Erie Boulevard Cycle Track

The Erie Canalway Trail from Syracuse to DeWitt offers a delightful journey through history and varied landscapes, making it one of the best cycling routes near Syracuse, New York. You'll follow the historic Old Erie Canal, encountering views of old stone locks and wetlands, especially as you head east. The trail integrates into Syracuse, connecting with the Onondaga Creekwalk, and further along, you'll spot the impressive Limestone Creek Aqueduct. It's a mostly flat ride, with a mix of paved and stone-dust surfaces, so a hybrid bike or a road bike with wider tires is recommended for comfort.

This easy 14.3-mile (23.0 km) touring cycling route has a minimal 120 feet (37 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes just 1 hour and 19 minutes to complete. It's an excellent choice for beginner touring cyclists or families looking for a relaxed outing. While specific parking information isn't detailed, the trail's accessibility within Syracuse and DeWitt means you'll likely find convenient access points. Recent investments have significantly improved safety and connectivity, particularly with new off-road segments around Erie Boulevard and Towpath Road.

This segment of the Erie Canalway Trail is a key part of the larger Empire State Trail system, offering a unique opportunity to experience the legacy of the 19th-century canal. The varied scenery, from urban connections to natural wetlands and historic features, provides a rich backdrop for your ride. You'll pass near Green Lakes State Park, known for its unique glacial lakes, adding a natural dimension to the journey. It's a fantastic way to combine gentle exercise with a dose of local history.

The Erie Canalway Trail – Erie Canalway Trail loop from Syracuse offers a delightful touring cycling experience, blending historic canal landscapes with urban and natural scenery. You'll pedal past the route of the Old Erie Canal, spotting historic stone locks and wetlands, and enjoy views along Onondaga Lake. The trail's generally flat terrain and mix of paved and crushed limestone surfaces make it a moderate 22.7-mile (36.5 km) ride with only 608 feet (185 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 2 hours and 9 minutes.

For planning your visit, be aware that while much of the Erie Canalway Trail is off-road, you will encounter some on-road sections, particularly within Syracuse. A hybrid or gravel bike with tires 28 mm or wider will provide the most comfortable ride on the crushed stone surfaces. The trail connects seamlessly with the Onondaga Creekwalk and Loop the Lake Trail, offering plenty of options to extend or modify your route.

This loop is part of the larger Empire State Trail and highlights the immense historical significance of the Erie Canal, recognized as a National Heritage Corridor. You can explore attractions like the Nine Mile Creek Aqueduct at Camillus Erie Canal Park or the Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse, making this route a rich blend of outdoor activity and cultural discovery.