NYS Canalway Trail
The Canalway Trail along the New York State Canal System, with more than 220 miles of multi-use trail, is one of the most significant trail systems in the country.
The trail system offers miles of scenic trails and numerous parks for hiking, bicycling and cross-country skiing. You can enjoy the quiet recreation of wildlife viewing along miles of green and tranquil trails that link communities rich in history and friendly hospitality, notes Howard E. Steinberg, chairman of the New York State Canal Corporation.
The Canalway Trail System is comprised of four major trail segments that connect with other trails throughout upstate New York. Much of the Trail System parallels the New York State Canal system, comprised of four historic waterways: the Erie, the Champlain, the Oswego and the Cayuga-Seneca Canals. The Canal System spans 524 miles across New York State, linking the Hudson River with Lake Champlain, Lake Ontario, the Finger Lakes, the Niagara River and Lake Erie.
Portions of the trails parallel historic canal segments, passing the communities and villages that offer a glimpse into the past when the Erie Canal was opened in 1825 and subsequently enlarged.
Cooperative initiatives between volunteers, municipal, state and federal governments have created this great network of trails for public use. When completed, the Canalway Trail will span over 500 miles connecting numerous cities, towns and villages along the Canal System, making it one of the most extensive trail networks in the country.
For more information or maps about the Canal System, call (800) 4CANAL4 or visit http://www.canals.state.ny.us/.