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Home , Champlain Canal, Empire State Trail, Erie Canal, Hudson River, Lake Champlain, New York State Thruway

Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor U.S. Department of the Interior

Erie Canalway Map & Guide Scotia, Frank Forte

Enjoy the Great Outdoors Albany, Call of the Loon Along ’s

ead to the water to find adventure and fun along more than 500 miles of canals and connected waterways and trails. This is the perfect year to look to the canals for memorable CONTENTS and safe day trips and vacation getaways. From boat rentals to multiday bike rides to H Get on the Water ...... 2-3 visiting state and national parks, there’s plenty to explore on and off the water. Erie Canalway Map...... 4-5 The Trail...... 6 Get on the Water Hit the Trail Discover Communities Cycling with Kids...... 7 The New York State Canal System— The Canalway Trail is an ideal place for One of the best parts of visiting the Erie Canalway Challenge...... 7 which includes the Erie, Champlain, fitness and fun. Spend a few hours walking Canalway National Heritage Corridor is Cayuga-Seneca, and Oswego Canals— or cycling and seeing the sites or plan a exploring the many , towns, and A National Treasure...... 8 is the centerpiece of the Erie Canalway longer cycling trip to really experience villages along the waterway. Many of National Heritage Corridor. Relax and all the trail has to offer. The 360 mile these communities provide visitor centers enjoy a canal boat tour or multiday east-west trail from Buffalo to Albany with restrooms, showers, and other services Canals and COVID-19 voyage. You’ll find tours within an hour’s parallels the and is part of the for boaters, cyclists, and paddlers within drive of every major in the Canalway newly completed , which walking distance of shops, restaurants, Please refer to current guidelines Corridor. You can also launch your own also extends north-south from New York and attractions. Be sure to visit local and recommendations from the motorboat, paddle the canal, or rent a City to Champlain. museums where you’ll learn about people, State of New York and the Centers boat for a self-skippered vacation. places and innovations along the canals. for Disease Control and Prevention to safely enjoy all the Canalway Corridor has to offer.

This guide presents exciting things to do, places to go, and exceptional activities to enjoy this year. Erie Canalway Map & Guide 2021 Boat Tours and Fairport, Sandi Osterwise Get on the Water Vacation Rentals You can get on the water for a scenic ride E25, Mays Point, Frank Forte or enjoy a lunch or dinner cruise on one of the many tour boats along the canals. Specialty cruises, sailing adventures, and wine tours are offered on lake and sections of the waterway. Vacation rentals provide an idyllic way to experience the canal at a relaxed pace. You’ll get lessons in steering, docking, and locking before heading out, so you can feel confident on the water even if you’re not an experienced boater. Rental boats are well-equipped with sleeping quarters, a galley, and deck space for relaxing; many come with bikes so you can enjoy the Canalway Trail too. Find a list of boat tours and vacation rentals at www.eriecanalway/explore/ boating. Additional boater resources and maps include: • nycanalmap.com • canals.ny.gov • eriecanalway.org

Longer Voyages New York’s canal system has been in continuous operation since 1825, longer than any other constructed transportation system on the North American continent. The NYS Canal System is part of a Over the years, it has been enlarged three times to accommodate larger boats and more traffic. 6,000-mile boating route known as the Great Loop. Boaters traverse 15 states, 100+ locks, and typically take a year to complete it. Retirees, families, and elcome boaters! The NYS Canal System is open from Launch Your Own Boat The New York State

Lock 12, Tribes Hill, Frank Forte Lock 12, Tribes a growing number of 20-somethings May 21 through October 13. After more than 200 years There are more than 80 public boat ramps Canal System includes: take up the journey for the freedom along the NYS Canal System where you and challenge it offers, as well as the of continuous service, New York’s canals are still • Erie Canal, which connects the opportunity to see and learn from W can launch your own boat for a few hours with , working waterways that serve all types of boats, from pleasure people and places all along the route. or a multiday trip. The Erie Canal connects 338 miles to the west; • Always wear a boats to tugboats and to canoes and kayaks. Cruise or with Oneida, Onondaga, Cross, Cayuga greatloop.org • , which connects the properly paddle the historic and scenic waterway and you’ll discover and Seneca where you can enjoy tidal portion of the Hudson River with fitted PFD other water sports, beaches, and sailing. , 63 miles to the north; scenic vistas, abundant wildlife, and unique communities where • Stay away from Marinas and public docks provide services you’ll find amenities and numerous sites of interest. Visit one of • , which follows the dams, buoys and overnight accommodations. Many from the Erie Canal and barriers the NYS Canal System’s 57 locks to see their massive gates and communities offer showers, laundry 23 miles north to Lake ; • Be cautious near facilities, hook-ups, and other boater mechanical gears, and watch boats pass through. • Cayuga-Seneca Canal, which connects hydropower amenities right in the center of town. the Erie Canal to 92 miles of canalized assets, water and lakes, including the Seneca levels can change quickly Tribes Hill, Frank Forte Stillwater, Frank Forte River and Cayuga and Seneca Lakes . Paddling • Respect all signs and Canal Boating Basics The New York State Canal System is The NYS Canalway Water Trail welcomes warning signals • Boating is free and no permit is operated by the New York State Canal kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddle- • Tell someone your plans, needed to go through a lock . Corporation, a subsidiary of the New boards with more than 140 public access destination and timing York Power Authority . For current points and lots of amenities and places of • Lock tenders are on hand to assist • Use designated boat information and up-to-date Notices to you and make your experience going interest. Paddlers navigate century old launch sites through the locks easy and enjoyable . Mariners, visit canals.ny.gov . locks; pass stunning stone aqueducts used • Be smart, no drinking • It takes 15 to 20 minutes to go to carry boats over rivers and streams in and boating through a lock . the 1800s; paddle alongside tugboats and • Power boats and paddlers share the cruisers; and experience narrow canal • Leave no trace: canal, so be mindful of speed limits channels and wider river segments. You’ll carry in/carry out find rental outfitters at numerous locations. and wakes . • Before heading out, check • There are more than 80 public boat Use the NYS Canalway Water Trail the weather forecast and ramps where you can launch your Guidebook to plan an outing or multiday canals.ny.gov for current boat . trip. This mile-by-mile guide includes launch conditions • The canal is open daily from 7am to sites, amenities, places of interest, and 5pm, but many locks and lift bridges safety information. The guide is available are open on demand until 10 pm . at outfitters, visitor centers, and at eriecanalway.org/watertrail. brookfi eldrenewable.com

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Erie Canalway National Rochester to Syracuse (90 miles) The Champlain Canal The canal is the centerpiece of vibrant cities and small Waterford to Whitehall (63 miles) towns along this stretch of the Erie Canal, where you’ll Boat, paddle, or cycle a region steeped in Lake Heritage Corridor find varied terrain on water and land. American history along the picturesque Champlain Hudson River and Champlain Canal.

esignated by Congress in 2000, the National Heritage Corridor extends along Fairport, Keith Boas New York’s canals from one end of the state to the other. As you travel, you The Erie Canalway Dwill discover distinct regional differences that will keep you coming back to National Heritage Corridor experience all that the Canalway Corridor has to offer. in New York State Oswego

Buffalo to Rochester (90 miles) The Oswego Canal TO MONTREAL Find charming towns connected by water Three Rivers to Oswego (23 miles) 12 and trail along the longest section of the Short but sweet! The canalized Oswego River flows Erie Canal that still follows much of its 81 north to and is a popular place for sport 30 8 Lake original . fishing, boating, and paddling. George Whitehall CHAMPLAIN CANAL Oswego Fort Ann, Frank Forte

149 Fort Ann 3 Minetto Glens 13 18 LAKE ONTARIO OSWEGO CANAL Falls ERIE CANAL North Tonawanda, Neil Ferguson North Tonawanda, 19 Fulton Holley 8 481 104 Sylvan Fort Edward 63 259 Brewerton Beach 46 Middleport Albion 49 Rome 104 365 87 48 12 Medina 31A 34 Oneida 4 Brockport Lake Rochester Baldwinsville 46 31 Lockport 98 Spencerport Great 21 31 TO TORONTO Niagara 414 Oriskany Sacandaga Cross Lake Schuylerville Falls 490 North Fairport Lake HP ERIE CANAL Saratoga Springs Macedon Weedsport Liverpool al S Oneida Niagara Tonawanda Clyde Old Erie Can Utica 29 32 Newark Onondaga 5 5S 29 Falls Pittsford 31 Lake Little Falls 9 Jordan Canastota Herkimer VT 190 78 Y Lyons Frankfort N 90 NEW YORK STATE THRUWA Palmyra 40 ia g 5 Batavia Port Camillus 173 Fayetteville Chittenango Ilion 90 M a r Tonawanda 14 o 67 a Byron Fonda Stillwater Ri 390 Montezuma 92 St. Johnsville h ve 5 a r r w e 63 167 iv Amsterdam 77 Syracuse k R r e CAYUGA–SENECA CANAL Auburn 28 5 Mechanicville 20 iv 5 Canandaigua Cayuga 20 80 Fort Plain 30A R e 30 Buffalo e Rexford North s e Geneva Waterloo Canajoharie n 20 e Seneca Falls G 89 LAKE ERIE Schenectady Waterford 0 40 Kilometers S 90 e Cohoes

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Canandaigua a 20 Vischer 0 40 Miles e y Lake c Troy a u g Aurora 13 10 L a Erie Canalway National a Canals operating k L 34 today Heritage Corridor e a Cooperstown 90 k k e e e Albany Canal lock; Dresden r 19th-century canals C details: www.canals.ny.gov/maps ie r a 14 h 414 o h Cortland 28 c S

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90 Keuka Oneonta Lake 81 NEW YORK Ithaca Watkins Glen 13 86 Montour Falls 87 MA DeWitt Aqueduct, A.T. McLean DeWitt Aqueduct, A.T.

Plan Your Trip The Cayuga-Seneca Syracuse to Little Falls (90 miles) Little Falls to Albany (90 miles) Canal Montezuma to Travel the route of today’s canal through lively The Erie Canal merges with the scenic Use the online New York State Canals Map to find Geneva, Cayuga and Seneca summer communities along or through a region rich in a wealth of information on places of interest, visitor Lakes (92 miles) follow the historic route of the 1800s Erie Canal history and culture. centers, boat rentals and tours, and paddling access through the Old Erie Canal State Historic Park. sites. You can filter by features such as municipal Famed for its wineries, wildlife, The Canalway Trail runs through the park and centers, public restrooms, camping, and picnic and beautiful , this facilities. Directions and a distance calculator make it region also includes Seneca Falls, paddlers are welcome to explore the shallow easy to plan trips by bike, kayak, boat, or car. the birthplace of the women’s waters of the old Erie. rights movement in 1848.

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New York City Experience the Epic Empire State Trail Take the Canalway Challenge The longest state multiuse trail in the nation Walk • Bike • Run • Paddle

ut on your sneakers or hop on a bike and explore New York oin a growing community of canal enthusiasts who are finding fun, fitness, State’s extraordinary experiences, people, and places along BY THE MILES and adventure through the Canalway Challenge. Part fitness challenge, part Pthe 750-mile Empire State Trail. The trail welcomes people journey of discovery, the Canalway Challenge is an invitation to discover all of all abilities, from all walks of life, and all backgrounds to enjoy J you can do along New York’s canals and Canalway Trails. the longest state multiuse trail in the nation. 750 miles Participation is free and registration is open to individuals, teams, and organizations. Simply register online New York’s Empire State Trail extends north-south from and choose a mileage goal of 15, 90, 180, or 360 miles (End-to-End/Buffalo to Albany); then walk, run, cycle, Great Day Trips and Guidebooks, Maps and Tours through the Hudson River Valley to Lake Champlain and east-west from or paddle on the Canalway Trail and NYS Canal System to achieve it. Earn mileage status and recognition Adventurous Journeys Whether you want to cycle on your own Albany to Buffalo . It includes the following segments: when you finish. You can complete the Canalway Challenge in one big trip or many small ones. Visit the website to hear inspiring stories of people who have completed the Challenge and sign up today. The trail is both accessible and varied, so or with an organized ride, you’ll find comprehensive guidebooks, maps and you can head out with your family for a few passing through bustling cities, vibrant • canalwaychallenge.org online resources to help you find trailheads, miles, enjoy a full day’s journey to see the villages, and scenic rural landscapes . • Facebook.com/groups/canalwaychallenge sites of interest, best bet trips, and 360 miles sites, or have an unforgettable multiday The Erie Canalway Trail is a show- Trail users can visit numerous historic adventure. Lodging, dining, and visitor amenities. We recommend consulting maps in advance of your trip. piece of the Empire State Trail network . sites, museums, and cultural attractions services are readily available short distances The trail closely parallels both active near the trail route, including the off the trail. Cycle the Erie Canal in July is an and historic sections of the Erie Canal iconic in Plan trips from different starting points annual 8-day bike tour from Buffalo to and is mostly flat . Eighty-seven percent Poughkeepsie . Seventy-five percent Cycling with Kids and you’ll quickly see that no two sections Albany organized by Parks & Trails New is off road and suitable for all ages of the route is off-road are alike. What makes each journey great York. Several private companies offer The Erie Canalway Trail is fantastic for families. Flat sections are and abilities . The remaining on-road trail . The remaining on-road sections is the changing scenery of land and water; supported rides throughout the season. easy for kids to manage and you can practice good bike etiquette Every sections are designated on the are designated on the shoulders of diverse and historic cities, towns, and Find cycling resources at: and safety when passing, stopping, and turning. Plan shorter rides Journey villages; local eateries, ice cream, and craft • empiretrail.ny.gov shoulders of public roadways, intended public roadways, intended for initially and lengthen them as your child’s interest and stamina beverages; and variety of attractions along • cycletheeriecanal.org for experienced bicyclists comfortable experienced bicyclists comfortable grow. Choose a destination to give kids a point to shoot for as Begins with the route. • nycanalmap.com riding adjacent to vehicle traffic . riding adjacent to vehicle traffic . they ride and a sense of accomplishment when they reach it. Your • eriecanalway.org You’ll see unique structures like locks destination may be the next lift bridge or town, a lock, park, a Single Step and lift bridges, working tugs and historic site, or ice cream stand. In New York State, all children other vessels, friendly vacationers in 180 miles under the age of 14 are required to wear certified bicycle safety The Canalway Challenge is open to people of all ages and abilities. If boats of all stripes, and you’ll discover The Champlain Canalway Trail helmets. Model smart cycling and wear yours, too. Find suggested Kid Friendly Rides at eriecanalway.org/explore/cycling. you’re not used to regular exercise canal communities and historic sites includes a mix of off and on-road Trail markers and or you have a disability, start with that are intriguing and fun cycling segments from Waterford to wayfinding signs the 1st Mile Challenge. Begin with destinations . Parking areas, restrooms, make it easy to Whitehall . The trail closely parallels small steps and work up to doing and canal amenity centers that serve follow the trail the Hudson River/Champlain Canal one mile. Then challenge yourself boaters, hikers, and cyclists are located and to connect through a region rich in Revolutionary by signing up for more through the off-and-on-road all along the route . War history . Forty percent of the Canalway Challenge. segments . Trail route is off road trail . At Fort Edward, There are numerous places along surface conditions the 9-mile off-road Glens Falls the canals and Canalway Trail that vary from stone 210 miles Feeder Canal Trail connects to the are accessible and several that dust to paved . The Hudson Valley Greenway Trail Glens Falls Bikeway and . offer adaptive bikes and kayaks. Hybrid tires are from New York City to Albany starts North of Whitehall, the Empire State Complete your 1st Mile at an official recommended at at the southern tip of Trail is an on-road route running 1st Mile event, or on your own with for stone dust overlooking New York north through the family and friends. Learn more at: segments . harbor and the , and to the Canadian Border at Rouses canalwaychallenge.org winds north through the Hudson Valley Point .

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uilt between 1817 and 1825, the original Erie Canal traversed 363 miles from Albany to Buffalo. It was the longest artificial The Erie Canalway National waterway and the greatest public works project in . Heritage Corridor preserves our B extraordinary canal heritage, promotes The canal put New York on the map as the Empire State—the the Corridor as a world-class tourism leader in population, industry, and economic strength. It trans- destination, and fosters vibrant formed New York City into the nation’s principal seaport and communities connected by more opened the interior of North America to settlement. As the Erie than 500 miles of historic waterway. Canal carried immigrants westward, they infused the nation with We achieve our mission in partner- different languages, customs, practices, and religions. ship with the National Park Service, World travelers embarked upon the Grand Tour to see the New York State agencies, non-profit engineering marvel of the Erie Canal. Local residents packed tour organizations, local residents, and boats for summer outings. more than 200 communities across The canal was enlarged several times to accommodate larger the full expanse of . boats and increasing traffic. The version we use today was completed in 1918 and remains fully navigable. In 2016 it was P.O. Box 219 designated a National Historic Landmark for its exceptional Waterford, New York 12188 national significance and historical integrity. 518-237-7000 Come touch history and experience for yourself the [email protected] iconic canals that changed the nation. eriecanalway.org #eriecanalway #NYSCanals @eriecanalway

Canal Festivals & Events Many thanks! Please find a list of events online at eriecanalway.org . Check with The Erie Canalway Map & Guide, event organizers for up-to-date information and COVID-19 safety NYS Canalway Water Trail, and information . Take the Memories Canalway Challenge are made possible with generous support from: With You!

Visit the online canal store to find shirts, hats, mugs, and totes to show your love for canals, sport your Canalway Challenge mileage, ® I LOVE NEW YORK is a registered trademark and service mark of the New York State or gear up for paddling on the Department of Economic Development; used NYS Canalway Water Trail. All net with permission. proceeds support Erie Canalway programs.

Brockport, Kyle Preston

canals.ny.gov Enter the Erie Canalway Photo Contest brookfieldrenewable.com Share your view of the places you love and unique scenes along the waterway for our annual photo contest . Winning images will be published in the 2022 Erie Canalway calendar . Find an entry form and tips on our website: eriecanalway.org/get-involved/photo-contest

Deadline for entries: August 27, 2021

stewartsshops.com Note: Images must be horizontal format. shop.eriecanalway.org

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