Erie Canalway Trail
- 16 miles
- 5 to 8 hours
- 1 hour, 30 minutes to 2 hours
- Dog-friendly
- Paved
Trail Overview
This 16-mile Empire State Trail section is an off-road trail welcoming bicyclists and walkers of all abilities. The segment starts at Fort Stanwix in downtown Rome, following James St southwest for ¾-mile, to where the off-road trail starts next to the Erie Canal. This segment has varied trail types, ranging from paved trail, to an older stonedust surface. Along the 16 miles, there are three short segments, each roughly ½-mile long, where the trail is designated on the shoulders of public roads. The scenic trail runs passes by Erie Canal locks and gates, wooded sections, and small communities. The segment ends at a trailhead parking area off North Genesee St on the north side of Utica. Visitor services are available in Rome, Oriskany, and Utica (there are no services between the cities).