About the Canalway Trail

The Canalway Trail is a network of 423.7 miles—consisting of two major multiple-use trails that follow the towpaths (walkways once used by mules to pull canal boats), active and historic sections of the New York State Canal System plus adjacent abandoned and working rail corridors.

The Erie Canalway Trail extends 360.3 miles from Buffalo to Albany linking the cities of Rochester, Syracuse and Utica. The Champlain Canalway Trail, the other major portion, is 63.4 miles long and goes north from Waterford (just above Albany) to Whitehall, along the Champlain Canal.

The Canalway Trail is part of the 750-mile Empire State Trail, the longest multi-use recreational trail in the nation extending north from New York City to Canada, including the Champlain Canalway Trail, and west from Albany to Buffalo via the Erie Canalway Trail.

Recreational Opportunities

The Canalway Trail is a great, long-distance cycling destination and an ideal close-to-home recreational resource for cycling, walking, jogging and other types of seasonal trail activities. Distinctive signs mark the Canalway Trail route and make it easy to find.

Trail Amenities and Facilities

Trailhead parking and interpretive kiosks with historic information about the Canal System, picnic tables and benches, bike racks and fix-it stations are located at many points along the trail.  The trail surface is level and is mostly paved, with some stone dust, gravel and natural surfaces. Parts of the trail use local streets.

Review essential trail etiquette to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all trail users.

• Trail users should keep right - please remain in your lane of travel and be courteous to other trail users.
• Pass slower traffic on their left; yield to oncoming traffic when passing.
• Bicycles yield to pedestrians.
• Bicyclists must call out or use bell to give a clear warning signal before passing.
• Respect adjoining property - please always stay on the trail.
• Access to the trail through adjoining private property is strictly prohibited.
• Keep your trails clean and carry out your garbage and recyclables.
• Pets are allowed on the trail and must be always leashed and under control. Leashes cannot exceed five feet.

Safety and Rules

The Canalway Trail is a beautiful outdoor space freely open for public enjoyment. We recommend planning your trip in advance, watching regional weather conditions, visiting Canal Trail Alerts, and practicing trail etiquette for a safe and enjoyable visit.

• Class 1&2 E-bikes, those that are not capable of peddle-assist beyond 20 mile per hour, are allowed when equipped with fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power.
• Owners are responsible for cleaning up their pet's waste and must have a waste pick-up device or bag with them when using the Canalway Trail.
• Parking shall be limited to designated locations.
• Carry-in / Carry-out - Waste receptacles are not provided at all trailheads and/or lockhouses.
• Camping is permitted only at designed sites along the trail (lock locations). Please refer to our camping page for details and rules.
• No open fires or collecting of firewood is permitted on Canal property.
• Fires for cooking should be limited to Corporation provided charcoal grills or camping stoves.

Prohibited Uses

The following are prohibited on Canal Corporation Property and/or the Canalway Trail:

• Smoking
• Hunting
• Horseback riding
  • Equestrian activities are allowed on the Old Erie Canal State Historic Park 's  36-mile section of the Erie Canalway Trail (between East Syracuse and Rome).
• No motorized vehicles, including:
  • All-terrain vehicles
  • One-wheel, electric skateboards
  • E-Scooters, which are motorized or powered scooters having two in-line wheels and require the user to stand and balance on the scooter
  • Class 3 E-bikes, those that provide peddle assist propulsion beyond 20 mile per hour
  • Snowmobile use unless permitted through the Corporation's Real Property Department. Please contact public.info@canals.ny.gov.