Fun on the Erie Canal Today: Trails, Boats, Fishing & More

From Commercial Artery to Recreation Corridor

The Erie Canal (completed 1825, enlarged 1918) once moved the nation's freight. Today, its 524 miles (NYC to Buffalo) are a linear playground.

1. Biking & Walking the Towpath

The Erie Canalway Trail follows the historic towpath—flat, paved/gravel, scenic. Popular segments: Pittsford to Fairport (suburban charm), Lockport Flight of Five (historic locks), Rome to Syracuse (rural). Multi-day bikepacking trips are common.

2. Canal Boat Rides

• Mule-drawn packet boats (e.g., Erie Canal Cruises, Herkimer) for historic feel.
• Motorized tour boats (1–2 hr sightseeing to full-day charters).
• Self-drive canal boats (no license needed on NYS Canal System) for week-long cruising.

3. Fishing

The canal's slow, warm water holds largemouth/smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, channel catfish, carp, panfish. Shore access at locks, parks, and road crossings. NYS fishing license required (16+).

4. Swimming

Designated swim areas at state parks (e.g., Verona Beach, Green Lakes) and some municipal beaches. Not in the navigation channel (boat traffic, currents, water quality).

5. Camping

• State parks: Erie Canal Heritage Park (Port Byron), Green Lakes, Chittenango Falls.
• Private campgrounds along the route.
• Canal Corporation "Canalway" campsites (primitive, near locks).

6. Paddling & Winter Sports

Kayak/canoe/SUP on calm reaches. In winter, cross-country ski and snowshoe the trail; some sections allow snowmobiling.

The Erie Canal is now a National Heritage Corridor—history you can bike, boat, fish, and camp along.