Parks & Trails New York has rolled out two new ways to help plan a visit to the Erie Canalway Trail. The new website CycletheErieCanal.com and the just-released, fourth edition of the Cycling the Erie Canal guidebook are designed to promote the Erie Canalway Trail as a cycling destination and bring more tourism dollars to upstate New York.
Whether for a leisurely afternoon or a week-long adventure to become an official “End-to-Ender,” the new website, www.CycletheErieCanal.com, includes everything a visitor needs to plan a ride, including:
- Trip planning: suggestions based on both region and interest (history, nature, culture, etc.)
- An interactive map of the trail to track distance and find accommodations and services
- Rider reviews: first-hand accounts from riders along the Erie Canal
- Information about the annual Cycle the Erie Canal cross-state ride, which attracts more than 600 cyclists each July, and covers 400 miles between Buffalo and Albany (Next year’s ride is July 10-17).
New guidebook packed with information
The new 152 –page, fourth edition of the popular Cycling the Erie Canal guidebook is an indispensable resource for dedicated cyclists planning to bike across the state or the casual rider looking to take the family out for a couple of hours. It is also great for walkers, hikers, inline skaters, boaters and auto travelers.
Inside you will find:
- 42 easy-to-read, full-color maps
- New inset maps to guide trail users through complicated stretches
- Comprehensive listing of attractions, historic sites, visitor centers, parks
- Availability of lodging, bike shops, parking and other services
According to the 2014 report, “The Economic Impact of the Erie Canalway Trail: An Assessment and User Profile of New York’s Longest Multi-Use Trail,” visitors generate approximately $253 million in sales, 3,440 jobs, and $28.5 million in taxes for New York’s upstate economy each year.
However, the same report notes that just 2.5% of estimated annual trail visits are made by persons residing outside the 35 counties surrounding the Erie Canalway Trail. The new website and the new edition of the guidebook are designed to especially attract riders from beyond the Canalway corridor.
Parks & Trails New York created www.CycletheErieCanal.com with funding from New York State Economic Development/I LOVE NEW YORK, in partnership with the NYS Canal Corporation and the National Park Service Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. The guidebook was updated with funding from the NYS Canal Corporation, as well as additional support from the National Park Service Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, First Niagara, CSEA, and Brookfield Renewable Energy.
Canalway Trail Times 