Cycle the Erie Canal – Mohawk Valley

Hosted by Parks and Trails NY, the annual Cycle the Erie Canal Tour is a summer event that takes place from July 7 through July 14, 2024. Riders travel the nearly 400-mile Erie Canalway Trail from Buffalo to Albany right through the heart of the Mohawk Valley!

Cyclists leave their cars behind in Buffalo on July 7th to journey along the legendary Erie Canal and arrive in Albany eight days later on July 14th. Along the way, cyclists enjoy some of the finest scenery, most interesting history, and unparalleled cycling in the United States.

The 8-day adventure covers between 40 and 60 miles per day as cyclists travel along the Erie Canalway Trail. Cyclists make their way across the state, and each night, towns and villages along the way play host the weary travelers offering lots of  local hospitality and encouragement. The route is an enjoyable ride along the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, and on days 6 and 7, riders travel through the scenic and historic Mohawk Valley.

Rome,  NY

On July 11th the City of Rome welcomes the Cycle the Erie Canal Riders to a Cycle the Erie Canal Block Party. The Rome Waterways and Trails Advocacy Group in partnership with The Copper Easel, Superofficial and the City of Rome will welcome over 500 cyclists and volunteers traveling through Rome as part of the Cycle the Erie Canal Tour hosted by Parks and Trails New York!

Organizers are ensuring live music, delicious food trucks and beverage suppliers, unique artist vendors and community groups will be set up along the 100-200 blocks of W. Dominick St. to welcome the riders. The community is invited to come out and welcome the cyclists and volunteers and show them how awesome Rome is!

Fort Plain, NY

After some well-deserved rest, relaxation and fun in Rome, the riders will proceed approximately 60 miles to the Village of Fort Plain.

Fort Plain will be rolling out the red carpet for the riders as they host the Cycle the Erie Canal Tour participants and volunteers with a Welcome Party.

Activities planned in Fort Plain include:

• Music in Haslett Park. There will be two separate performances with music from 3:00-5:00 p.m. and 5:00-7:00 p.m.
• Carnival at the Village Hall! CORE has arranged for amusement rides adjacent to the Bike Path at the site of our new village hall.
• Welcome Kiosks. There will be two welcome kiosks with one on the Bike Path where the riders enter the village and the second located right near Village Hall.

What is the Erie Canalway Trial?

The Erie Canalway Trail between Albany and Buffalo is 87-percent off road and suitable for all ages and abilities. The trail closely parallels both active and historic sections of the Erie Canal. You’ll enjoy great cycling and easy access to communities, attractions, and amenities throughout the Canalway Corridor.

The Erie Canalway Trail forms the east-west spine of the 750-mile Empire State Trail. This multi-use trail invites bicyclists and hikers to explore New York State’s extraordinary experiences, people, and places. The trail runs north-south from New York City through the Hudson River Valley to Lake Champlain and east-west from Albany to Buffalo. Trail markers and wayfinding signs make it easy to follow the trail and to connect off-and-on-road segments.

About Parks and Trails NY

Parks & Trails New York is New York’s leading statewide advocate for parks and trails, dedicated since 1985 to improving our health, economy, and quality of life through the use and enjoyment of green space.

With thousands of members and supporters across the state, PTNY is a leading voice in the protection of New York’s magnificent state park system and the creation and promotion of more than 1,500 miles of greenways, bike paths, river walks, and trails.

Parks & Trails New York works to expand, protect and promote a network of parks, trails, and open spaces throughout our state for use and enjoyment by all.