Ideas for Logging Miles
There are many great adventures in store when you hit the trail or get out on the water. Try one of our recommended cycling or paddling half-day and full-day trips. Or plan a multiday trip with one of our recommended itineraries. A few miles at a time will start to add up!
2025 Events
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
May
07
Local History Walking Tour: Washington Square Neighborhood
- Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County, Rochester
- 06:00pm - 07:30pm
- 115 South Ave Rochester, NY 14604
- Visit Website
- Washington Square is one of the oldest neighborhoods on Rochester’s east side. The area serves as something of a microcosm of the city’s history. Here, one finds echoes of Rochester’s early years as a milling village, its Erie Canal boomtown days, and its rise as a site of technological innovation. Meet on the north side of the Rundel Memorial Building for this .83 mile tour.
Saturday, May 17, 2025
May
17
Guided Bird Walk
- Great Swamp Conservancy, Canastota
- 08:00am
- 8375 N. Main St. Canastota, NY 13032
- Visit Website
- Join expert birder PJ at the Great Swamp Conservancy for a guided bird walk. The GSC is located within the Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor and features many of the same bird species that can be seen on the Erie Canal due to the abundance of wetlands. Bring your own binoculars or borrow some from the GSC! $5 per person, $4 for GSC members
Sunday, May 18, 2025
May
18
The Boilermaker’s "Erie Canal Races"
- Whitesboro High School, Marcy
- 08:00am
- 6000 NY-291 Marcy, NY 13403
- Visit Website
- Choose your distance and run a beautiful stretch of the Erie Canal. Races includes a 10-miler, 5K (3.1 miles), and a two-person 10-mile relay (5 miles per runner). Register to participate or come cheer on the runners.
Thursday, June 5, 2025
Jun
05
2025 New York Run for the Fallen
- Buffalo to Albany, Buffalo
- 08:00am - 06:00pm
- Recurring until June 14, 2025
- 1250 Amherst St. Buffalo, NY 14216
- Visit Website
- 2025 marks our 10th Anniversary! To celebrate, we will embark on a 10-day journey from Buffalo to New York City, following the beautiful Erie Canalway and Empire State Trails—covering over 500 miles. Join us as we honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country, with a special focus on those with ties to New York State.
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Jun
14
Erie Canal Boat Float and Folk Festival: Living History
- Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum, Chittenango
- All Day
- 717 Lakeport Rd Chittenango, NY 13037
- Visit Website
- Join hundreds of paddlers on the Old Erie Canal for a trip through history to celebrate the bicentennial. After party includes folk music, food trucks, live demonstrations of traditional crafts, and a living history display with interpreters in costume.
Jun
14
New York State Paddlesport Champs
- Onondaga Lake Park Public Canoe and Kayak Launch, Liverpool
- 09:30am - 12:00pm
- 2152 Onondaga Lake Pkwy Liverpool, NY 13090
- Visit Website
- The New York Paddle Champs is an exciting event that brings together racers from all regions to compete for a coveted State Champion Jacket, title of Best Paddling Region in New York, and $5000 in cash and prizes. Organized by passionate and motivated members of the New York paddesport community, this championship event promises a thrilling day of racing!
Jun
14
New York State Paddlesport Champs
- Onondaga Lake Park Public Canoe and Kayak Launch, Liverpool
- 12:00pm - 12:00pm
- 2152 Onondaga Lake Pkwy Liverpool, NY 13090
- Visit Website
- The New York Paddle Champs is an exciting event that brings together racers from all regions to compete for a coveted State Champion Jacket, title of Best Paddling Region in New York, and $5000 in cash and prizes. Organized by passionate and motivated members of the New York paddesport community, this championship event promises a thrilling day of racing!
Saturday, June 21, 2025
Jun
21
Kayak PaddleFest
- Lakefront Park, Geneva
- 35 Lake Front Drive Geneva, NY 14456
- Visit Website
- Always wanted to try kayaking but don’t know how to get started? Now is your chance to try it out! Boats and gear will be provided and you'll have a chance to try equipment and watch demonstrations on how to get started. Free.
Sunday, June 22, 2025
Jun
22
Paddle the Canals: Erie Canal 200!
- Alcathy's Boat Launch, Waterford
- 09:00am - 01:00pm
- Flight Lock Road (end) Waterford, NY 12188
- Visit Website
- Celebrate the Erie Canal's bicentennial at Erie Canalway's annual paddling event. Join hundreds of paddlers through Locks 2-6, around Peebles Island, and finish at Waterford Harbor Boat Ramp. Enjoy lunch at the pavilion in Peebles Island State Park after the paddle. Transportation and lunch included in registration. Kayak rentals available through Upstate Kayak Rentals.
Saturday, July 12, 2025
Jul
12
Cycle the Erie Canal
- Nichols School, Buffalo
- All Day
- Recurring until July 20, 2025
- 1250 Amherst Street Buffalo, NY 14216
- Visit Website
- Fully supported 8-day, 400-mile cycling tour from Buffalo to Albany along the Erie Canalway Trail. Visit Parks & Trails New York for the full schedule.
Saturday, July 26, 2025
Jul
26
On the Trails - 200 years on the Erie Canal and 35 years of the ADA
- Progress Park, Syracuse
- 328 W Kirkpatrick St Syracuse, NY 13204
- Visit Website
- Celebrate the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Erie Canal Bicentennial during this inclusive recreation festival. Try out adaptive recreation equipment and explore the Creekwalk path as you complete the 1st Mile Challenge.
Saturday, August 23, 2025
Aug
23
Montgomery County Kayak-a-Thon/Bicentennial Bash
- Riverlink Park, Amsterdam
- 2 Front St Amsterdam, NY 12010
- Visit Website
- Paddle nine scenic miles of the Mohawk River from Fonda to Port Jackson/Amsterdam, then head to Riverlink Park for live music, food, fireworks, historic exhibits and kids activities.
Saturday, August 30, 2025
Aug
30
Color Wayne Fun Run, Walk and Roll
- T. Spencer Knight Canal Port, Newark
- 199 Van Buren St Newark, NY 14513
- Visit Website
- Celebrate the bicentennial at this colorful 2-mile run/walk/roll for people of all abilities. Wear white and travel the 2-mile course along the Erie Canalway Trail and return covered by a rainbow of colors. Registration required. Benefits the Arc of Wayne Foundation.
Saturday, September 13, 2025
Sep
13
Roc River Ride
- Genesee Waterways Center, Rochester
- 11:00am
- 149 Elmwood Ave Rochester, NY 14611
- Visit Website
- Explore Rochester’s history and culture on a guided bicycle ride along the scenic Erie Canalway and Genesee Riverway Trails. Choose from three, seven, or 10-mile options with stops along the way for cultural presentations. All routes are accessible to wheelchairs. Riders ages 8 to 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
Saturday, September 27, 2025
Sep
27
Doors Open Buffalo
- Downtown Buffalo, Buffalo
- One Symphony Circle Buffalo, NY 14201
- Visit Website
- Celebrate the Erie Canal's 200th and experience a day of free public access and tours at Buffalo landmarks and historic sites. Discover the impact of the canal on the City and State-- you will be surprised how many buildings have canal-themed symbolism, artwork, murals, and more.