iStock-501204328

Erie Canalway Trail

Utica to Frankfort
  • 11 miles
  • 4 to 6 hours
  • 1 to 1 hour, 30 minutes
  • Dog-friendly
  • Paved

Trail Overview

This 11-mile Empire State Trail segment has two distinct parts: A) The trail starts in Utica at a trailhead parking area off North Genesee St, on the north side of the city. The first 3.5 miles heading east from Utica is a new off-road trail providing stunning views of the Erie Canal. This new paved trail welcomes bicyclists and walkers of all abilities. B) The 3.5-mile off-road trail along the Erie Canal ends at Dyke Road. The remaining 7.5 miles east to the Village of Frankfort is an on-road bicycle route, designated on the shoulders of Southside Road. This section is intended for experienced bicyclists, comfortable riding next to vehicle traffic. The on-road section ends one mile east of the Village of Frankfort, where a new section of off-road trail starts at the intersection of Route 5S and Acme Rd. Visitor services are available in Utica and Frankfort (there are no other services along the trail).

Cycling Directions

Cue sheets provide step by step navigation instructions for cycling the trail in both directions.

EC21-EC22_West-East Download EC22-EC21_East-West Download
Upcoming Trail Weather
Clouds
Clouds
25°F
Wind: 6 mph ENE
Humidity: 76%
Feels like: 18°F
Fri
Snow
26°
27°
Sat
Snow
33°
21°
Sun
Clouds
31°
15°
Mon
Clear
36°
30°
Tue
Clouds
41°
40°
Trail Elevation


Family Fun

Train Stations

Utica

Hotels/Motels & Resorts

Best Western Gateway Adirondack Inn

90-room facility located in the heart of New York State. Designed to meet the needs of both the business and leisure traveler. Located in Utica, NY, the Best Western Gateway Adirondack Inn is sure to provide a peaceful and comforting home away from home for any traveler. Each Best Western hotel provides free internet access, giving guests the opportunity to check emails and surf the web, all from the comforts of their room or the business center. With cleanliness and value being their top priority, they ensure a restful and productive stay. On top of that, superior customer service will ensure all needs are met and the team will go beyond your expectations.

Fairfield by Marriott

Travel with confidence at Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Utica, NY. We are located just 1/4 mile from exit 31 on Interstate 90. Our free Wi-Fi, pool and fitness center will keep you on track and connected during your stay. Start each day with our free breakfast including hot choices like scrambled eggs, sausage and oatmeal, plus other favorites like fresh fruit and yogurt. Experience the revitalized downtown Utica with 20 local venues all located less than a 1/4 mile from the hotel. Have a shopping fix? We are just minutes away from Sangertown Square Mall in New Hartford. You'll always find the courteous service you deserve, plus all the little things you expect from our Fairfield family during your stay.

Hampton Inn

Each morning you wake at our Utica hotel, savor our delicious Hampton’s free hot breakfast. Dine on a variety of hot and cold breakfast favorites to set you up for the day, or try one of our legendary fresh-baked waffles. Even if you're in a rush, don't miss the most important meal of the day. On your way out, simply grab one of our free Hampton On the Run® Breakfast Bags, available Monday to Friday, for a quick, healthy meal to go.

Get on with important business at this Utica, New York hotel with free internet access in every guest room. Host a meeting or private social event in our flexible meeting room or catch up with work in the business center. Maintain your exercise routine in the fully-equipped fitness center or enjoy a relaxing afternoon with a dip in pool and refreshing drink on the outdoor patio. Retire to your spacious guest room and work in comfort with the handy lap desk then drift off for a restful sleep in the clean and fresh Hampton bed®.

Happy Journey Motel

17 rooms located off I-90 Exit 31 near downtown Utica, restaurants and attractions. Happy Journey Motel aims to make your visit as relaxing and enjoyable as possible, which is why so many guests continue to come back year after year. Close to St. Joseph & St. Patrick Church (1.5 mi), a popular Utica landmark, Happy Journey Hotel is a great destination for tourists. Happy Journey Motel offers guests an array of room amenities including air conditioning, a refrigerator, and a desk, and getting online is possible, as free wifi is available. The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and room service to make your visit even more pleasant. Guests arriving by vehicle have access to secured parking. While in Utica be sure to experience local fish and chips favorites at Ocean Blue Restaurant and Oyster Bar.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites

Located just one half mile from I-90, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Utica is the newest hotel in the area, and is the epitome of convenience. They are located next door to Utica's famous Delmonico's Italian Steakhouse, and guests can enjoy the patio with a firepit and grill overlooking the Harbor Point Waterfront. Located less than a mile from Utica Memorial Auditorium where guests can enjoy watching Utica's AHL hockey team, the Utica Comets. Outdoor lovers will enjoy the location as well; located in the Adirondacks, snowmobiling skiing, and many more outdoor activities are just a short drive away whether that's Old Forge, Booneville, or somewhere else in the Adirondack Park. Near some Hall of Fames as well with baseball, boxing, canoeing, and long distance running all just a few miles away. Free hot breakfast is served every morning featuring trademark cinnamon buns and make your own pancakes.

Rest Inn

Rooms: 20 Amenities: Complimentary Continental Breakfast, free local telephone calls, King-Size bedded rooms, pet-friendly lodging facility, discounts for truckers, seniors, and government employees, special group rates available.