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Your Trail Visit
Helpful resources to planning your visit to the Canalway Trails with information on routes, where to go and what to see along the way, and much more courtesy of Parks & Trails New York.
Prep for Your Trail Visit
Cycling
The Canalway Trail features more than 420 miles of networked trails you can explore by bicycle. Use the resources below to help plan and prepare for your cycling trip.
Prep for Your Cycling Visit
- Hours: Dawn to Dusk
- Speed Limit: 15 mph
- What to Bring: Helmet, bike lock, drinking water, headlight/taillight, eye protection, first aid kit, spare tire & tube, compact hand pump.
- E-bikes: Class 1 & 2 E-bikes not capable of peddle-assist beyond 20 mph are allowed
PADDLING
Venture down 524 miles of historic and scenic canal waterways with more than 125 publicly available access points. Be sure to learn and get all the information you need to plan a safe and enjoyable journey on the water.
Prep for Your Paddle
Whatever your paddle craft—kayak, canoe or paddleboard—you'll want to be prepared for your outing on the waterways with this list of essential and optional gear, and helpful tips.
- Essential Gear: Personal floatation device, paddle & a spare, dry bag, signaling whistle, swimwear, hat, sun protection, first aid kit
- Optional Gear: Compass or GPS, float bags, towline
- Access Points and Launches
- Day Trip Itineraries
- Map & Guidebook
- Paddle Rentals
Locking Through While Paddling
Experience Locking Through via paddle craft. The Canal waterways are home to dozens of locks, lift bridges and guard gates. There are specific ways to travel through these features while paddling the waterway, so read up before you go. Kayaks and canoes can lock through but paddleboards are not allowed to lock through for safety reasons.
Abandoned But Not Forgotten
Try walking, cycling or paddling the calmer, more intimate trails and waterways of New York State’s out-of-use canals that are still accessible on foot and non-motorized vessels.