New York Erie Canal East

Get ready to pedal your way through an unforgettable journey from scenic Central New York to the captivating foothills of the Adirondacks! Our newest bike tour takes you on an incredible five-day tour from Port Byron to Albany, New York, traversing the eastern half of the renowned Erie Canalway trail. Prepare to immerse yourself in a blend of natural splendor and cultural heritage as we follow the mostly flat towpath.

The Erie Canalway holds a special place in American history, serving as the backbone of commercial transport and playing a pivotal role in shaping the nation. Throughout the tour, you’ll witness firsthand the enduring legacy and significant contributions of this historic canalway. Our carefully designed itinerary ensures a delightful mix of cycling, sightseeing, and exploration. Along the way, we’ll encounter charming towns and villages that have been forever influenced by the canal’s presence. Take time to discover the fascinating stories, vibrant culture, and welcoming communities that make this region so unique.

Erie Canalway Bike Tours

Experience the Erie Canalway Trail like never before with our two exceptional bike tours: Erie Canal East and Erie Canal West. These tours highlight different halves of the trail, offering distinct yet complementary experiences. Together, they cover the entire trail, allowing you to explore each section to it’s fullest while enjoying diverse and captivating adventures. Learn more about our New York Erie Canal West bike tour.

Day 1:  The tour starts in Syracuse, New York, known for its remarkable transformation from secluded town to a bustling hub thanks to the Erie Canal. After a tour introduction, we’ll take you to Port Byron Heritage Park. From there, you’ll embark on a picturesque ride back to Syracuse. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to experience a boat cruise on the second generation canal, accompanied by engaging historical commentary. A standout feature of this trip is navigating the remarkable Nine Mile Creek Aqueduct, displaying impressive waterway engineering.

Day 2:After a guided walking tour of downtown Syracuse and a visit to the Erie Canal Museum, your journey continues along the scenic Erie Canal Trail from Syracuse to Oneida. Along the way, you’ll pass through Green Lakes State Park, renowned for its two glacial lakes. Our next stop is the Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum. The museum features an excavated three-bay drydock, preserved canal boat remnants, model canal boats, and various reconstructed shops including woodworking, blacksmith, and sawmill areas. If the water is clear, you may even catch a glimpse of a sunken canal boat.

Day 3: We’ll begin our day by taking a quick shuttle to Fort Stanwix in Rome, New York. Take your time to explore the fort and immerse yourself in its rich history before continuing our ride along the Erie Canal.  Our final destination for the day is the charming Inn at Stonemill in Little Falls. This historic inn is housed on the third floor of a mill built in 1839, beautifully located along the banks of the Mohawk River at Canal Place. The surrounding area, the city’s historic core, showcases a fascinating blend of commercial and industrial buildings. You can also witness the modern Modern Erie Canal, including the impressive Lock 17, known for its guillotine gates and a dramatic 40-foot drop, making it one of the most remarkable locks in the state.

Day 4: After a short shuttle to Canajoharie, you’ll embark on a 40-mile ride to Schenectady. One of today’s highlights is the Mohawk Valley Gateway Overlook Pedestrian Bridge. This remarkable bridge serves as a park spanning the river, connecting the North and South sides of Amsterdam seamlessly. After lunch, we’ll visit Schoharie Crossing, which boasts historic aqueduct ruins and offers a rare opportunity to witness all three versions of the Erie Canal in one location.

Day 5: We will conclude our bike tour along the eastern Erie Canal with a scenic 29-mile ride on paved bike paths into Albany. This day is filled with breathtaking views! We’ll be treated to stunning vistas of the Mohawk River, witness the renowned Lock 7, admire the majestic Cohoes Falls, and visit Troy, New York, the birthplace of Uncle Sam. Additionally, we’ll pass by Corning Preserve, a beautiful riverside park, and have the pleasure of cycling along the Hudson River.

As we near the end of our tour, we’ll cross the Albany Skywalk Park, adding a memorable experience to our adventure. After a lunch at a local brewing company, we’ll take a shuttle back to Syracuse, where our journey began and back to guests’ cars.