Fifteen Miles or 5k on the Erie Canal

One of the great things about living in Syracuse is the abundance of parks and recreation trails. When I plan my workout I have dozens of uniquely interesting places that are within a few minutes drive. One of my favorite routes is something few parks can claim; it used to be one of the most important trade routes in the country. The route I am talking about is of course, the Old Erie Canal.

When the canal was re-routed north to Oneida Lake, the original canal within the city of Syracuse was filled in to create Erie Boulevard. Outside of the city most of the canal remained untouched and is now preserved as a recreation trail. To the west of the city is a two mile long trail in Camillus. To the east is a thirty-six mile long trail that goes from Dewitt all the way to Rome.

What I enjoy the most about running along side the canal is the natural (and man made) beauty of the route. The entire path is lined with trees and the surface is grass, gravel, or woodchip. It is also probably the flattest route around if hills are not your thing. In addition to running, the trails are also used for walking, biking, and fishing. You can even launch a canoe or kayak at certain sections if you prefer to travel on the canal, and not simply next to it.

In addition to the recreation trail, in Camillus there is also a replica nineteenth century store and museum along with a canal boat and other buildings. During the summer you can even take a dinner cruise on a canal boat. The Dewitt segment leads all the way to the Erie Canal Village, a replica nineteenth century canal village, in Rome.

As the song goes, you’ll always know your neighbor, you’ll always know your pal, if you ever navigated on the Erie Canal.

Camillus Erie Canal Park

Old Erie Canal State Historic Park – Dewitt

Story by: John Sierotnik