to Village Along the Erie Canal

Village to Village Along the Erie Canal

Discover quintessential canal towns along the Erie Canal in the greater Rochester area. Designed for accessibility, this four-day trip offers the perfect mix of active recreation and exciting museums. You'll also have time to soak up waterfront views and sample local cuisine and handcrafted beverages.


TOTAL DAYS: 4
CANAL: Erie Canal
LOCATION: Greater Rochester, including Brockport, Spencerport, Pittsford, Bushnell’s Basin, Fairport, Macedon, and Palmyra
CYCLING MILES: optional
PADDLING MILES: optional

Trip Highlights

  • Discover the distinct heritage and local gems of canal towns and villages
  • Cycle or paddle the Erie Canal with adaptive or standard equipment
  • Tour the famous Genesee Brewery and see Rochester’s dramatic High Falls on the Genesee River
  • Take your pick of world class museums to learn about Rochester’s vital contributions to the arts and industry
  • Experience the canal by boat, aboard the Colonial Belle

ACCESSIBILITY: Included in this itinerary are locations assessed for physical accessibility and programmatic inclusion. Links to the Inclusive Recreation Resource Center’s (IRRC) national database offer more detailed information about a site’s adaptive features to help you determine whether it meets your specific needs. Also included are locations not yet assessed but known to be welcoming and meet minimum ADA compliance. Additional resources are listed in the BIKE/PADDLE SHOP section.

TOTAL DAYS: 4
CANAL: Erie Canal
LOCATION: Greater Rochester, including Brockport, Spencerport, Pittsford, Bushnell’s Basin, Fairport, Macedon, and Palmyra
CYCLING MILES: optional
PADDLING MILES: optional
Fairport  
Fairport
Brockport  
Brockport
Rochester  
Rochester
Fairport  
Fairport
Brockport  
Brockport
Rochester  
Rochester
Daily Outline:
DAY 1:Discover Brockport and the Erie Canal
Segment 1
Explore Brockport

Stroll through this “Victorian Village on the Erie Canal.” Brockport has one of the best canal village main streets, plenty of Historic Landmark homes, and lots of charm. Start at the Brockport Canalfront Welcome Center, 11 Water Street, which includes parking and accessible public restrooms along the Erie Canal in Harvester Park. Request or download a map and follow one of the recommended tour routes to see how the canal influenced the architecture and growth of this canal village. Java Junction at 56 Main Street is a great stop for coffee and baked goods.

Click for Accessibility Note

The Inclusive Recreation Resource Center's (IRRC) national database includes assessments of sites for physical accessibility and programmatic inclusion. Assessed sites are included under daily accessibility notes. To search for additional nearby sites, use the location (town or city), rather than a name to generate the best results

Brockport Welcome Centerat Harvester Park (IRRC) >

Holley Falls Park (IRRC) >

Stroll through this “Victorian Village on the Erie Canal.” Brockport has one of the best canal village main streets, plenty of Historic Landmark homes, and lots of charm. Start at the Brockport Canalfront Welcome Center, 11 Water Street, which includes parking and accessible public restrooms along the Erie Canal in Harvester Park. Request or download a map and follow one of the recommended tour routes to see how the canal influenced the architecture and growth of this canal village. Java Junction at 56 Main Street is a great stop for coffee and baked goods.

Click for Accessibility Note

The Inclusive Recreation Resource Center's (IRRC) national database includes assessments of sites for physical accessibility and programmatic inclusion. Assessed sites are included under daily accessibility notes. To search for additional nearby sites, use the location (town or city), rather than a name to generate the best results

Brockport Welcome Centerat Harvester Park (IRRC) >

Holley Falls Park (IRRC) >

Explore Brockport
Segment 2
Your Choice: Cycling or Kayaking

Start the morning either cycling or kayaking. Bring your own equipment or arrange delivery of an adaptive bike or kayak from Erie Canal Boat Company. The Brockport Welcome Center also provides free standard bikes.

Cycling- Pick a distance you can comfortably handle out and back, knowing you can turn around at any point.

  • 3 miles round trip: Ride west along the Canalway Trail to the Rte 31 bridge at Redman Road and return.
  • 10 miles round trip: Ride west on the trail to Holley Canal Park and Holley Falls. The park offers a playground, picnic tables, and restrooms, as well as a pond and waterfall. Relax before returning.

Kayaking- Use the free, accessible public kayak launch at the Brockport Welcome Center. Spend a few peaceful hours exploring in either direction along the Erie Canal, then return to Brockport. Note the current runs west to east, so first paddling west makes for an easier return trip with the current.

Click for Accessibility Note

Key to this itinerary is availability of adaptive and standard equipment throughout the trip. Erie Canal Boat Company (ECBC) delivers a variety of standard and adaptive rentals, providing stability and multiple pedal/paddle options. Visit ECBC’s website in advance for details and options or call them at: 585-467-2628.

The kayak dock in Brockport is Board Safe's newest launch design, which also accommodates canoes and paddle boards.

Start the morning either cycling or kayaking. Bring your own equipment or arrange delivery of an adaptive bike or kayak from Erie Canal Boat Company. The Brockport Welcome Center also provides free standard bikes.

Cycling- Pick a distance you can comfortably handle out and back, knowing you can turn around at any point.

  • 3 miles round trip: Ride west along the Canalway Trail to the Rte 31 bridge at Redman Road and return.
  • 10 miles round trip: Ride west on the trail to Holley Canal Park and Holley Falls. The park offers a playground, picnic tables, and restrooms, as well as a pond and waterfall. Relax before returning.

Kayaking- Use the free, accessible public kayak launch at the Brockport Welcome Center. Spend a few peaceful hours exploring in either direction along the Erie Canal, then return to Brockport. Note the current runs west to east, so first paddling west makes for an easier return trip with the current.

Click for Accessibility Note

Key to this itinerary is availability of adaptive and standard equipment throughout the trip. Erie Canal Boat Company (ECBC) delivers a variety of standard and adaptive rentals, providing stability and multiple pedal/paddle options. Visit ECBC’s website in advance for details and options or call them at: 585-467-2628.

The kayak dock in Brockport is Board Safe's newest launch design, which also accommodates canoes and paddle boards.

Your Choice: Cycling or Kayaking
Segment 3
Sample Local Flavor

Here are a few suggestions to refuel after your ride or paddle:

  • 58 Main BBQ & Brew: Three blocks from the Welcome Center, the rear entryway offers greater accessibility.
  • Stoneyard Brew & Pub: Canalside microbrewery at 48 Merchants St.
  • Custom House Bar and Grille: Waterfront dining with an accessible outdoor patio, adjacent to the Welcome Center.
  • Jimmy Z's Plates and Shakes: Located at 53 Main St., order takeout for a picnic at Harvester Park. Don’t miss their version of the famous Rochester "plate." The wings and milkshakes are also favorites.

Drive to Spencerport.

Here are a few suggestions to refuel after your ride or paddle:

  • 58 Main BBQ & Brew: Three blocks from the Welcome Center, the rear entryway offers greater accessibility.
  • Stoneyard Brew & Pub: Canalside microbrewery at 48 Merchants St.
  • Custom House Bar and Grille: Waterfront dining with an accessible outdoor patio, adjacent to the Welcome Center.
  • Jimmy Z's Plates and Shakes: Located at 53 Main St., order takeout for a picnic at Harvester Park. Don’t miss their version of the famous Rochester "plate." The wings and milkshakes are also favorites.

Drive to Spencerport.

Sample Local Flavor
Segment 4
Explore Spencerport

On your way back to Rochester, make a stop in the quintessential canal village of Spencerport. Visit the Spencerport Depot and Canal Museum, located right on the canal just east of the lift bridge. The museum is housed in a 1908 Trolley Depot that was restored by volunteers. Restrooms and showers are available on the lower level; an accessible entrance to the museum is on the upper canalside level. Stroll through the village or along the canal front Heritage Trail.

Click for Accessibility Note

On your way back to Rochester, make a stop in the quintessential canal village of Spencerport. Visit the Spencerport Depot and Canal Museum, located right on the canal just east of the lift bridge. The museum is housed in a 1908 Trolley Depot that was restored by volunteers. Restrooms and showers are available on the lower level; an accessible entrance to the museum is on the upper canalside level. Stroll through the village or along the canal front Heritage Trail.

Explore Spencerport
DAY 2:On the Canal in Fairport
Segment 1
Visit Fairport's Canal Front Promenade

Fairport is a busy, historic village, offering visitors many shops and restaurants and a lively waterfront full of boats and activities. On Saturdays, check out the public market right in town. Famed for its unusual configuration, the Fairport lift bridge was built in 1914 to carry Main Street across the canal. Sloping southwest to northeast at a 32-degree angle, the bridge is an irregular decagon, meaning no two angles are the same and no corners are square. Cross the bridge via a pedestrian-only lane to explore Main Street.

Fairport is a busy, historic village, offering visitors many shops and restaurants and a lively waterfront full of boats and activities. On Saturdays, check out the public market right in town. Famed for its unusual configuration, the Fairport lift bridge was built in 1914 to carry Main Street across the canal. Sloping southwest to northeast at a 32-degree angle, the bridge is an irregular decagon, meaning no two angles are the same and no corners are square. Cross the bridge via a pedestrian-only lane to explore Main Street.

Visit Fairport's Canal Front Promenade
Segment 2
Walk, Stroll, Cycle, or Kayak

Cycle the Towpath: Use your own or rent adaptive and standard bikes from Erie Canal Boat Company's Fairport hub at 7 Liftbridge Lane West. Choose from several out-and-back options:

  • 5.5 Miles Round Trip: For a short trip, ride alongside the canal to Palmyra Road (Rte. 31) and return.
  • 8 Miles Round Trip: Ride west to Bushnell’s Basin to enjoy frozen custard, a local favorite, at Abbott’s or a craft beer in the outdoor seating at Seven Story Brewing. Bushnell's Basin is located on the south side of the canal and requires crossing a short bridge with traffic.
  • 11 Miles Round Trip: Ride west to Schoen Place in Pittsford to enjoy the many shops, galleries and restaurants there.

Kayak the Canal: Rent adaptive and standard kayaks at Erie Canal Boat Company’s Fairport hub for an accessible launch on the canal. Choose a comfortable distance east or west. Turn around at Perinton Park for a one mile round-trip paddle.

Stroll the Canal Path or Drive to Perinton Park: Pack a lunch and take a hike. Perinton Park offers tennis courts, a fishing pier, and playground along a beautiful stretch of the canal path.

Click for Accessibility Note

If you require adaptive equipment to visit the villages, complete a roundtrip ride on the trail, then drive to specific locations to browse and dine.

Click on the link below to find an assessment of these sites for physical accessibility and programmatic inclusion on the Inclusive Recreation Resource Center's (IRCC) national database.

Bushnell's Basin Waterfront Docks (IRRC) >

Perinton Park (IRRC) >

Cycle the Towpath: Use your own or rent adaptive and standard bikes from Erie Canal Boat Company's Fairport hub at 7 Liftbridge Lane West. Choose from several out-and-back options:

  • 5.5 Miles Round Trip: For a short trip, ride alongside the canal to Palmyra Road (Rte. 31) and return.
  • 8 Miles Round Trip: Ride west to Bushnell’s Basin to enjoy frozen custard, a local favorite, at Abbott’s or a craft beer in the outdoor seating at Seven Story Brewing. Bushnell's Basin is located on the south side of the canal and requires crossing a short bridge with traffic.
  • 11 Miles Round Trip: Ride west to Schoen Place in Pittsford to enjoy the many shops, galleries and restaurants there.

Kayak the Canal: Rent adaptive and standard kayaks at Erie Canal Boat Company’s Fairport hub for an accessible launch on the canal. Choose a comfortable distance east or west. Turn around at Perinton Park for a one mile round-trip paddle.

Stroll the Canal Path or Drive to Perinton Park: Pack a lunch and take a hike. Perinton Park offers tennis courts, a fishing pier, and playground along a beautiful stretch of the canal path.

Click for Accessibility Note

If you require adaptive equipment to visit the villages, complete a roundtrip ride on the trail, then drive to specific locations to browse and dine.

Click on the link below to find an assessment of these sites for physical accessibility and programmatic inclusion on the Inclusive Recreation Resource Center's (IRCC) national database.

Bushnell's Basin Waterfront Docks (IRRC) >

Perinton Park (IRRC) >

Walk, Stroll, Cycle, or Kayak
Segment 3
Take a Canal Cruise

Cruise the canal on board the Colonial Belle. The narrated tour explores the rich history and many landmarks along this scenic stretch of Erie Canal, traveling west between Fairport and Pittsford.

Click for Accessibility Note

Cruise the canal on board the Colonial Belle. The narrated tour explores the rich history and many landmarks along this scenic stretch of Erie Canal, traveling west between Fairport and Pittsford.

Take a Canal Cruise
Segment 4
Visit a Local Craft Beverage Maker

With more than 200 in operation, the Finger Lakes Region has the most craft beverage manufacturers in New York State. Try one of these local favorites:

With more than 200 in operation, the Finger Lakes Region has the most craft beverage manufacturers in New York State. Try one of these local favorites:

Visit a Local Craft Beverage Maker

Other things to do and see
  • Trainspotting at Fairport Junction: You won’t be around long before hearing the iconic sound of a passing train. With three tracks and more than 40 trains passing daily, take a seat at the accessible trainspotting depot at Fairport Junction and soak up the sights and sounds.
  • Concerts and Events: Fairport plans a full schedule of free concerts in the summer and events throughout the year.

DAY 3:Discover Rochester
Segment 1
Rochester Public Market

Spend a morning at the Rochester Public Market (Tues/Thurs/Sat, in season), 280 North Union Street. Try a Zimmerman's bologna and egg sandwich with local hot meat sauce, a breakfast empanada at Juan and Maria's, or coffee and a pastry at Best Coffee at the Market or Java's Cafe. Browse and buy local fruit, vegetables, wine, clothes, art, and more.

Spend a morning at the Rochester Public Market (Tues/Thurs/Sat, in season), 280 North Union Street. Try a Zimmerman's bologna and egg sandwich with local hot meat sauce, a breakfast empanada at Juan and Maria's, or coffee and a pastry at Best Coffee at the Market or Java's Cafe. Browse and buy local fruit, vegetables, wine, clothes, art, and more.

Rochester Public Market
Segment 2
Museum Time

Rochester offers so many museums and historic sites, choosing just one may be a challenge. Favorites include:

  • George Eastman House: Museum of photography and former home of George Eastman, inventor of the hand-held camera.

  • Memorial Art Gallery: With 12,000 works of art representing cultures from around the world and across millennia. The Gallery offers ASL interpreters upon request, as well as touch tours.
  • Rochester Museum and Science Center: Explore science and technology and its impact on our lives. Don’t miss the planetarium!

Click for Accessibility Note

Click on the links below to find an assessment of these sites for physical accessibility and programmatic inclusion on the Inclusive Recreation Resource Center's (IRCC) national database.

Rochester Museum and Science Center (IRRC) >

Strassenburgh Planetarium (IRRC) >

Strong Museum of Play (IRRC) >

George Eastman Museum (IRRC) >

Rochester offers so many museums and historic sites, choosing just one may be a challenge. Favorites include:

  • George Eastman House: Museum of photography and former home of George Eastman, inventor of the hand-held camera.

  • Memorial Art Gallery: With 12,000 works of art representing cultures from around the world and across millennia. The Gallery offers ASL interpreters upon request, as well as touch tours.
  • Rochester Museum and Science Center: Explore science and technology and its impact on our lives. Don’t miss the planetarium!

Click for Accessibility Note

Click on the links below to find an assessment of these sites for physical accessibility and programmatic inclusion on the Inclusive Recreation Resource Center's (IRCC) national database.

Rochester Museum and Science Center (IRRC) >

Strassenburgh Planetarium (IRRC) >

Strong Museum of Play (IRRC) >

George Eastman Museum (IRRC) >

Museum Time
Segment 3
Visit High Falls and Genesee Brewery

The High Falls Heritage District is the centerpiece of Rochester, from which commerce, art and the city’s charm all flow. There is parking around the falls, some for a fee. Walk across the bridge behind the Genesee Brewery to see high falls crashing to the Genesee River. Head inside the Genesee Brewery for a tour and meal. Call ahead to book a weekday tour. Tours are offered every hour Friday and Saturday, 12pm - 7pm; Sunday, 12pm - 5pm.

**Note: If you plan to eat at the Genesee Brewery, you can park in their lot. Then, cross the bridge to view the falls and visit the High Falls District.

The High Falls Heritage District is the centerpiece of Rochester, from which commerce, art and the city’s charm all flow. There is parking around the falls, some for a fee. Walk across the bridge behind the Genesee Brewery to see high falls crashing to the Genesee River. Head inside the Genesee Brewery for a tour and meal. Call ahead to book a weekday tour. Tours are offered every hour Friday and Saturday, 12pm - 7pm; Sunday, 12pm - 5pm.

**Note: If you plan to eat at the Genesee Brewery, you can park in their lot. Then, cross the bridge to view the falls and visit the High Falls District.

Visit High Falls and Genesee Brewery

Other things to do and see
  • Susan B. Anthony House: See where this famous suffragist lived, worked, and was arrested for voting. The guided tour details her life and impact on women’s right to vote.
  • Rochester Red Wings: Catch a game at Frontier Field, home of Rochester's Minor League baseball team.
DAY 4:Dive Deeper into Canal History
Segment 1
Discover the Workings of a Canal Lock

Drive east on Route 31 to the Macedon Canal Park at Lock 30 for the perfect view of a working lock. Stay awhile and you might see it in action (from mid-May through October). The park is a nice option for picnics, strolling the Butterfly Nature Trail, or launching a paddling or cycling trip. Arrange rental delivery from Erie Canal Boat Company to explore the nearby trail or waterway. Paddling access includes a car top launch and kayak dock, equipped with an overhead stability bar.

Click for Accessibility Note

Drive east on Route 31 to the Macedon Canal Park at Lock 30 for the perfect view of a working lock. Stay awhile and you might see it in action (from mid-May through October). The park is a nice option for picnics, strolling the Butterfly Nature Trail, or launching a paddling or cycling trip. Arrange rental delivery from Erie Canal Boat Company to explore the nearby trail or waterway. Paddling access includes a car top launch and kayak dock, equipped with an overhead stability bar.

Discover the Workings of a Canal Lock
Segment 2
See a Historic Canal Change Bridge and Aqueduct

Continue east on Route 31 toward Palmyra. Just before the village, visit the Palmyra-Macedon Aqueduct Park (“Pal-Mac Park” per the locals). It includes the remains of the Palmyra Aqueduct, built in 1857, as well as the Aldrich Change Bridge, a unique towpath-era remnant, first erected at the Rochester Weighlock in the 1850s. Sharp eyes may catch a glimpse of a great blue heron wading in the creek.

Click for Accessibility Note

Continue east on Route 31 toward Palmyra. Just before the village, visit the Palmyra-Macedon Aqueduct Park (“Pal-Mac Park” per the locals). It includes the remains of the Palmyra Aqueduct, built in 1857, as well as the Aldrich Change Bridge, a unique towpath-era remnant, first erected at the Rochester Weighlock in the 1850s. Sharp eyes may catch a glimpse of a great blue heron wading in the creek.

See a Historic Canal Change Bridge and Aqueduct
Segment 3
Visit Palmyra

Find artifacts and archives dating back to 1781 in this “Queen of Canal Towns.” Explore the impact of the Erie Canal on the Village of Palmyra at Historic Palmyra’s five museum sites: William Phelps General Store, Palmyra Historic Museum, Palmyra Print Shop, Erie Canal Depot, and Alling Coverlet Museum. Museums are within walking distance of each other.

Palmyra also played an important role in the formation of the Morman Church (Church of Jesus Christ and the Latter Day Saints). Visit noted historic sites including John Smith’s Farm, Hill Cumorah, Temple, and E.B. Grandin’s Print Shop, where the Book of Morman was printed.

Click for Accessibility Note

Historic Palmyra (IRRC) > Staff will try to accommodate special needs whenever possible. The museum space is crowded, which makes it difficult to access with a wheelchair.

Morman Church Historic Sites - The majority of the places at these sites are accessible for visitors who use wheelchairs or who walk with difficulty. However, the outdoor paths are not paved, and two of the historic homes offer tours of the upper floors but do not have elevators.

Find artifacts and archives dating back to 1781 in this “Queen of Canal Towns.” Explore the impact of the Erie Canal on the Village of Palmyra at Historic Palmyra’s five museum sites: William Phelps General Store, Palmyra Historic Museum, Palmyra Print Shop, Erie Canal Depot, and Alling Coverlet Museum. Museums are within walking distance of each other.

Palmyra also played an important role in the formation of the Morman Church (Church of Jesus Christ and the Latter Day Saints). Visit noted historic sites including John Smith’s Farm, Hill Cumorah, Temple, and E.B. Grandin’s Print Shop, where the Book of Morman was printed.

Click for Accessibility Note

Historic Palmyra (IRRC) > Staff will try to accommodate special needs whenever possible. The museum space is crowded, which makes it difficult to access with a wheelchair.

Morman Church Historic Sites - The majority of the places at these sites are accessible for visitors who use wheelchairs or who walk with difficulty. However, the outdoor paths are not paved, and two of the historic homes offer tours of the upper floors but do not have elevators.

Visit Palmyra
Segment 4
Time for Ice Cream or a Meal

With several pubs and local restaurants nearby, options include:

Muddy Waters Café: Overlooking the Erie Canal at the Port of Palmyra, enjoy breakfast or lunch. Open Tues-Sat. Outdoor seating is accessible.

Chill & Grill, 616 E Main St, Palmyra: Serving burgers, fries, and heaping ice cream cones.

Twisted Rail Brewing, 108 Main St, Macedon: Offering craft beverages, salads, wraps, burgers, and pizza.

With several pubs and local restaurants nearby, options include:

Muddy Waters Café: Overlooking the Erie Canal at the Port of Palmyra, enjoy breakfast or lunch. Open Tues-Sat. Outdoor seating is accessible.

Chill & Grill, 616 E Main St, Palmyra: Serving burgers, fries, and heaping ice cream cones.

Twisted Rail Brewing, 108 Main St, Macedon: Offering craft beverages, salads, wraps, burgers, and pizza.

Time for Ice Cream or a Meal

This itinerary requires car transport to daily destinations.

  • By AIR: Rochester International Airport
  • By RAIL: Amtrak’s Maple Leaf Line runs from Toronto, Canada to New York City along the Erie Canal, making stops from Albany to Buffalo. The Rochester Station is located at 320 Central Ave, Rochester. Check Amtrak’s accessibility and accommodations here: Accessible Travel Services | Amtrak
  • By CAR: Take NYS Thruway I90 and I490 to reach Rochester.

Staying in one location as your base for the experiences in this itinerary is recommended. Visit Rochester has a complete listing of accommodations in the greater Rochester area. Below are a few downtown Rochester recommendations, centrally located to the itinerary activities (these are suggestions only and do not imply endorsement):

Mount Hope Cemetery, Rochester

America's oldest, municipally-owned Victorian cemetery and the final resting place of many people associated with the Erie Canal, Underground Railroad, and Women's Rights movement. Tours offered May-Oct.

Trail of Hope, Lyons

The fully-accessible .25-mile trail and gardens are designed so people of all ages and abilities can experience nature. The trail meanders through themed gardens and a shaded woodland overlooking Black Brook, part of Clinton's Ditch, the first Erie Canal. Located adjacent to the Lyons Community Center. 15 miles/25min east from Palmyra.

Miracle Field of Greater Rochester, Webster

The whole family will enjoy the Challenger Miracle Field of Rochester in Webster. Enjoy the wheelchair accessible baseball field and fully accessible playground with sensory benefits for a truly inclusive, ADA-approved play space.

Cobbs Hill Park & Reservoir, Rochester

Don’t miss the best view of Rochester from Cobbs Hill, found within 109 acres of beauty, recreation, and scenic trails in the city’s south east area. A horticultural gem, take a quick drive-through or spend hours exploring the grounds.

Treasures Along the Erie Canal

Use this free app to find sites to see in Wayne and Cayuga Counties.

  • Garbage Plate: Tastes much better than it sounds. This local legend starts with macaroni salad, potatoes, burgers and hot dogs (without the buns) piled high onto a plate. Topped with all the fixings, be sure to sample the special meat hot sauce. You'll find the original at Nick Tahoe Hots in downtown Rochester, but most burger joints in the area have their own version.
  • Zweigle’s Hot Dogs: These pop-open hot dogs have a thicker skin and richer flavor than a regular hot dog. Eat them on their own or atop your garbage plate.
  • Empire State Brewery App: Explore breweries in Rochester within 10 miles of the canal with the Empire State Trail Brewery Passport App.

Accessibility Resources

Accessible Van Rentals

Adaptive & Standard Kayak and Cycle Rentals

  • Erie Canal Boat Company: Arrange rentals of adaptive and standard kayaks and cycles and have them delivered to your starting point each day. Call 585-748-2628

Wheelchair Accessible Rochester NY Area Travel Reviews

Standard (non-adaptive) Bike/Paddle Shops

Brockport

  • Brockport Canal Front Welcome Center, free bike rentals in downtown Brockport
  • Bicycle Outfitters, Main Street, Brockport

Rochester

Pittsford

Fairport

Getting Here

This itinerary requires car transport to daily destinations.

  • By AIR: Rochester International Airport
  • By RAIL: Amtrak’s Maple Leaf Line runs from Toronto, Canada to New York City along the Erie Canal, making stops from Albany to Buffalo. The Rochester Station is located at 320 Central Ave, Rochester. Check Amtrak’s accessibility and accommodations here: Accessible Travel Services | Amtrak
  • By CAR: Take NYS Thruway I90 and I490 to reach Rochester.
Accommodations

Staying in one location as your base for the experiences in this itinerary is recommended. Visit Rochester has a complete listing of accommodations in the greater Rochester area. Below are a few downtown Rochester recommendations, centrally located to the itinerary activities (these are suggestions only and do not imply endorsement):

More To Explore
Mount Hope Cemetery, Rochester

America's oldest, municipally-owned Victorian cemetery and the final resting place of many people associated with the Erie Canal, Underground Railroad, and Women's Rights movement. Tours offered May-Oct.

Trail of Hope, Lyons

The fully-accessible .25-mile trail and gardens are designed so people of all ages and abilities can experience nature. The trail meanders through themed gardens and a shaded woodland overlooking Black Brook, part of Clinton's Ditch, the first Erie Canal. Located adjacent to the Lyons Community Center. 15 miles/25min east from Palmyra.

Miracle Field of Greater Rochester, Webster

The whole family will enjoy the Challenger Miracle Field of Rochester in Webster. Enjoy the wheelchair accessible baseball field and fully accessible playground with sensory benefits for a truly inclusive, ADA-approved play space.

Cobbs Hill Park & Reservoir, Rochester

Don’t miss the best view of Rochester from Cobbs Hill, found within 109 acres of beauty, recreation, and scenic trails in the city’s south east area. A horticultural gem, take a quick drive-through or spend hours exploring the grounds.

Treasures Along the Erie Canal

Use this free app to find sites to see in Wayne and Cayuga Counties.

Sample Local Flavor
  • Garbage Plate: Tastes much better than it sounds. This local legend starts with macaroni salad, potatoes, burgers and hot dogs (without the buns) piled high onto a plate. Topped with all the fixings, be sure to sample the special meat hot sauce. You'll find the original at Nick Tahoe Hots in downtown Rochester, but most burger joints in the area have their own version.
  • Zweigle’s Hot Dogs: These pop-open hot dogs have a thicker skin and richer flavor than a regular hot dog. Eat them on their own or atop your garbage plate.
  • Empire State Brewery App: Explore breweries in Rochester within 10 miles of the canal with the Empire State Trail Brewery Passport App.
Bike/Paddle Shops

Accessibility Resources

Accessible Van Rentals

Adaptive & Standard Kayak and Cycle Rentals

  • Erie Canal Boat Company: Arrange rentals of adaptive and standard kayaks and cycles and have them delivered to your starting point each day. Call 585-748-2628

Wheelchair Accessible Rochester NY Area Travel Reviews

Standard (non-adaptive) Bike/Paddle Shops

Brockport

  • Brockport Canal Front Welcome Center, free bike rentals in downtown Brockport
  • Bicycle Outfitters, Main Street, Brockport

Rochester

Pittsford

Fairport


Additional Trip Planning Resources

Canalway Challenge
Canalway Challenge


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Erie Canalway itineraries are funded in part by a grant from Market New York through I LOVE NY, New York State's Division of Tourism, as part of the State's Regional Economic Development Council awards.
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