By bike, plan for the Quest to take a half day.  It is possible to break it up and return over multiple days (for instance, if you want to take more time or do the Quest on foot).  This event is designed to take at your own pace and enjoy.  To make the most of this experience, we highly recommend stopping to see sites along the way. 

This is not a race.  It doesn’t matter if someone finishes before you as all the clues are available to everyone for the entire month of August.

The Quest is good for all ages!  It is designed to be done by families, group of friends, couples, adults, and kids (with adult supervision).  At past Tour the Towpath events, we have had cyclists as young as 6 up to 86!  The Quest takes place along the Erie Canalway Trail in the Old Erie Canal State Historic Park; this trail is great for bikers of all skill levels and ages as it is flat and almost entirely off-road; even the two short on-road segments are rural roads with very little traffic.  The mystery to be solved will be enjoyed by people of all ages.

1. The map you receive after registering

2. Your bike and helmet

3. Water and sunscreen

4. Snacks

5. Smartphone (for taking pictures to enter the Photo contest)

Yes!  The price is only $10/group and there is no limit to the amount of people in your group. 

The route is on the Erie Canalway Trail in the Old Erie Canal State Historic Park, but just off the trail are several quaint canal-side communities including the City of Oneida, Village of Wampsville, and the Village of Canastota.  The event is set up to take your time and explore what each of these communities has to offer.

If you are coming from further afield, there is lodging at Days Inn in Canastota, NY.  Birdbrook B&B in Chittenango, NY is also nearby as is lodging at the Oneida Community Mansion House in the City of Oneida.   If you are looking for some of the many other things to see and do in the area for before or after the Quest visit https://www.madisontourism.com/

We have done our best to think through all the places people might get stuck, and it is intended for all teams to find all the clues and finish.  There is no guarantee though!  This is set up to be a real mystery!  There are real clues to be found so you will have to pay attention to all the hints given.  However, even if you don’t finish or find all the clues, the journey itself is meant to be a fun experience and adventure.  Similarly, even if you don’t finish you can still enter the photo contest for an opportunity to win the $100 grand prize.   Please use common sense when looking for the clues – we haven’t placed the clues anywhere that is dangerous, requires digging,  or to go on private property, etc – if you are looking somewhere that doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t!

The Quest is intended to be self-supported.  There is no ride support available.  Please plan accordingly (bring spare bike tires, your cell phone, etc).  Similarly, there is not a way to get more information about the clues.  If you get stuck, refer back to your map and the letters posted on the route.   

Tour the Towpath Adventure Quest is an event of the Canastota Canal Town Museum and Village of Canastota with support by Madison County and the Old Erie Canal Community Working Group. Proceeds go to the Canastota Canal Town Museum, a non-profit which offers a history of the Old Erie Canal and brings to life local folklore and history.