The Erie Canal Path: Experience New York's Recreation and History for Free!

President Barack Obama, in a tradition started in 1997 by President Bill Clinton, has proclaimed June 2009 "Great Outdoors Month". One of the initiatives behind "Great Outdoors Month" is to connect children with public land. The Erie Canal Path is a great place for people of all ages to have outdoor recreation while enjoying beautiful scenery and American history.

I spend a lot of time on The Erie Canal Path and can say that it's truly one of the great gems of New York state! If you're fortunate enough to live in the Erie Canal area, or planning to visit, The Erie Canal Path is a must-see! The Erie Canal Path is free and open to the public.

What Is There to Do on The Erie Canal Path?

The Erie Canal Path is open year-round, but definitely most popular in the summer months. On any given day you can find people walking their dogs, bicycling, fishing, jogging, hiking, bird watching, horseback riding, or boating. In addition to summer activities, The Erie Canal Path can be used for cross-country skiing or snowmobiling* during the winter.

Dogs are welcome at The Erie Canal Path provided that they're on a leash at all times. Dog owners are asked to clean up after their dogs.

Fishing is permitted on the Erie Canal. Anglers claim to get bass, pike, walleye and bullheads. The men in my family say all they ever get is carp and sunfish. In any event, make sure you have a New York State fishing license if you plan on fishing in the Erie Canal. My dad says the Game Warden comes around checking, and the fine is $150 (for not having a $16 fishing license).

I sometimes see bird watchers on an early summer's morning. I can't identify a lot of birds, but it's very common to see yellow finches, blue jays, Canadian geese, ducks and mallards.

Bicycling on The Erie Canal Path is extremely popular! There are over 150 miles of bike trails along the former towpaths. The surfaces are stone dust, gravel or asphalt; depending on the location. For more information on biking along The Erie Canal Path click here.

The Erie Canal Path is a great place to spend family time! It's not at all unusual to see parents pushing their babies in strollers. The part that I visit most has picnic tables and a large grassy area for play. (Be forewarned, there are no public bathrooms.)

A Brief History About the Erie Canal and The Erie Canal Path

The Erie Canal was constructed in the early 1800's to connect the Hudson River to Lake Erie. The canal runs from Albany, NY to Buffalo, NY; where it meets the Niagara River. Called "The Gateway to the West", the Erie Canal created a waterway for barges to easily transport goods to the West. The barges had no engines or sails, but were pulled, or towed, by horses or mules. The horses and mules walked on a ten foot path along the canal called the towpath.

Shortly after the Erie Canal's completion in 1825, the building of railroads began to make the canal obsolete. As the canal became impractical for trade commerce, it fell into disuse. The Canal Recreationway Commission was established in 1995 to advise New York state on canal-related activities. In 1996 a five-year Canal Revitalization Program was developed to preserve and rehabilitate the canal and to enhance recreational opportunities.

*Motor vehicles are not allowed on all sections of The Erie Canal Path. Please check for posted areas.

Sources:
http://www.funoutdoors.com/taxonomy/view/or/115
http://www.nycanal.com/recreation/hikebikemain.html
"Erie Canal: Gateway to the West" by Nicholas Nirgiotis, 1993
"Expansion of America: The Erie Canal" by Linda Thompson, 2005