The Old Erie Canal State Historic Park is a 36 mile long land and water trail between DeWitt and Rome in Central New York. It follows a portion of the Erie Canal which was active between 1825 and 1917.
Today over 11 miles of canal are easily paddled by canoe or kayak. The historic towpath, once traversed by mules pulling packet boats, is a multi use trail used by walkers, runners, cyclists, smowmobilers, equestrians, photographers, and more. The trail is almost entirely off-road. It is part of the Erie Canalway Trail and the Empire State Trail systems.
We invite you to experience 200 years of history as well as the modern delights of the Old Erie Canal. Today the corridor is host to a wide variety of recreational activities as well as a rich ecological network of plants and wildlife. Visitors are encouraged to occasionally venture off the trail and explore the many unique and charming canalside communities which are linked by the Old Erie. Restaurants, shops, museums, historic sites, lodging, and welcoming community members await just steps off of the trail. See the communities page for ideas about what to see and do in all of the canal side communities.
