There’s a nice rhythm to riding through Montgomery County. One minute you’re cruising along the Erie Canalway Trail with the Mohawk River nearby, and the next you’re pulling into a canal town for coffee, a museum stop or a meal that makes you want to linger a little longer. Along this roughly 40-mile stretch of the Empire State Trail (opens in a new tab) , the ride comes with American history, scenery and the kind of local stops that can turn a simple outing into a full day or even a weekend away.

Think of Montgomery County as a string of communities, each with its own personality. Start wherever it fits your day and let the trail connect the rest!

St. Johnsville

At the western end of the county, St. Johnsville feels like a natural place to settle into the ride. The St. Johnsville Campgrounds and Municipal Marina make it easy to stay close to the trail, especially if you’re turning your cycling plans into an overnight. Before heading east, take a little time to enjoy the village’s historic character. The Saint Johnsville Community House, located in the Bates-Englehardt Mansion, adds a strong sense of place right from the start.

Fort Plain

Fort Plain is one of those communities that makes cyclists want to slow down. Highwheeler Coffee and Sleepy Forest Bakeshop make this an easy stop for coffee, breakfast or a quick pick-me-up before another stretch on the trail. If you want to spend more time here, you can. The Fort Plain Museum & Historical Park offers a deeper look at the region’s American Revolution-era story, while Erie Canal Distillers and Haslett House help make Fort Plain feel like more than just a quick stop between points A and B.

Canajoharie

Canajoharie brings together art, food and outdoor beauty in a way that makes it especially appealing on a bike trip. The Arkell Museum is one of Montgomery County’s standout attractions and a great excuse to park the bike for a bit. Take a coffee break at Keep Right Café or grab lunch at Taco 29 is a solid lunch stop, and the village itself is easy to explore at a relaxed pace. If you want to add a little more nature to the day, Wintergreen Park and Gorge are close by and well worth the extra time.

Along the Canal

Between the villages, the trail keeps reminding you how much history is packed into this part of New York. Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site is one of the best examples. It’s a scenic stop, but it also gives you a real feel for the canal’s legacy, with multiple phases of Erie Canal construction visible in one place, including locks and the remains of the Schoharie Creek Aqueduct. It’s the kind of stop that makes the ride feel richer without slowing the day down too much.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam gives the eastern end of the ride a memorable finish. The Mohawk Valley Gateway Overlook (MVGO) is the head-turner, offering sweeping views over the river and a fresh perspective on the landscape you’ve just ridden through. Just below it, Riverlink Park adds even more reason to stay awhile. With walking and biking paths, docks, a playground, waterfront views and a full lineup of community events, it’s the kind of public space that makes Amsterdam feel welcoming the moment you arrive. If you’re ready to trade the bike for dinner, Lorenzo’s Southside is a natural next stop, and Amsterdam Castle makes it easy to stretch the ride into an overnight. Bike Barn Cycling and Fitness is here too for riders who need gear, service or some guidance on other popular cycling routes.

That’s really the appeal of cycling in Montgomery County.You don’t have to plan every stop in advance or ride it in a perfectly linear way to enjoy it. Pick a community, follow the trail and see where the day takes you.

Before you roll out, consider bringing along the Cycling the Erie Canal TravelStorys tour. The audio experience follows roughly 35 miles of Montgomery County trail and brings the ride to life with stories about the towns, sites and landmarks you’ll pass along the way. It’s an easy way to add a little extra context without losing the relaxed feel of the trip.

Between canal views, local food, museums, parks and welcoming small towns, this stretch of the Erie Canalway Trail makes it easy to build the kind of ride you’ll want to come back for.