Old Erie Canal Historic State Park is a set of trails following along the former towpath for the Erie Canal. Unused by boats for almost 100 years, it is perfect for a walk, bike, cross-country ski or horseback ride. Tackle the full stretch of almost 36 miles (57 kilometers) in one day or pick smaller sections for relaxed walks along the disused canal.
Set out on your chosen trip and imagine the traffic that used to flow down the canal, which numbered up to 33,000 ships per year. Traipse over the footbridges to see the remnants of stone aqueducts, whose massive stones have stood the test of time.
Enjoy a picnic at Cedar Bay or host a barbecue for the whole family. Walk in silence and appreciate the slow rush of the water and the twittering of birds in the trees.
In the summer, experienced and new bicyclists can ride down the length of the path while learning about the history of the area with the annual Tour the Towpath, a favorite community activity. In winter, rent a snowmobile and go fast along the snow-covered trail.
End your jaunt at the now-defunct Erie Canal Village, once a privately operated museum. Explore the outside of the buildings and boat launch, which are a historic recreation of a 19th-century canal village once located outside Rome. Call a taxi from the parking lot, continue into Rome itself for a rewarding lunch or head back down the trail to your car, ruminating on your new perspective on the Erie Canal and its history.
Old Erie Canal Historic State Park stretches between the cities of Rome and DeWitt, New York, on the east side of Syracuse. Parking is available at multiple points along the trail. The parking area in DeWitt, closest to Syracuse, is a 20-minute drive from the airport or a 15-minute drive from Syracuse University. Access various points along the trail from nearby highways. Trail maps are available from the New York State Park website or from the parking area in DeWitt.
