WATERFORD, NY- As the NYS Canal System gets set to open on May 19, Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor has released nine new itineraries to lead people to great places and experiences along the Erie and Champlain Canals. The itineraries showcase some of the best historic sites, national and state parks, museums, and recreational experiences and are suited for weekend and day trips. Suggestions for cycling, hiking, paddling, and canal tours, as well as nearby places to eat or picnic are also included.

The itineraries are available to download for free at https://eriecanalway.org/explore/itineraries (opens in a new tab) . 

“As we celebrate the bicentennial of Erie Canal construction in 1817, we hope these itineraries will entice people to enjoy the canal today and learn about its lasting impact on New York State and the Nation,” said Bob Radliff, Executive Director of Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.

Strong collaboration among national, state, and local partners made this project possible. Erie Canalway itineraries were funded with support from the National Park Service and Empire State Development’s Market NY program, part of the State’s Regional Economic Development Council awards. Each one features a national or state park along with nearby historic sites and canal recreation experiences.

Gavin Landry, Executive Director of Tourism for Empire State Development said, “We are proud to support the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor as we celebrate and promote the bicentennial of the Erie Canal this summer. These new itineraries will introduce travelers to some of Upstate New York’s best destinations, which will further bolster statewide tourism and the economic boost visitors bring to local businesses.”

“Whether it’s your first time on the Erie Canal or you’ve spent a lifetime enjoying this iconic waterway, these itineraries have something for everyone,” said New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian Stratton. “They are a great way to discover the rich history of the region and learn more about how the Erie Canal transformed the nation.”

Erie Canalway Itineraries INCLUDE:

Western New York

• Go Where the Buffalonians Roam (Buffalo)
• Experience the Power of Water (Niagara Falls and Lockport)

Central New York

• Follow Where Mules Once Trod (Greater Syracuse)
• Be Moved By Women and Water (Seneca Falls)

Mohawk Valley Region

• Discover Why All Roads Lead to Rome (Rome)
• Hike-Bike-Explore Little Falls (Little Falls)
• Mohawk Valley Treasure Hunt (opens in a new tab) (Mohawk Valley Villages (opens in a new tab) to Amsterdam (opens in a new tab) )

Capital Region

• Discover the Erie Canal (Albany, Troy, Waterford)

Champlain Canal

• Follow America’s Destiny (Stillwater to Schuylerville)

The NYS Canal System is a NationalHistoric Landmark (opens in a new tab) that includes the Erie, Champlain, Oswego and Cayuga-Seneca Canals. Spanning more than 500 miles, the waterway links the Hudson River with the Great Lakes, the Finger Lakes, and Lake Champlain. The canals form the backbone of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and connect hundreds of unique and historic communities. The 365-mile Erie Canalway Trail (opens in a new tab) is a multi-use trail from Albany to Buffalo, much of it along the canal’s former towpath. Together the canals and trail create a world-class recreationway that is a vibrant, scenic and unique New York resource.

ABOUT THE ERIE CANALWAY
The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor preserves our extraordinary canal heritage, promotes the Corridor as a world-class tourism destination, and fosters 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)