Cycle the Erie Canal 2025: Riding Through 200 Years of History and Community
Cycle the Erie Canal 2025 was a week like no other! This eight-day, 400-mile journey from Buffalo to Albany brought together cyclists of all ages and backgrounds to experience New York’s storied canal corridor on two wheels. This year’s tour marked the bicentennial of the original Erie Canal, celebrating the people, places, and communities that continue to thrive along its path.
View photos from the week here.
Day 1: Buffalo to Medina – Ice Cream, History & Trail Magic (49.4 miles)
The first official ride day began with a cruise along the Jesse Kregal Pathway, following Scajaquada Creek through Delaware Park to the Niagara River waterfront. In Tonawanda, riders passed the modern western end of the Erie Canal and the Benjamin Long Homestead Museum before continuing along a trail that alternated between road and off-road sections. The highlight of the morning? Uncle G’s Ice Cream in Pendleton, where riders were treated to a breakfast of ice cream.
As riders approached Lockport, they were met by a full community celebration hosted by Lockport Main Street, complete with music, refreshments, and pop-up vendors. Many took the opportunity to tour the famous Lockport Locks or explore the Erie Canal Discovery Center. From Lockport to Middleport, the trail hugged the original towpath, offering views of the historic canal and the lovingly maintained gardens created by local trail adopters. Riders rolled into Medina for the evening, welcomed by live music and local booksellers, with a second chance to catch Duncan Hay from the Erie Canal Musuem.
Day 2: Medina to Fairport – Bridges, Trail Towns, and a Water Slide (62 miles)
The second day kicked off with a cautious stretch over the Medina Highwall, a bumpy but dramatic start along what’s actually a canal aqueduct. Just a few miles in, riders reached Culvert Road—the only place where a road runs beneath the Erie Canal. Many stopped to explore this quirky piece of engineering before continuing toward Albion.
The trail buzzed with activity as riders stopped in Holley, then Brockport, where they became the first group to cross the brand-new Brockport Pedestrianl Bridge. Volunteers from Walk Bike Brockport greeted riders with pre-stamped postcards and friendly smiles. With plenty of lunch options and a scenic welcome center, many lingered to soak in the small-town charm.
The ride continued through Spencerport and into Rochester, where the route became more urban and complex. Genesee Valley Park provided a green escape before the day wrapped in Fairport’s Center Park. Vendors, a swimming pool, and a live band made it a perfect spot to relax and reflect after a full day in the saddle.
Day 3: Fairport to Seneca Falls – Peppermint, Postcards, and Finger Lakes Farms (51 miles)
Leaving Fairport, riders crossed Lock 30 in Macedon and passed through Pal-Mac Aqueduct Park before reaching Muddy Waters Café for a morning break. From there, the route led into Newark, one of our Empire State Trail Towns, for an early lunch.
As the trail continued into Lyons, many riders visited the Peppermint Museum, a nod to the area’s rich agricultural past. From there, the terrain shifted into rolling hills, marking the transition from canal trail to the scenic countryside of the Finger Lakes region. Along the way, riders were treated to baked goods and homemade ice cream at an Amish farm, before arriving in historic Seneca Falls.
That evening, cyclists crossed the iconic “It’s a Wonderful Life” bridge and explored the Women’s Rights National Historical Park before turning in for the night. The new overnight location was a hit, with riders heading into town for dinner (and maybe catch up on laundry).
Day 4: Seneca Falls to Syracuse – Aqueducts and Anniversary Cakes (44 miles)
Day four brought some challenging road sections, but riders tackled them like professionals! The route detoured south to Cayuga Lake before turning north again toward Montezuma and the Richmond Aqueduct. At Port Byron, the Erie Canal Heritage Park offered a much-needed break and a glimpse into canal-era life.
The route passed through Weedsport and Jordan, where Towpath Pizza and Peace Love Coffee refueled tired riders. In Camillus, the Sims Store and canal boat rides made for a memorable afternoon stop. The final stretch led into Syracuse and Burnet Park, where the group celebrated the canal’s 200th birthday with music, pool access, food trucks—and even baby red foxes courtesy of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo.
Day 5: Syracuse to Rome – Through the Heart of Canal Country (48 miles)
After a stop at the Erie Canal Museum, riders followed the Elevating Erie project and entered the serene Old Erie Canal State Historic Park. The trail passed through Green Lakes State Park, where riders paused to admire the meromictic lake, and continued on to Chittenango Landing for blacksmith demonstrations and canal boat exhibits.
Lunch in Canastota offered a wide range of options, from ice cream at Zems to burgers and steaks at local favorites in nearby Wampsville. The group reached Rome by late afternoon, greeted by the Rome Waterways and Trails Advisory Group. A massive block party in downtown Rome featured food trucks, music, and a final farewell for the 4-day riders.
Day 6: Rome to Canajoharie – Into the Mohawk Valley (62 miles)
Riders left Rome and entered one of the most scenic stretches of the journey, some stopping for sweet reward from the Friendly Bake Shop in Frankfort. Historic sites like Fort Herkimer Church and the Herkimer Home State Historic Site added depth and context to the day.
The afternoon brought a stop at the Little Falls Marina, a chance to visit Lock 17–one of the deepest locks in North America–and a climb into Canajoharie. There, riders celebrated the village’s designation as a 2025 Empire State Trail Town with Brooks Barbecue and shuttles into town for a well-earned rest.
Day 7: Canajoharie to Schenectady – Community Spirit and Celebration (46 miles)
The penultimate day of the ride showcased the heart of the Mohawk Valley. Riders stopped at Sprakers Reformed Church for snacks and restrooms, visited an Amish bakery, and enjoyed the beauty of Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site. Amsterdam offered a chance to explore the Mohawk Valley Gateway Overlook and sample local eateries before heading east toward Schenectady.
The Pattersonville Fire Department hosted a fun and refreshing afternoon stop, and the day wrapped up with a lively overnight at the Schenectady JCC, featuring a catered dinner, talent show, and access to the pool.
Day 8: Schenectady to Albany – The Home Stretch (28 miles)
With fewer miles to cover and a mostly downhill route, the final day was a celebration in motion. Riders passed through local parks, paused at the majestic Cohoes Falls, and made one last rest stop at Peebles Island State Park, where the Erie Canal meets the Hudson River. The final stretch through the city brought cyclists to a new finish line at Quackenbush Square in Albany, greeted by live music, food vendors, and the cheers of fellow riders and friends.
The finish festival included everything from coffee and curry to commemorative merch. For those heading back to Buffalo, shuttles and luggage trucks were ready to roll, and for those sticking around, Albany offered a great place to explore and unwind.
More Than a Ride
Cycle the Erie Canal 2025 was not just about miles; it was about connection. It was about the small towns that opened their arms, the volunteers who helped along the way, the local businesses who showed up, and the riders who pedaled with purpose. Every rider helped bring this 200-year-old corridor to life–history buffs, first-timers, seasoned cyclists, and ice cream fanatics and more!
Whether you joined for the views, the challenge, the friendships, or the finish line, you were part of something incredible.