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Latest update: June 2022

Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail...

New York State Biking

The Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail (aka Mohawk-Hudson Bikeway) runs along the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers from Corning Preserve in downtown Albany through Schenectady to Rotterdam Junction. With scenic views and parks along the way, the trail is diverse - from urban to suburban areas, to woods and fields, and the ever-present rivers. The paved, multi-use trail was built on the Erie Canal Towpath and on Troy & Schenectady Railroad rights of way. It's part of the NY State Canalway Trail and Hudson River Greenway Valley Trail, and comprises a section of the Empire State Trail. (Detailed map and photos below.)

Biking Map...
Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail

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Location: Albany to Rotterdam Junction (Albany and Schenectady Counties, NY) (See map)
Distance: 40 miles
Surface: Asphalt
Trailheads/Parking: Many (see map). List of all access points

Support and Advocacy:
Friends of the Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail

Bike Shops/Rentals:
CK Cycles (Albany)
Freeman's Bridge Sports (Cohoes)
Bike Barn (Amsterdam)

Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail... Comments and Photos

Unlike many towpath or rail trails, the Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail is fully paved - a big plus. The trail is mostly flat with just a few hills, and is mostly off-road except for a few sections in Albany, Cohoes and Schenectady where street routes have been mapped out. Popular for bikers, walkers and runners (snowmobiles and horses prohibited).

Blatnick Park to Lions Park - 4 miles

We biked a scenic portion of the trail along the Mohawk River, linking three parks near Niskayuna, NY. From Blatnick Park, the trail descends to the Mohawk with stunning river views. Visiting Lock 7 Park along the Erie Canal was an interesting stop with views of the dam and canal - boats can be seen going through the lock when open from May to November. The trail runs under Ferry Rd. (Verdoy Bridge), which crosses the Mohawk River to Niska Island.* Lions Park is one mile from here.

*Historic footnote: Niska Island was a rich agricultural area first farmed by Mohawk Native Americans, and later by Dutch and English settlers. The Vischer Ferry (1790), a raft pulled across the river from suspended cables, once left from there. The name "Niskayuna" was derived from "Niska," a Mohawk term for "covered with corn."

Blatnick Park to Lock 7

Leaving Blatnick Park

Mohawk River

 

On the trail

 

Canal at Lock 7

Lock 7 to Lions Park

Trail past Lock 7

Approaching Verdoy Bridge

To Niska Island

 

Approaching Lions Park

Featured in This Section

Jeff Blatnick Park

Parking, restrooms, picnic, playground, playing fields, disc golf course.
More about Blatnick Park

Jeff Blatnick Park

 

 

 

Erie Canal Lock 7

The park at Lock 7 includes parking, picnic, viewing dock, and boat launch.
More about Lock 7 Park & Boat Launch

Lock 7

 

 

 

Lions Park

Parking, restrooms, picnic, kayak/canoe launch, restored train depot.
More about Lions Park

Lions Park

 

 

 

More Information and Resources

More About the Erie Canal:
The original Erie Canal was completed in 1825, at 363 miles it was the second longest in the world. It was considered an engineering marvel, with an elevation lift of 528 feet over its route. Expanded over the years, in 1905-1918 a "barge canal" for larger vessels was built and half the original canal was abandoned (some segments of the original can still be seen). Active today, mostly for recreational use, the Canal is open from May to November - it's the longest ongoing transportation project in North America.

Nearby Biking:
Bike-New York - More bike trails and information about biking in New York State

Related Resources:
Niskayuna NY - Mohawk-Hudson Bike Hike Trail
Empire State Trail - Mohawk-Hudson Bike Hike Trail