Old Erie Canal State Historic Park

Flat canal towpath from Syracuse to Rome, via Verona.

A 36-mile stretch of the old Erie Canal kept as a linear park between DeWitt and Rome, and part of the Empire State Trail. The flat towpath passes Green Lakes, Chittenango Landing and Canastota before reaching Verona and Rome. It is easy riding for families, gravel bikes and long out-and-backs right from home.

At a glance

Length

36 mi (DeWitt to Rome)

Grade

Flat towpath

Part of

Empire State Trail (Erie Canalway, Buffalo to Albany)

Access points

DeWitt, Green Lakes, Chittenango, Canastota, Verona, Rome

Fee

Free

Good for

Beginner

Rentals, guides and shops

• Parks & Trails New York

  The nonprofit that runs the eight-day Cycle the Erie Canal tour and publishes Canalway Trail guides.

• Syracuse Bicycle

  Bike shop on Erie Boulevard East, a few minutes from the DeWitt end of the trail.

Events

“Usually” means the date follows past years. Confirm before you go.

• EventJuly 10–18, 2027

  Cycle the Erie Canal

  Parks & Trails New York’s eight-day supported tour from Buffalo to Albany, which rides this section of towpath.

Where to stay

• cabinGreen Lakes State Park cabins and campground

  State park cabins and campsites a short spin from the towpath, next to the park’s green glacial lakes.

  Next to the trail
• hotelTurning Stone Resort Casino

  Big resort in Verona with several hotels, golf, a spa and plenty of restaurants.

  10 min drive from the Verona access
• innLincklaen House

  Historic inn and tavern in Cazenovia village.

  20 min drive from Chittenango

Nearby

• Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum · On the trail

  Canal museum right on the towpath in Chittenango, about the canal’s boat-building days.

• Green Lakes State Park · Next to the trail

  Swimming beach and trails around two strikingly green glacial lakes.

• Critz Farms · 20 min drive

  Farm cidery and brewery with fall festivals and pick-your-own apples.

Getting there

• Syracuse Hancock International (SYR) · about 20 min drive
• Verona, NY · about 0.25 hr
• Syracuse · about 0.25 hr
• Albany · about 2.25 hr

Directions in Google Maps