The state’s largest multi-day bike tour made its way through the Finger Lakes this week as part of the 27th annual Cycle the Erie Canal event organized by Parks & Trails New York (PTNY).
This year’s ride marks a special milestone—the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal. More than 600 cyclists, ranging in age from 8 to 84 and representing 37 states, are traveling the 400-mile route from Buffalo to Albany. Along the way, riders are exploring historic towns, scenic stretches of the Erie Canalway Trail, and local businesses that support cycling tourism.
For the first time, Day 4 of the ride started in Seneca Falls and featured a route past Cayuga Lake and through the Cayuga County Canal Communities, recently named one of PTNY’s 2025 Empire State Trail Towns. Highlights of the day included stops at the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, the Port Byron Erie Canal Heritage Park, and the village of Weedsport, another newly designated Trail Town.
The day’s ride concluded at Burnet Park in Syracuse, where cyclists were treated to a Bicentennial Celebration featuring live music, dinner, a visit to the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, and a special 200th birthday party for the canal.
The Empire State Trail Town program, a joint initiative between PTNY and the New York State Canal Corporation, recognizes and supports trail-adjacent communities for their commitment to enhancing the experience for trail users. Alongside Cayuga County Canal Communities, the 2025 Trail Towns also include Clyde and Canajoharie. PTNY offers technical assistance to help these communities attract trail tourism, grow local economies, and expand recreational opportunities.
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