364 miles through history, small towns, canal locks, and unforgettable moments with my friend Doug.
This was my 8th multi-day bike tour, completed with my longtime riding partner Doug. The Erie Canal trail runs 364 miles from Buffalo to Albany through upstate New York, loosely following the historic waterway built between 1817 and 1825 — once the longest artificial waterway in North America.
We flew in from Phoenix, rented bikes and gear from Buffalo Bike Tours, and winged most of the planning — just the way we like it. Flat terrain, small towns, canal locks, great food, and the occasional rainstorm made for a memorable journey.
🔗 Read the full journal on CycleBlazeMike and Doug at Mile 0 in Buffalo
Our flight from Phoenix to Buffalo was uneventful and we were on rented bikes before noon. Mile 0 began in downtown Buffalo along the banks of Lake Erie. The weather looked questionable but we were excited. We dodged rain storms, stumbled upon Uncle G's Ice Cream on a covered porch, and ended the day exploring the famous locks in Lockport — an engineering marvel with both old and new locks side by side.
Along the canal through Medina
The second day brought more rain but we pushed through. The towpath was quiet and beautiful — mostly gravel through farmland and small canal towns. Medina was a highlight: a well-preserved Victorian downtown with great pizza and a historic aqueduct carrying the canal over Oak Orchard Creek.
Sunny skies through Rochester
Finally a sunny day! The trail improved significantly heading east toward Rochester. We crossed several lift bridges and passed through the charming village of Pittsford before rolling into downtown Rochester. The city has invested heavily in the Erie Canal corridor — lovely waterfront, great craft beer scene.
Lock 17 in Little Falls — tallest lock on the canal
Our longest day on the trail took us past Palmyra and Newark into Canastota. The terrain stayed remarkably flat. We watched a boat lock through — a fascinating 15-minute process — and discovered Nicky Doodies ice cream in Rome, a trail institution. Lock 17 in Little Falls (40.5 ft) is the tallest on the entire canal.
Passing the GE Aerospace campus in Schenectady
Day 5 took us through Utica and into Schenectady — passing the massive GE Aerospace campus and a former nuclear lab along the way. Perreca's Bakery in Schenectady was a must-stop, a neighborhood institution since 1914. The gravel sections gave way to more road riding near the city.
Car wash shelter — our unexpected campsite
The most memorable day for all the wrong reasons. A massive storm rolled in and we sheltered for two hours under an abandoned car wash canopy — bikes propped against the wash bays, sharing snacks and laughing at our situation. It became one of the best memories of the trip. We pushed on when it cleared and found a great pub in Weedsport to celebrate.
Finish line — Empire State Plaza, Albany
The final push. We woke early, eager to finish. The last stretch into Albany followed the Mohawk River before the trail became urban and eventually deposited us at the Empire State Plaza — our unofficial finish line. Cold beers and a steak dinner in downtown Albany followed. Eight tours in, this was among the best.
Every day has more photos, more details, and more stories — from car wash shelters to canal lock misadventures.
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