Cyclebum
06-01-11, 08:29 PM
Anyone here ridden the Erie end to end? Is it open all the way for a bicycle? Surface conditions? Camping opportunities?
Touring - Erie Canal
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siesta171
06-02-11, 04:43 AM
Cycled the Erie Canal from west to east six years ago. At that time it was not suitable for cycling west of Lockport but was very enjoyable east of there. Found facilities at nearly every bridge and lock, most free to cyclists.
m_yates
06-02-11, 09:15 AM
I suggest buying this book: http://www.ptny.org/guidebook/index.shtml
I've only ridden it from Buffalo to Syracuse. Most canal locks have free camping. There was a post here just recently about a family tour on the Erie canal with some good information in the replies. In the section from Buffalo to Syracuse, the only bad section I found was from Weedsport to Camillus (very rough trail). Otherwise, the trail is smooth packed gravel or paved. It is not continuous, so some sections are on road.
I've only ridden it from Buffalo to Syracuse. Most canal locks have free camping. There was a post here just recently about a family tour on the Erie canal with some good information in the replies. In the section from Buffalo to Syracuse, the only bad section I found was from Weedsport to Camillus (very rough trail). Otherwise, the trail is smooth packed gravel or paved. It is not continuous, so some sections are on road.
Cyclebum
06-02-11, 09:35 AM
Thks for info. Will order the book. Making plans for 2012. Figured the Erie would be a nice diversion from highways on way to Maine.
m_yates
06-02-11, 09:51 AM
Thks for info. Will order the book. Making plans for 2012. Figured the Erie would be a nice diversion from highways on way to Maine.
I commute daily on the canal path, and in the summers I've run into a few cross country tourers on the way to or from Maine. I think the canal path is part of the ACA Northern Tier Route. You might consider also the Northern Tier maps. I don't own them, but the book I do own the book I recommended and it is very detailed.
I commute daily on the canal path, and in the summers I've run into a few cross country tourers on the way to or from Maine. I think the canal path is part of the ACA Northern Tier Route. You might consider also the Northern Tier maps. I don't own them, but the book I do own the book I recommended and it is very detailed.
dwmckee
06-02-11, 09:26 PM
We rode it last year buffalo to Ithaca and my partners went on to Albany. I wish we had started at Niagara on the Lake though. Route is pretty contiguous but Syracuse was on road. I preferred Erie Canal over C and O GAP. Ithaca is better during the day as it is a little rough. Lots of small touns with lodging and dining options. All trail conditions were great for us, even a few paved portions. Only a few guide books cover it all very well.