DeWitt to Canastota (17 miles)

Begin your trip at the DeWitt trailhead parking area and cycle east. You’ll be traveling through the Old Erie Canal State Historic Park on the path where mules pulled canal boats in the 1800s. In 10.5 miles, cross the canal to visit the Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum, visible from the trail. From 1856 - 1917 Chittenango’s drydocks were a hub for canal boat building and repair. Visit three restored stone and timber dry docks, a replica canal boat, and exhibits about life on the canal. Return to the trail and cycle 6.5 miles to Canastota.

Canastota to Rome (22 miles)

Tucked in this quaint village, you’ll find eateries, a bakery and the Erie Canal Brewing Company, not far from the canal path. It’s worth a stop for a late breakfast or early lunch. The Canastota Canal Town Museum offers a deep dive into local canal history. Leaving Canastota, you’ll continue cycling on a scenic and rural segment of the Old Erie Canal for 22 miles to Rome. With few services along this section, plan to refill water bottles and snacks before your afternoon ride.

When in Rome...

Your first stop is Fort Stanwix National Monument. Known as “the fort that never surrendered,” it played a key role in the American Revolution. However, its story starts much earlier with nations fighting for control of the Oneida Carrying Place, Mohawk Valley, homelands of the Six Nations Confederacy, and the rich resources of North America.

Sample Local Flavor

In the late 1800s, many Italian immigrants who came to work on enlarging the Erie Canal settled in the Utica-Rome area. As a result, there’s ample authentic Italian dining. Be sure to try chicken riggies, a local favorite and delicious blend of chicken, rigatoni, and hot or sweet peppers, served in a spicy cream and tomato sauce. Popular restaurants Vescio’s Franklin Hotel and DeSalvo Catering and Restaurant are in walking distance of Fort Stanwix.

Rome to Utica (16 miles)

From this point on, you follow the current-day Erie Canal/Mohawk River. In 12 miles, Lock E20 is a good stop for restrooms and a snack. Continue to Utica, rewarding yourself with a tour and tasting at Saranac Brewery. Then visit the Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute and choose from several great lunch spots along Genesee Street.

Utica to Little Falls (22 miles)

Heading east from Utica, ride the newly paved trail for 3.5 miles, followed by on-road riding for 7.5 miles to Frankfort. Best suited for experienced cyclists, look for signs for the off-road trail at the intersection of Route 5S and Acme Road. You’ll find a few spots to recharge in Ilion. Cycle towards Little Falls, watching for the Fort Herkimer Church. Built in 1753, it served as a fortress in the French and Indian and Revolutionary wars. The next stretch of trail follows along the Mohawk River/Erie Canal, past Lock E18, to Little Falls Harbor and Rotary Park. The visitor center includes restrooms, showers, and a picnic area. Take a break to watch the boats or rent a kayak for a short paddle.

Canal Place, Little Falls

Cycle from the harbor over the Rte. 167 bridge and turn right to visit Canal Place. These historic mill buildings, perched on the canal, are now home to unique restaurants, an ice cream and coffee shop, antique sellers, funky boutiques, and a beautiful inn.

Relax and Refuel

Before calling it a night, try the local brews at Iron Rock Brewery, the casual grill or fine dining menu at Canal Side Inn, or refuel on Italian fare at Ruggieros Trattoria.

Little Falls to Lock 16 (9 miles)

Cycling east from Little Falls, you’ll reach the Herkimer Home State Historic Site in 3 miles. Home of Nicholas Herkimer, a Revolutionary War General who played a pivotal role in the battle of Oriskany, you can stroll the picturesque grounds or take a house tour. In 6 miles you’ll reach Lock E16 in Mindenville.

Mohawk Valley Villages (11 miles)

This next stretch of trail travels through the Mohawk Valley villages of St. Johnsville, Fort Plain, Nelliston, Canajoharie, Palatine Bridge, Fultonville and Fonda. Retaining much of their early Erie Canal character, buildings constructed in the canal era still line original downtown streetscapes, with Victorian homes, historic churches, and local museums weaving the historic fabric of these small communities. In Canajoharie, the Arkell Museum offers an impressive collection of American Impressionist paintings, as well as landscapes of the Erie Canal. Several good lunch options can be found nearby.

Canajoharie to Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site and Amsterdam (22 miles)

Continue cycling through a rural, wooded trail segment offering occasional views of the Mohawk River/Erie Canal. In 17 miles, be on the lookout for signs along the trail directing you to the Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site. Explore the remains of the 1841 Schoharie Aqueduct, locks from 1825 and 1841, and a recreated canal store. Afterwards, continue to Amsterdam to find plenty of dining and lodging options on both sides of the river. Stop along the Mohawk Valley Gateway Overlook Pedestrian Bridge for a great photo-op on your way into the City of Amsterdam.

Amsterdam to Schenectady (17 miles)

Today’s ride moves from rural to urban, heading toward the Capital Region and cities of Schenectady and Albany. A must stop is Schenectady’s Historic Stockade District. If you are looking for a bakery treat, breakfast or lunch, try the historic Arthur’s Market at 35 N. Ferry St. or make a slight detour to MORE Perreca’s Italian Kitchen and Bakery at 31 N Jay St. The trail passes Mohawk Harbor, where you’ll find additional food and beverage options.

Schenectady to Falls View Park, Cohoes (17.5 miles)

Known locally as the Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail, this next segment includes a few hills and scenic vistas along a paved path. Use restrooms at Lyons Park in Niskayuna, then check out Cohoes Falls, New York’s second highest waterfall. Turn left off the trail at Manor Ave., then continue three blocks to N. Mohawk St., turning right to see Falls View Park on your left. This quick, .25-mile detour is worth the view, showing the tremendous challenges overcome by the original Erie Canal engineers.

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Cohoes to Corning Preserve, Albany (10.5 miles)

The remaining route to Albany, New York State's Capital City, includes several miles of on-road cycling, followed by a final 5-mile stretch of paved path. Watch for Empire State Trail markers along road sections, being mindful of traffic, which can be heavy at times. Pass through Green Island and Watervliet to complete your scenic Hudson River ride. A bustling city, Albany offers craft beverage makers (see below), museums, sporting events, and plenty of dining options (see our Hudson-Mohawk Sampler for details). Access the city from the pedestrian bridge at Jennings Landing in the Corning Preserve.

Celebrate Your Journey

You made it! Mark the occasion with one of many local craft beverages found in Albany’s Warehouse District. What used to be canalside lumber yards is now home to C H Evans Brewing Co. at the Albany Pump Station, Nine-Pin Cider Works, Ft. Orange Brewing, Druthers Brewing Company, as well as The Albany Distilling Company Bar and Bottle Shop and Capital Distilling.