Bikepack about HALF of NY’s Empire State Trail
On the podcast, we interview Mimi Masse about her recent bike packing adventure on the Erie Canal Rails to Trails path from Buffalo to Albany. New Yorks’ Empire State Trail is a 750 mile multi-use trail that runs from New York City to Canada, and connects to the Erie Canal trail in Albany.
Today, you will learn what to expect, what to pack, what you’ll see on your biking adventure in beautiful upstate New York.
Where is the Erie Canal Trail?
The trail starts in Buffalo, NY and goes to the state capital of Albany.
How long is the Erie Canal Bikepacking Trail?
The trail is about 360 miles long from Buffalo to Albany.
Where does the Erie Canal Bike Pack trail go through?
Delightfully, you will get to bike across much of upstate New York and go by some of its greatest cities including Syracuse, Utica, Rochester in addition to the starting point of Buffalo and the ending point of Albany. You will also bike through quaint smaller villages and beautiful countryside as you bike alongside the famous Erie Canal with all of its locks!
BikeErieCanal.com is an excellent resource!
How Hard is it to Bike the Erie Canal Trail?
The former Tow Path along the Erie Canal is not as level as you might think! There are multiple locks along the river, which of course means a change in grade – see summary below. There is one particularly challenging climb on the second to last leg into Fultonville. In addition, because you will be bike packing, and therefore carrying a lot of weight with all of your gear and food, it is a challenging adventure and you should train for it. Learn how to train for any of your adventurous travels HERE.
Over these roughly fifty mile segments, the elevation gain is as follows:
-
- Buffalo to Medina : 719′
- Medina to Pittsford : 737′
- Pittsford to Montezuma : 1020′
- Montezuma to Chittenango : 1285′
- Chittenango to Utica : 690′
- Utica to Fultonville : 2113′
- Fultonville to Albany : 1750′
Is the Erie Canal trail paved?
The majority of the Erie Canal path is made of gravel. There are some quiet local paved roads that you take on occasion.
Where do you sleep along the Erie Canal Bike Path?
You will find it easiest if you are a camper if you want to bike the Erie Canal trail. There are campgrounds at most stopping points and where there isn’t, you will find a shelter you can use. This is also the least expensive way to enjoy your Erie Canal bike trip.
However, if camping isn’t your thing, with planning, and a bit of extra biking, you can find hotels and inns, plus Airbnb’s. Be sure to pick up a Planning Book. It’s the easiest way to plan the finer details. Also, the BikeErieCanal.com website is quite helpful.
Recommended : Cycling Erie Canal Guidebook
I recommend you purchase this guidebook to help you plan your trip. It will outline not just distances, but also what amenities are available at the various stops. This way, you can figure out where you want to stay each night, whether there is a washing machine, restaurants or whatever you are looking for. Please use my Amazon link as, at no additional cost to you, you will be helping to support the program and this website, and helping to keep it ad free – thanks! Kit
Camping along the Erie Canal Bike Path
Use the guidebook to figure out which campground you want to stay in. Where there aren’t convenient campgrounds, you will find shelters you can stay in for free or a nominal fee. Wild camping is discouraged as it would be very hard on the grounds.
It may take a little bit more work (and a bit more pedaling), but it is possible to avoid camping altogether and stay in hotels or Airbnb’s. Again, the guidebook can help you here.
How Do I Get to the Trailhead with my Bike?
To avoid shuttling cars, take public transportation! With reservations, you can bring your bike with you on the bus or train.
If you are driving, I would leave my car in Albany and then take public transport up to Buffalo. If you don’t plan to cycle the entire trail, the bus may be your best option to get to intermediate points.
My ‘Go To’ app to determine how to get to and from places is Rome2Rio. This app allows you to compare methods [ie, train, bus, etc.], the time it takes, usually the departure times themselves, and a rough idea of how much it should cost. Sometimes you can even buy your ticket directly on the app.
By Bus:
You’ve got options with Trailways, Greyhound and New York’s Regional Transit Service, RTS. Note that you will have to reserve space for your bike, too, and may have to box it up. It is usually considered ‘oversized luggage’ and there will be an extra fee. Here are the bus rules for the different companies:
- Greyhound : No bike racks – they require that you box it (cheap cardboard is fine, you don’t need to buy an expensive box)
- Trailways : No bike racks – they require that you box it (cheap cardboard is fine, you don’t need to buy an expensive box)
- RTS : Each bus holds two bikes on a first come, first served basis. Tell the driver about your bike before loading.
By Train:
The train might be the easiest way to get there. Amtrak’s Empire State Line runs pretty parallel to the Erie Canal and goes from NYC to Buffalo daily.
Amtrak allows bikes on board, but each train has its own rules. Some you can reserve, but others are first come, first serve. The fees are much less than the bus fees, FYI.
Boxing your Bike
If you want to go the cheapest route, ask for a box from your local bike shop. But be sure to double check with your carrier to make sure they haven’t changed any box sizing requirements!
If you want something sturdier, you can get a cardboard bike box from Amazon, or if you want to doubly protect your bike, get a hard bike case.
Shipping Your Bike
You may wish to avoid all the hassle of riding with your bike and ship it to your first destination! FedEx uses aggregators like ShipBikes and BikeFlights. The prices are pretty reasonable. You could also do a combination of traveling with your bike to NY to make doubly sure it makes it on time, and then shipping it home after your trip.
When is the Best Time to Bike the Erie Canal Trail?
Spring through Fall would be the best time. It is most popular during the summer. But be careful with your dates if you are going in July: Parks and Trails New York sponsors an 8 day annual ride (unless you want to join them. Here’s how to get more information). Perhaps you would like to tie your bikepacking trip with another fun local event. You can find out what’s going on HERE.
Monthly Weather Averages and Stats
Albany Rochester Utica Buffalo
In Albany, the snow is usually gone by April, and starts up again in mid- November. Summer in upstate New York is the rainier season (about a 30% chance each day). Further north, in Buffalo, the snows don’t quit until mid-April and are gearing up again in early November.
Steer Stopper : Mimi HIGHLY recommends!
When you have all this weight on your bike, it can be a pain to keep it from falling down whenever you take a break. If you add this new accessory to your bike, it will keep your front wheel from turning, and thus stabilize your bike! Check out the short video above.
What to Pack on your Erie Canal Bikepacking Adventure
Bikepacking Gear Checklist
- Daypack with light, bulky items that may be sensitive to vibration. This can also be used to take your expensive gear with you when you park your bike in town. Aim for 21L or less. Add a water bladder.
- Panniers AND/OR a combo of the following packs:
- A Dry Bag for your heavier items strapped to the rear rack
- A Dry Bag or Handlebar Bag attached to your handle bar with your sleeping bag, tent and stuff you need quick access to, like your camera.
- A Large Seat Bag for other light, bulky items
- Top Tube Bag for things you need regularly
- Frame Bag can hold your heavy items (forms a “V” on the interior frame)
- Cargo Cages – similar to a water bottle cage, but for larger water or for gear
- MAKE SURE YOU TRY OUT THE BAGS ON YOUR BIKE TO MAKE SURE THEY DON’T RUB YOU FUNNY!!!
- Water Bottle Cages
- Bike helmet + Da Brim helmet visor
- Bike lock
- Bike repair kit and mini pump (and learn how to use it! (- see youTube or take a maintenance class)
- Lightweight tarp to protect bike in rain
- High Output Bike Light (attached to bike or helmet)
- Headlamp for camp
- Cycling shirt and shorts or pants
- Padded Bike Gloves
- Lightweight, comfortable ‘town’ shoes
- Clip on or Bike Shoes
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Air or foam mattress
- Lightweight Camp stove and fuel
- Camp pot and spork
- Pocket knife
- Puffy jacket
- Rain Jacket
- Rain pants
- Waterproof gloves
- Thermal gloves or mittens
- Wide brim hat
- Sunglasses with cord
- Smartwool long johns and long sleeve top
- 2 cycling tops
- Performance zip-off hiking pants (town wear)
- Performance roll up long sleeve shirt (town wear)
- (2) Wool socks
- (2) Sock liners – silk, thin wool or polyester
- Water bottles
- Portable Water Treatment System ( See ATSP Episode 003)
- Emergency Kit (See ATSP Episode 002)
- Compass
- Map
- Steer Stopper (see video) HIGHLY recommended by Mimi!
Check out the Bikepacking episode on my companion Adventure Travel Show podcast!
Nearby Rails to Trails : Interconnecting Trails
Want to bike even more? Combine your Erie Canal Bikepacking Holiday with one of these interconnecting trails!
- Ellicott Creek Trail in Amherst
- Albany County Rails to Trails – east of Albany
- Genesse Riverway Trail in Rochester
- Rochester, Syracuse and Eastern Trail in Fairport
Helpful Links
Adventure Travel Planning:
How to Train for Adventure Travel
Adventure Travel Planning Guide
Terrific Cycling Holidays:
Sanitation : How do I pee?
Mimi also swears by her Pee Kit. If you are all geared up, especially in inclement weather, it’s nice not to have to take off some clothes to pee. While men are anatomically able to direct their urine, woman aren’t as lucky. So Mimi uses a pee funnel, and of course, has alcohol to sanitize her hands. The funnel is also helpful if there is no place to go for privacy.
Mimi keeps her pee funnel in a zip bag. Also pack a larger zip bag labeled ‘Trash’ so you can pack out your used TP – remember ‘Leave No Trace’.
In addition, it’s a good idea to pack anti-chaffing lubricant ( Mimi likes HooHa Ride Glide).
(C) Active Travel Adventures – All Rights Reserved
My affiliate, Becki Rupp of Trailblazer Wellness, can design a custom online training program and work with you to make sure your body is prepared for whatever adventure travel holiday you have planned!
So whether you want to bike the Erie Canal or climb Kilimanjaro, Becki can help you!
