Erie Canal

I am planning to ride the entire Erie Canal in the summer of 2005. I
have maps, brochures and the book about the canal, all from the state
of NY. I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has either ridden
all of the canal or a significant portion. I am particularly
interested in camping areas as we travel essentially as backpackers on
wheels. I've done the C&O several times form Cumberland to DC and also
the ATA trail out of Pittsburgh so this is not a new experience. It is
still helpful to get whatever info one can find before the trip.

On 9 Dec 2004 14:02:14 -0800, "
wrote:

I am planning to ride the entire Erie Canal in the summer of 2005. I
have maps, brochures and the book about the canal, all from the state
of NY. I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has either ridden
all of the canal or a significant portion. I am particularly
interested in camping areas as we travel essentially as backpackers on
wheels. I've done the C&O several times form Cumberland to DC and also
the ATA trail out of Pittsburgh so this is not a new experience. It is
still helpful to get whatever info one can find before the trip.

How hard is it riding through the water in the Canal? Isn't it still
in use? If so, how hard is it doding the boats?

Of course I jest, but please post what you really plan on doing -
riding paths along side the canal, like the towpath of the C&O Canal.

On 9 Dec 2004 14:02:14 -0800, "
wrote:

I am planning to ride the entire Erie Canal in the summer of 2005. I
have maps, brochures and the book about the canal, all from the state
of NY. I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has either ridden
all of the canal or a significant portion. I am particularly
interested in camping areas as we travel essentially as backpackers on
wheels. I've done the C&O several times form Cumberland to DC and also
the ATA trail out of Pittsburgh so this is not a new experience. It is
still helpful to get whatever info one can find before the trip.

How hard is it riding through the water in the Canal? Isn't it still
in use? If so, how hard is it doding the boats?

Of course I jest, but please post what you really plan on doing -
riding paths along side the canal, like the towpath of the C&O Canal.

My wife and I rode the western half (Lockport to Oswego River) last
summer camping at the canal facilities which in many cases are pretty
basic (portable toilets and water) As well some communities offer
showers, etc. It is a very easy ride with most of the lock and bridge
attendants more than happy to have someone to chat with.

My wife and I rode the western half (Lockport to Oswego River) last
summer camping at the canal facilities which in many cases are pretty
basic (portable toilets and water) As well some communities offer
showers, etc. It is a very easy ride with most of the lock and bridge
attendants more than happy to have someone to chat with.

I found this site a while back, no specific info but allot of pictures.

http://www.pbase.com/jcassatt/erie_canal


wrote:
I am planning to ride the entire Erie Canal in the summer of 2005. I
have maps, brochures and the book about the canal, all from the state
of NY. I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has either ridden
all of the canal or a significant portion. I am particularly
interested in camping areas as we travel essentially as backpackers on
wheels. I've done the C&O several times form Cumberland to DC and also
the ATA trail out of Pittsburgh so this is not a new experience. It is
still helpful to get whatever info one can find before the trip.

I found this site a while back, no specific info but allot of pictures.

http://www.pbase.com/jcassatt/erie_canal


wrote:
I am planning to ride the entire Erie Canal in the summer of 2005. I
have maps, brochures and the book about the canal, all from the state
of NY. I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has either ridden
all of the canal or a significant portion. I am particularly
interested in camping areas as we travel essentially as backpackers on
wheels. I've done the C&O several times form Cumberland to DC and also
the ATA trail out of Pittsburgh so this is not a new experience. It is
still helpful to get whatever info one can find before the trip.

I did the organized tour last year and had a great time. It is a lot
less trouble having someone else haul your gear. NY State has a
brochure that is well worth reading. You can order a copy at:
http://www.ptny.org/canalway/guidebook.shtml.

Parallel to the canal is NY State Bike Route 5 which is mainly a
heavily traveled road with very wide shoulders.
Good luck

Jim Cassatt