Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor invites New Yorkers to take part in the Canalway Challenge this fall, tracing history and tracking miles along New York’s canals and Canalway Trail. Part fitness challenge, part journey of discovery, the Canalway Challenge is free and registration is open to people of all ages and abilities. Participants set their own mileage goal and walk, run, cycle or paddle to achieve it.
Nearly 1,000 individuals, teams, and organizations have signed up for the Canalway Challenge in 2020, pledging to walk, run, cycle, and paddle 126,000 miles to date.
New this fall, participants are encouraged to take up a quest to discover great food and beverages, historic sites, parks, and communities and discover what’s Hot on the Trail while completing the Canalway Challenge.
“Hot on the Trail adds a new element of discovery to the Canalway Challenge, while also supporting small businesses and attractions that have suffered from reduced visitation during the coronavirus pandemic,” said Bob Radliff, Executive Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.“It’s a win-win for both visitors and for small businesses and attractions that have reopened with safety protocols in place.”
From now through the end of October, Hot on the Trail participants are encouraged to visit sites in nine categories–including food and beverage, museums and historic sites, nature preserves, state and national parks, canal structures, and communities. Participants who list their favorites sites in each category by the end of October will be entered to win a $50 gift card to the New York State Canal Store.
“The Canalway Challenge is another of countless opportunities – both on and off the water – for recreation and fun along New York State’s historic canalway, and I join the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor in encouraging all New Yorkers to enjoy all that we have to offer,” said Brian U. Stratton, Director of the New York State Canal Corporation. “Governor Andrew Cuomo is committed to supporting the heritage and future of New York’s historic canal system, with initiatives that feature local activities that combine some of the best of New York State’s historical sights and natural resources with recreational activities that help to support local businesses during this exceptionally difficult time.”
For information and sign up, visit: CanalwayChallenge.org
ABOUT THE ERIE CANALWAY
Nearly 200 years after its construction, the Erie Canal remains an iconic symbol of American ingenuity and determination. The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor works to preserve the Nation’s extraordinary canal heritage, promote the Corridor as a world-class tourism destination, and foster vibrant communities connected by more than 500 miles of waterway. It achieves its mission in partnership with the National Park Service, New York State agencies, non-profit organizations, local residents, and more than 200 communities across the full expanse of upstate New York.
www.eriecanalway.org (opens in a new tab)