Canalway Challenge Kicks Off Along New York’s Canals

WATERFORD—The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor kicks off its 8th annual Canalway Challenge on May 1. The free program invites people of all ages and abilities to set a personal mileage goal and walk, run, cycle, paddle, or roll along the NYS Canal System to achieve it, earning recognition and rewards.

Variety of mileage options for varying fitness abilities

Participants can choose from a range of mileage options to suit their fitness ability–including 15 miles, 90 miles, 180 miles, and 360 miles—and have until October 31 to complete their goal. A 1st Mile Challenge is open to people with disabilities.
All finishers will receive a certificate, mileage sticker and magnet, and commemorative pennant in the mail.

“The Canalway Challenge is fun, active, and full of exploration. Participants tell us how much they discover while logging miles—from historic sites and beautiful scenery to regional foods and beverages and charming canal communities. Every mile delivers something special,” said Bob Radliff, Executive Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.

Canalway Challenge participants come from more than 40 states

To date, Canalway Challenge participants from 41 U.S. states have logged 2.5 million miles and generated an estimated $6 million in economic impact along New York’s canals and Canalway Trail.

New York State Canal Corporation Director Ben Walsh said, “The weather is slowly but surely warming up, and the Canalway Challenge is the perfect motivator to get folks outside, moving, and enjoying the beautiful Canalway Corridor, all while finding the satisfaction of meeting a goal. I encourage everyone to take advantage – if only for the bragging rights!”

Registration is open to individuals, organizations, and teams. People can complete the Challenge in one big trip or many small ones.

Free sign up at www.canalwaychallenge.org.

The NYS Canal System officially opens for the season on Friday, May 15, 2026.

ABOUT THE ERIE CANALWAY NATIONAL HERITAGE CORRIDOR

Two hundred years after its opening, the Erie Canal remains an iconic symbol of American ingenuity and determination. The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor preserves New York’s extraordinary canal heritage, promotes the Corridor as a world-class tourism destination, and fosters vibrant communities connected by more than 500 miles of waterway. It achieves its mission in partnership with the National Park Service, New York State agencies, non-profit organizations, local residents, and more than 200 communities across the full expanse of upstate New York. Visit http://www.eriecanalway.org/ for more information.