Erie Canal Sampler - Syracuse

Erie Canal Sampler - Syracuse

Follow the path where mules once trod. Designed with accessibility in mind, you'll experience many cultural, arts, and culinary attractions in Syracuse and Central New York, while also discovering treasures of the past and quiet paths alongside the Old Erie Canal.


TOTAL DAYS: 3
CANAL: Erie Canal
LOCATION: Greater Syracuse, including sites in Camillus, Fayetteville, and Chittenango
CYCLING MILES: optional
PADDLING MILES: optional

Trip Highlights

  • Visit America’s only remaining weighlock building at the Erie Canal Museum
  • Paddle the aquamarine waters of Green Lakes State Park
  • Follow the Syracuse Beverage Trail to delicious craft beer, wine and spirits
  • Get a first-hand look at how canal boats were built and repaired
  • Enjoy a boat tour over a restored canal aqueduct

ACCESSIBILITY: Designed for people of all abilities, this itinerary includes additional notes about accessibility under the daily outline. Locations assessed for physical accessibility and programmatic inclusion are linked to the Inclusive Recreation Resource Center’s (IRRC) national database. This provides more detailed information about a site’s adaptive features to help determine whether they meet your specific needs.

TOTAL DAYS: 3
CANAL: Erie Canal
LOCATION: Greater Syracuse, including sites in Camillus, Fayetteville, and Chittenango
CYCLING MILES: optional
PADDLING MILES: optional
Syracuse  
Syracuse
Old Erie Canal State Park  
Old Erie Canal State Park
Chittenango Landing  
Chittenango Landing
Syracuse  
Syracuse
Old Erie Canal State Park  
Old Erie Canal State Park
Chittenango Landing  
Chittenango Landing
Daily Outline:
DAY 1:In and Around Downtown Syracuse
Segment 1
Erie Canal Museum

Start your trip at the Erie Canal Museum, a must-see for any Erie Canal traveler. Exhibits and original artifacts showcase 200 years of Erie Canal history. Housed in America's only remaining weighlock building (1850), it is the spot where canal boats were once weighed and tolls assessed when the Erie and Oswego Canals came together in the center of Syracuse. Your visit will provide context for everything you experience on your journey, given how much the canal influenced the city's growth.

Recess Coffee on Montgomery Street is right around the corner. It's wide entry and helpful staff provide an inclusive environment. Nearby Water Street Bagel Company offers delicious bagel sandwiches, but two steps to enter the building are not accessible for all.

Click for Accessibility Note

Erie Canal Museum- Indoor exhibits are widely spaced. Outdoor garden includes full size canal boat model, brick patio, and wide paths. The museum does not have a power door opener, nor an accessible call button. Call ahead if needed, (315) 471-0593.

Start your trip at the Erie Canal Museum, a must-see for any Erie Canal traveler. Exhibits and original artifacts showcase 200 years of Erie Canal history. Housed in America's only remaining weighlock building (1850), it is the spot where canal boats were once weighed and tolls assessed when the Erie and Oswego Canals came together in the center of Syracuse. Your visit will provide context for everything you experience on your journey, given how much the canal influenced the city's growth.

Recess Coffee on Montgomery Street is right around the corner. It's wide entry and helpful staff provide an inclusive environment. Nearby Water Street Bagel Company offers delicious bagel sandwiches, but two steps to enter the building are not accessible for all.

Click for Accessibility Note

Erie Canal Museum- Indoor exhibits are widely spaced. Outdoor garden includes full size canal boat model, brick patio, and wide paths. The museum does not have a power door opener, nor an accessible call button. Call ahead if needed, (315) 471-0593.

Erie Canal Museum
Segment 2
Onondaga Creekwalk

Next, head to nearby Armory Square. This historic district launches your journey through the heart of Syracuse on the city's unique pedestrian and bike friendly trail. Paved and accessible, the Onondaga Creek Walk is safe, easy to follow, and includes a wheelchair charging station. Use it to explore Syracuse’s architecture and neighborhoods. Parking is available at the Armory Square Trailhead Lot. Take the 2.5-mile out and back walk to the Syracuse Inner Harbor. Along the way, stop at Clinton Square, the city's original town center. Today, a stunning fountain flows where the Erie Canal once traveled.

Discover restaurants, entertainment, and other downtown activities along the trail including: Freedom of Espresso, a local roaster and coffee house in Franklin Square. In Armory Square, Apizza Regionale offers wood fired pizza, salads, and a full bar.

Click for Accessibility Note

A wheelchair charging station is located in Armory Square nestled between the MoST and Sound Garden at the very start of the Creekwalk path, outside of Kirk Park.

Freedom of Espresso has an accessible entrance and bathroom, but the dining area is down a couple of steps with no alternate route.

Apizza Regionale is accessible and accommodating. A smooth brick walkway leads from the sidewalk to the wide open front door. The outdoor patio of loose crushed stone is not accessible for power wheelchairs. Inside, the tables are spaced enough to enable wheelchair access.

Next, head to nearby Armory Square. This historic district launches your journey through the heart of Syracuse on the city's unique pedestrian and bike friendly trail. Paved and accessible, the Onondaga Creek Walk is safe, easy to follow, and includes a wheelchair charging station. Use it to explore Syracuse’s architecture and neighborhoods. Parking is available at the Armory Square Trailhead Lot. Take the 2.5-mile out and back walk to the Syracuse Inner Harbor. Along the way, stop at Clinton Square, the city's original town center. Today, a stunning fountain flows where the Erie Canal once traveled.

Discover restaurants, entertainment, and other downtown activities along the trail including: Freedom of Espresso, a local roaster and coffee house in Franklin Square. In Armory Square, Apizza Regionale offers wood fired pizza, salads, and a full bar.

Click for Accessibility Note

A wheelchair charging station is located in Armory Square nestled between the MoST and Sound Garden at the very start of the Creekwalk path, outside of Kirk Park.

Freedom of Espresso has an accessible entrance and bathroom, but the dining area is down a couple of steps with no alternate route.

Apizza Regionale is accessible and accommodating. A smooth brick walkway leads from the sidewalk to the wide open front door. The outdoor patio of loose crushed stone is not accessible for power wheelchairs. Inside, the tables are spaced enough to enable wheelchair access.

Onondaga Creekwalk
Segment 3
Arts and Science

Choose between the Museum of Science and Technology (MOST) or the Everson Museum of Art to round out your afternoon. The MOST is a great choice for children, with hands-on exhibits, planetarium shows, an IMAX Dome theater, and science demonstrations. Notable for its collection of American paintings and renowned ceramics, the Everson is housed in a building designed by famous architect I.M. Pei. Relax in the museum's outdoor art park of abstract statues and large fountain pool.

Click for Accessibility Note

MOST (IRRC)- Long, concrete ramp at the front entrance with wide enough spaces for a group to navigate an outdoor installation. No power door, no accessible call button.

Everson (IRRC)- Recently installed ramps around the fountain provides access to closer viewing of the art park. Featured throughout the first floor of the museum each autumn is Arise’s UNIQUE Exhibition, celebrating and highlighting artists with disabilities from around Central New York. If I. M. Pei’s iconic spiral staircase is not accessible for you, the Everson has an elevator to reach the upper floors of this Syracuse architectural masterpiece.

Choose between the Museum of Science and Technology (MOST) or the Everson Museum of Art to round out your afternoon. The MOST is a great choice for children, with hands-on exhibits, planetarium shows, an IMAX Dome theater, and science demonstrations. Notable for its collection of American paintings and renowned ceramics, the Everson is housed in a building designed by famous architect I.M. Pei. Relax in the museum's outdoor art park of abstract statues and large fountain pool.

Click for Accessibility Note

MOST (IRRC)- Long, concrete ramp at the front entrance with wide enough spaces for a group to navigate an outdoor installation. No power door, no accessible call button.

Everson (IRRC)- Recently installed ramps around the fountain provides access to closer viewing of the art park. Featured throughout the first floor of the museum each autumn is Arise’s UNIQUE Exhibition, celebrating and highlighting artists with disabilities from around Central New York. If I. M. Pei’s iconic spiral staircase is not accessible for you, the Everson has an elevator to reach the upper floors of this Syracuse architectural masterpiece.

Arts and Science
Segment 4
Sip on Syracuse

Several stops on the Sip on Syracuse Beverage Trail are located downtown. These tap rooms, breweries, wineries, and distilleries continue a historic tradition of craft brewing dating back to the 1800s. Central New York once produced 80 percent of the nation's hops, shipping them on -- you guessed it! -- the Erie Canal.

Several stops on the Sip on Syracuse Beverage Trail are located downtown. These tap rooms, breweries, wineries, and distilleries continue a historic tradition of craft brewing dating back to the 1800s. Central New York once produced 80 percent of the nation's hops, shipping them on -- you guessed it! -- the Erie Canal.

Sip on Syracuse
DAY 2:Go East: Green Lakes and Old Erie Canal State Parks
Segment 1
Green Lakes State Park

Just 10 miles from downtown Syracuse, experience a crown jewel of Upstate New York. A favorite stop among many canal travelers, Green Lakes State Park includes two stunning aquamarine glacial lakes, surrounded by upland forest. Paddling, hiking, swimming, fishing, birdwatching and golf are all options. Bring a picnic or eat at The Beach House restaurant overlooking Green Lake.

Click for Accessibility Note

Green Lakes State Park (IRRC)- There is an accessible boat launch and kayak rentals, an accessible playground, and mulched trails that are well groomed for hiking. The park has a Hippocampe Beach/All Terrain wheelchair available to access the beach and trails. It is available for use at no charge on a first come, first serve basis from 11am-7pm.

Just 10 miles from downtown Syracuse, experience a crown jewel of Upstate New York. A favorite stop among many canal travelers, Green Lakes State Park includes two stunning aquamarine glacial lakes, surrounded by upland forest. Paddling, hiking, swimming, fishing, birdwatching and golf are all options. Bring a picnic or eat at The Beach House restaurant overlooking Green Lake.

Click for Accessibility Note

Green Lakes State Park (IRRC)- There is an accessible boat launch and kayak rentals, an accessible playground, and mulched trails that are well groomed for hiking. The park has a Hippocampe Beach/All Terrain wheelchair available to access the beach and trails. It is available for use at no charge on a first come, first serve basis from 11am-7pm.

Green Lakes State Park
Segment 2
Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum

Leave time in your day to visit Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum. Located within the Old Erie Canal State Historic Park, it is 6 miles west of Green Lakes State Park. From 1856 through 1917, Chittenango served as a hub of canal boat building and repair. Start in the visitor center, then look for the three stone and timber dry docks, a replica canal boat, and exhibits about life on the canal. The Erie Canalway Trail and Old Erie Canal are adjacent to the site. You can walk, ride, or roll with a wheelchair on the trail. Or, paddle the canal, out and back, for as many miles as you like. Bike and kayak rentals are available or bring your own.

Click for Accessibility Note

Rentals do not include adaptive equipment and the kayak launch requires navigating a slope to enter and exit the water.

The Canalway Trail/Empire State Trail is accessible for all types of bikes, including recumbents and hand cycles. The trail is accessible to people with mobility challenges and meets Americans with Disabilities (ADA) standards. Off-road Empire State Trail sections are 10-12 feet wide with a paved asphalt or stonedust surface (stonedust is compacted, finely-ground material that provides a stable trail surface). The trail in the Old Erie Canal State Park is flat.

Leave time in your day to visit Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum. Located within the Old Erie Canal State Historic Park, it is 6 miles west of Green Lakes State Park. From 1856 through 1917, Chittenango served as a hub of canal boat building and repair. Start in the visitor center, then look for the three stone and timber dry docks, a replica canal boat, and exhibits about life on the canal. The Erie Canalway Trail and Old Erie Canal are adjacent to the site. You can walk, ride, or roll with a wheelchair on the trail. Or, paddle the canal, out and back, for as many miles as you like. Bike and kayak rentals are available or bring your own.

Click for Accessibility Note

Rentals do not include adaptive equipment and the kayak launch requires navigating a slope to enter and exit the water.

The Canalway Trail/Empire State Trail is accessible for all types of bikes, including recumbents and hand cycles. The trail is accessible to people with mobility challenges and meets Americans with Disabilities (ADA) standards. Off-road Empire State Trail sections are 10-12 feet wide with a paved asphalt or stonedust surface (stonedust is compacted, finely-ground material that provides a stable trail surface). The trail in the Old Erie Canal State Park is flat.

Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum
Segment 3
Dinner Time

On your way back to Syracuse, dine indoors or outside at The Craftsman Wood Grille and Tap House on Rt. 5 in Fayetteville. Fresh, local ingredients and craft beverages are always on the extensive menu. Prefer a more eclectic eating experience, with a casual, urban vibe? Head back to Salt City Market on Salina St. in downtown Syracuse. Here, regional and international food and culture come together with a mix of vendors sharing a common space.

Click for Accessibility Note

The Craftsman has plenty of parking and a wide accessible entrance.

Salt City Market has touchless automatic doors on most entrances, a step-free floorplan, wide walkways, and lowered counter spaces at vendors. The spacious courtyard has a fireplace for outdoor dining.

On your way back to Syracuse, dine indoors or outside at The Craftsman Wood Grille and Tap House on Rt. 5 in Fayetteville. Fresh, local ingredients and craft beverages are always on the extensive menu. Prefer a more eclectic eating experience, with a casual, urban vibe? Head back to Salt City Market on Salina St. in downtown Syracuse. Here, regional and international food and culture come together with a mix of vendors sharing a common space.

Click for Accessibility Note

The Craftsman has plenty of parking and a wide accessible entrance.

Salt City Market has touchless automatic doors on most entrances, a step-free floorplan, wide walkways, and lowered counter spaces at vendors. The spacious courtyard has a fireplace for outdoor dining.

Dinner Time
DAY 3:A Day in the Parks
Segment 1
Explore Central New York's Central Park

Onondaga Lake Park is an 8+ mile linear greenway that features four great trails - East Shore Recreation, Shoreline Walking Trail, Lakeland Nature, and the West Shore. Bustling year-round, especially on weekend mornings, the park hosts many charity walks and special events. It is also home to the region's busiest skate and dog parks. Start at the Griffin Visitor Center to get oriented. From there, walk, rent a bike, enjoy a waterfront picnic, or visit Wegmans Landing playground. Kids will love the accessible, colorful climbers, swings, playhouses, and slides. To learn why Syracuse is called “The Salt City,” check out the The Salt Museum, just down the path from the playground.

Click for Accessibility Note

Onondaga Lake Park (IRRC)

  • Wheelchair Charging Station- Located next to the Griffin Visitor's Center, outside of the vending building.
  • Wegman's Playground goes above and beyond accessibility, creating unified fun for any ability level.
  • Trails- There are many miles of accessible trails within the park.

Onondaga Lake Park is an 8+ mile linear greenway that features four great trails - East Shore Recreation, Shoreline Walking Trail, Lakeland Nature, and the West Shore. Bustling year-round, especially on weekend mornings, the park hosts many charity walks and special events. It is also home to the region's busiest skate and dog parks. Start at the Griffin Visitor Center to get oriented. From there, walk, rent a bike, enjoy a waterfront picnic, or visit Wegmans Landing playground. Kids will love the accessible, colorful climbers, swings, playhouses, and slides. To learn why Syracuse is called “The Salt City,” check out the The Salt Museum, just down the path from the playground.

Click for Accessibility Note

Onondaga Lake Park (IRRC)

  • Wheelchair Charging Station- Located next to the Griffin Visitor's Center, outside of the vending building.
  • Wegman's Playground goes above and beyond accessibility, creating unified fun for any ability level.
  • Trails- There are many miles of accessible trails within the park.
Explore Central New York's Central Park
Segment 2
Sample Local Flavor

Heid's of Liverpool is a Central New York landmark and has been featured on the Food Network’s “Man v. Food.” Located across from the park, there is plenty of outdoor seating. Try a Hofmann's frank or snappy with salt potatoes and chocolate milk. There’s also an ice cream shop next door. Additional dining and coffee options, as well as a local market, are walkable from the park.

Drive west to Camillus.

Heid's of Liverpool is a Central New York landmark and has been featured on the Food Network’s “Man v. Food.” Located across from the park, there is plenty of outdoor seating. Try a Hofmann's frank or snappy with salt potatoes and chocolate milk. There’s also an ice cream shop next door. Additional dining and coffee options, as well as a local market, are walkable from the park.

Drive west to Camillus.

Sample Local Flavor
Segment 3
Camillus Erie Canal Park

Like thousands of immigrants, traveling west by canal to begin a new life in America, you can follow the path of the Old Erie Canal to Camillus Erie Canal Park, where you can take a boat trip over an 1842 aqueduct. Stop in the Sims Store Museum, a circa 1856 replica canal side store, see a replica lock tender's shanty, and explore the outdoor displays that offer a glimpse into the past. Located on the Canalway Trail, the park is a popular spot for walking, jogging, and cycling. In the summer, they offer 1.5-hour boat rides. Check the website for tour times.

Click for Accessibility Note

Camillus Erie Canal Park (IRRC)- The Erie Canalway Trail here is flat with a stone dust surface. The aqueduct is one mile from the visitor center. Find details on physical inclusion using the IRRC link.

Like thousands of immigrants, traveling west by canal to begin a new life in America, you can follow the path of the Old Erie Canal to Camillus Erie Canal Park, where you can take a boat trip over an 1842 aqueduct. Stop in the Sims Store Museum, a circa 1856 replica canal side store, see a replica lock tender's shanty, and explore the outdoor displays that offer a glimpse into the past. Located on the Canalway Trail, the park is a popular spot for walking, jogging, and cycling. In the summer, they offer 1.5-hour boat rides. Check the website for tour times.

Click for Accessibility Note

Camillus Erie Canal Park (IRRC)- The Erie Canalway Trail here is flat with a stone dust surface. The aqueduct is one mile from the visitor center. Find details on physical inclusion using the IRRC link.

Camillus Erie Canal Park

· This itinerary requires car transportation to daily destinations.

  • BY AIR: Syracuse Hancock 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 Syracuse Station is located at 131 Alliance Bank Pkwy, Syracuse. Reservations are required to bring your bike aboard, Bicycles | New York by Rail.
  • BY CAR: Take NYS Thruway I90 to reach Syracuse. Use highways 690, 81, and 481 to reach city destinations.

Staying in one location as your base is recommended for the experiences in this itinerary. Visit Syracuse has a complete listing of accommodations in the greater Syracuse area that are centrally located to the activities listed.

Old Erie Canal Heritage Park at Port Byron

You’ve seen a former weighlock station, dry docks, and a restored aqueduct. Complete your experience by exploring the fourth critical canal structure: locks. From Camillus, drive 18 miles west on Rt. 5 and Rt. 31 to reach the small former canal village of Port Byron. The new fully accessible Heritage Park includes a large visitor center and an opportunity to walk through the massive stone chambers of Enlarged Erie Canal Lock 52. The lock leads to the Erie House, a former canal tavern and hotel with mule barns and a blacksmith shop.

Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park

Home to more than 700 animals, the zoo is a special place where species, many of them endangered, are nurtured and celebrated. The zoo offers many accessibility options and accommodations. Find details at the Inclusive Recreation Resource Center (IRRC).

The Great New York State Fair

If you are visiting at the end of August/early September, spend an afternoon at the State Fair. Enjoy hundreds of exhibits, animals, amusement rides, and musical performances. Don’t miss local food favorites such as Gianelli sausage, chicken spiedies, Finger Lakes wine slushies, and salt potatoes.

Visit Syracuse

Find a wealth of information on events, attractions, and trip planning.


  • Salt potatoes: Irish immigrants, working as salt miners in the Syracuse area, began boiling small potatoes in salt brine for lunch. Today, the local favorite is served with butter and salt.
  • Coneys, white hots, or snappy grillers are white pork and veal sausage made by the Hofmann Sausage Company, founded in 1879 by German immigrant Frank Hofmann. Try one or order a traditional frank at local landmark Heid’s of Liverpool, 305 Oswego Street, Liverpool.
  • Syracuse Regional Market: 2100 Park Street near Onondaga Lake Park; open Saturdays and Sundays (flea market only) year-round and Thursdays, May-November, from 7am-2pm. The popular market offers 300+ vendors selling produce, local food products and merchandise. Most of the market is covered, making it a great option during inclement weather.
  • Empire State Brewery App: Explore breweries in Syracuse within 10 miles of the canal.

· Accessibility Resources

  • TRAID- Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities · (315) 410-3335
  • MoveAlong- Adaptive cycle and kayak rentals. · (315) 350-1726

Standard (non-adaptive) Bike/Paddle Shops


Getting Here

· This itinerary requires car transportation to daily destinations.

  • BY AIR: Syracuse Hancock 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 Syracuse Station is located at 131 Alliance Bank Pkwy, Syracuse. Reservations are required to bring your bike aboard, Bicycles | New York by Rail.
  • BY CAR: Take NYS Thruway I90 to reach Syracuse. Use highways 690, 81, and 481 to reach city destinations.
Accommodations

Staying in one location as your base is recommended for the experiences in this itinerary. Visit Syracuse has a complete listing of accommodations in the greater Syracuse area that are centrally located to the activities listed.

More To Explore

Old Erie Canal Heritage Park at Port Byron

You’ve seen a former weighlock station, dry docks, and a restored aqueduct. Complete your experience by exploring the fourth critical canal structure: locks. From Camillus, drive 18 miles west on Rt. 5 and Rt. 31 to reach the small former canal village of Port Byron. The new fully accessible Heritage Park includes a large visitor center and an opportunity to walk through the massive stone chambers of Enlarged Erie Canal Lock 52. The lock leads to the Erie House, a former canal tavern and hotel with mule barns and a blacksmith shop.

Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park

Home to more than 700 animals, the zoo is a special place where species, many of them endangered, are nurtured and celebrated. The zoo offers many accessibility options and accommodations. Find details at the Inclusive Recreation Resource Center (IRRC).

The Great New York State Fair

If you are visiting at the end of August/early September, spend an afternoon at the State Fair. Enjoy hundreds of exhibits, animals, amusement rides, and musical performances. Don’t miss local food favorites such as Gianelli sausage, chicken spiedies, Finger Lakes wine slushies, and salt potatoes.

Visit Syracuse

Find a wealth of information on events, attractions, and trip planning.


Sample Local Flavor
  • Salt potatoes: Irish immigrants, working as salt miners in the Syracuse area, began boiling small potatoes in salt brine for lunch. Today, the local favorite is served with butter and salt.
  • Coneys, white hots, or snappy grillers are white pork and veal sausage made by the Hofmann Sausage Company, founded in 1879 by German immigrant Frank Hofmann. Try one or order a traditional frank at local landmark Heid’s of Liverpool, 305 Oswego Street, Liverpool.
  • Syracuse Regional Market: 2100 Park Street near Onondaga Lake Park; open Saturdays and Sundays (flea market only) year-round and Thursdays, May-November, from 7am-2pm. The popular market offers 300+ vendors selling produce, local food products and merchandise. Most of the market is covered, making it a great option during inclement weather.
  • Empire State Brewery App: Explore breweries in Syracuse within 10 miles of the canal.

Bike/Paddle Shops

· Accessibility Resources

  • TRAID- Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities · (315) 410-3335
  • MoveAlong- Adaptive cycle and kayak rentals. · (315) 350-1726

Standard (non-adaptive) Bike/Paddle Shops



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.
® NYSDED


We are grateful to Discover Albany and the Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau Foundation for funding support for the Hudson-Mohawk Sampler.