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West-Central Section
Latest update: June 2025
Erie Canalway Trail... West-Central
Biking and Touring from Syracuse to Rochester
This section of the Ere Canalway Trail covers 97 miles between Syracuse and Rochester, NY. The trail runs mostly off-road along the canalway, including paved, stonedust and on-road sections with views of boats, bridges and locks.
- To date, we've visited the westernmost 15 miles from Fairport to Rochester. While a relatively short distance, we thoroughly enjoyed the scenic towns and Rochester's parks and trails.
- At Rochester, we highlight Suggested Rides at Genesee Valley Park, and nearby trails.
. (Detailed map and photos below.)
Location: Syracuse to Rochester, NY (See map)
Distance: 97 miles (mile 172 to 269)
Surface: Various - paved asphalt, compacted
stonedust, on-road
Bike Shops/Rentals:
View full list of bike shops 
Fairport to Rochester
The trail here is paved off-road with a 5-mile stonedust section. This is a more developed area with a mix of urban and rural landscapes, running through various old canal towns, with several trail access points and parks along the way, and nearby services.
Fairport (mile 254)
The Village of Fairport, with the opening of the Erie Canal in 1825 and later arrival of the railroad, became a leading center of transportation and industry. Today, the Canal remains a focal point for residents and visitors. This is a scenic section of the Canalway Trail, running through the Fairport Harbor area with nearby restaurants, shops and accommodations. It's a hub for activities including bicycling, paddling (bike, kayak/canoe rentals available), and the annual Canal Days art festival. The Colonial Belle here is the largest tour boat operating on the historic Erie Canal with sightseeing cruises to Pittsford and through Lock 32
- We visited the area at Fairport Harbor centered along Main Street. This is a popular gathering place with shopping and dining. Parking is readily available at several parking lots adjacent to the trail.
- While the original Erie Canal Heritage Trail runs alongside the canal, getting under the Main Street bridge includes stairs. A more bike-friendly route detours into town along Lift Bridge Lane. The two sections run parallel, we visited both as a loop.
Main Street to Fairport Docks (east to west)
After diverging from the original canalway, the trail crosses Main Street near the Fairport Lift Bridge and then runs along Fairport Lift Bridge Festival Street, now a dedicated pedestrian/biking path with shops and restaurants.
- From Main Street, we visited along Fairport Lift Bridge Festival Street to the docks and continuing westbound.
- Call-out to Erie Canal Boat Company here (bike, kayak and canoe rentals), the only Adaptive Paddling and Cycling Center located on the Erie Canal waterway and the Empire State Trail.
Along the Canalway (west to east)
The original Erie Canal Heritage Trail runs canalside. From the docks, we visited the trail alongside the canal, under Main Street at the Fairport Lift Bridge and continuing east to Parker St.
- Along this stretch are parking, restaurants and shops, boat docking and tours. The Colonial Belle here is the largest tour boat operating on the historic Erie Canal with sightseeing cruises through Lock 32 to Pittsford.
Fairport Village at Kennelly Park, the Lift Bridge
To the south, across the Fairport Lift Bridge is Fairport Village Landing, with more shops and restaurants, the public library. Vincent G. Kennelley Memorial Park, is an attractive small park along the canal at the center of Fairport Village.
- The Fairport Lift Bridge is a vertical-lift bridge across the canal, built in 1913-14.
Pittsford (mile 260)
First settled in 1759, the Town of Pittsford, like many in the area, grew with the completion of the Erie Canal in 1825, the later arrival of the railroad and expansion of the Barge Canal. Many sites are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- The trail approaching from the east is off-road stonedust, becoming paved in Pittsford. Continuing west, the trail is off-road paved.
- We visited Erie Canal Park along the Canalway Trail at Schoen Place, a popular canal landing and shopping area with restaurants, shops, and other businesses. We found it to be a fun mix of sightseers, diners, shoppers, bikers, hikers, and walkers.
- Once a commercial hub including a lumberyard, mill, and other industries, many of the buildings were converted into today's shops and restaurants. The historic Pittsford Flour Mill (1882) and Grain Tower (1937) now house offices.
- Canal boat tours, bicycle, kayak and canoe rentals are available. Parking is readily available.
Erie Canal Park at Schoen Place
The canalside promenade (the original towpath) is designated for pedestrians - walk your bike. Bikers are redirected to the roadway along Schoen Place.
Rochester (mile 269)
Rochester is a large and vibrant city with history, art, nature and more, which we'll hope to explore on another visit. The Erie Canalway Trail in Rochester includes urban and rural sections, but our visit was limited to the trail at wonderful Genesee Valley Park.
- We highlight this as **A Suggested Ride** area, including the Canalway Trail and two intersecting trails.
Genesee Valley Park
Genesee Valley Park is a gem. It serves as a trailhead for the Erie Canalway Trail and is a connecting point to the Genesee Valley Greenway and Genesee Riverway Trail. The trails are paved and easy to ride, well marked with directional and informational signs.
The scenic 800-acre park opened in 1888, designed by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. The Erie Canal and Genesee River intersect here, offering water views as well as fishing and paddling (kayak/canoe rentals available). Other amenities include parking, restrooms, picnicking, hiking and biking trails, playgrounds, and multiple sporting facilities including two 18-hole golf courses.
Trails connect (marker)
Erie Canalway Trail
The Erie Canalway Trail at Genesee Valley Park is paved and easy to ride. It runs through a portion of the park, crossing the Genesee River
- The trail is shared with the Genesee Riverway Trail as it crosses the Genesee River. Then the Genesee Valley Greenway joins the route, and the three cross the Erie Canal near the juncture with the Genesee River. They then diverge at a point under I-390, which bisects the park.
- The Erie Canalway Trail continues canalside. Canal structures can be seen. This section is mostly unshaded.
In the Park
Genesee Valley Greenway State Park
The Genesee Valley Greenway State Park is a 90-mile linear park running from Genesee Valley Park (where it meets the Erie Canalway Trail) to the Village of Cuba in Allegany County. It follows the route of the Genesee Valley Canal (1840-1878) and the Pennsylvania Railroad (1882-1963). The trail is paved for the first two miles with the remainder on gravel, grass, and packed dirt.
- We visited the paved portion of trail from Genesee Valley Park to Scottsville Rd., about 2 miles. Shortly past here, the pavement ends.
- After passing some municipal facilities, the trail enters a wooded corridor. This runs through a commercial area, but widely buffered by trees until approaching Scottsville Rd.
Genesee Riverway Trail
The Genesee Riverway Trail runs for 24 miles along the Genesee River from the Erie Canal at Genesee Valley Park, through downtown Rochester, to Lake Ontario. Our visit was limited to Genesee Valley Park.
- After riding the shared section of trail where it crosses the Genesee River, we then briefly cut off onto the Riverway Trail.
This ended our exploration to date of the Erie Canalway Trail and nearby places of interest in the West-Central Section.
CONTINUE TO THE WEST SECTION, ROCHESTER TO BUFFALO
RETURN TO ERIE CANALWAY TRAIL OVERVIEW
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