Explore Cayuga Count’s Canal Trail Towns
The 12-mile stretch of the Empire State Trail in Cayuga County connecting Montezuma, Port Byron, and Weedsport is a thriving hub of trail services and amenities, offering cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts easy access to a variety of businesses and historic sites. The trail runs directly through the charming business districts of these three towns, where visitors can enjoy farm-to-table dining, local breweries, coffee shops, and local attractions, all without leaving the trail. Along the route, trail users can explore significant canal history, including biking through a lock at the Erie Canal Heritage Park or explore the remains of the impressive Richmond Aqueduct.
With welcoming accommodations including both hotels and local campgrounds, this stretch of the trail has everything a visiting trail user might need. The communities along the route are committed to preserving their rich canal heritage while enhancing the trail experience, making it a model for collaboration and sustainable development for trail towns.
Since the completion of the Empire State Trail in 2020, the Erie and Champlain Canalway Trails have only grown in popularity, attracting visitors from all over the nation and the world. Trail use figures from 2023 estimate that the Canalway Trail system now draws nearly 4 million visits per year. And with these visits comes a massive economic impact, especially from visitors who stay overnight in trail communities.
By being selected to participate in the Empire State Trail Town program, Canajoharie, Clyde, and Montezuma-Port Byron-Weedsport are joining a network of communities along the Empire State Trail that recognize the value of the trail as both an enhancement to quality of life for residents and driver of economic growth.
Places to Explore…
Port Byron Erie Canal Heritage Park
The Old Erie Canal Heritage Park offers visitors a unique opportunity to walk through Enlarged Erie Canal Lock 52 as well as a chance to visit the Erie House Saloon, Blacksmith Shop, and Mule Barn. You can enter directly from either the New York State Thruway when traveling east or traveling on the Empire State Trail just outside the Village of Port Byron, enter the Park directly from Route 31. The volunteers at the Visitor Center and Erie House will be happy to answer any questions visitors may have. A gift shop and restrooms are also available at the Visitor Center. The park is also Wheel the World verified for accessibility.
Explore eleven nature walking trails. Direct entrance to the 160-acre historic Erie Canal park may be made from the Empire State Trail on Route 31 just east of the Seneca River Bridge in the Town of Montezuma. Meander through the natural and man-made eleven interconnecting nature trails that include the magnificent Richmond Aqueduct, the second largest aqueduct on the Erie Canal. Original towpaths along the historic remains of the original Clinton’s Ditch, the Enlarged Erie Canal, and the Cayuga-Seneca Canal tell the 200-year evolution of New York State’s Canal System. Located here, a kiosk provides local information while traveling through Cayuga County Trail Town Communities. Amenitities include a bathroom, picnic facilities, and directions to a water bottle filling station (coming soon).
The Samuel Center for Canal History
Serves as the Canal Society of New York State’s central repository for an extensive collection of canal-related documents, photographs, maps, and artifacts. Established in 2022 within the former St. John’s Church, the center not only preserves these historical materials but also hosts educational tours and events. Located on the Canalway/Empire State Trail on Route 31 in the Village of Port Byron, the former church sits on what was the alignment of the first Erie Canal. At the rear of the parking lot along the Owasco Creek Outlet is the remains of the stonework of an 1819 aqueduct that took Clinton’s Ditch over the Creek.
This museum offers a diverse collection of exhibits that will captivate curious visitors, showcasing the lives of the area’s earliest settlers and canal travelers. Its displays highlight the town’s history as a canal hub, reflecting its agricultural roots, commercial growth, and the daily experiences of those shaped by the Erie Canal’s influence. Through curated artifacts and exhibits, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of local life in the canal’s early years.
The Old Erie Canal Trail
(between the villages of Port Byron and Weedsport)
Traveling east from Montezuma on the scenic rural Route 31 portion of the Empire Trail to the Village of Port Byron is a 2.3-mile section of the Old Erie Canal Trail. This off-road section enters at Schasel Park along the Old Erie Canal to Centerport Aqueduct Park just west of the Village of Weedsport. Or, if traveling west from Weedsport at the Centerport Aqueduct Park, use this off-road section to Schasel Park in Port Byron. Great for hiking and biking along the remains of the old Erie Canal
The murals painted along the Erie Canal in Cayuga County vividly depict life on the historic canalside. Most of these outdoor masterpieces have been created by local artist Dawn Jordan, who uses exterior wood panels and paint to craft seven large murals, each about 30 feet wide. Drawing inspiration from historic photographs and paintings, these community artworks bring the rich history of the canal to life for all who visit.
Schasel Park
Schasel Park is a serene outdoor area with walking paths, picnic tables, and playgrounds, making it suitable for nature walks and family activities. The park is notable for its proximity to historic Culvert 74 and the Erie Canal. Park also offers access to a mile-long watered section of the old Erie Canal suitable for walking or biking and provides historical views of the old canal and Clinton’s Ditch. It also serves as a starting point for the 20-mile Erie Canal Trail to Camillus and connects to trails toward Weedsport.
CAYUGA COUNTY TRAIL TOWNS BUSINESS DIRECTORY
Montezuma — Port Byron — Weedsport
Linked by Trails, Rooted in History.
Known for its beautiful scenery, historic aqueduct, and numerous recreational activities. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the aqueduct and admire the beautiful views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The park also has a picnic area, Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial, and its main attraction, the historic 1800s aqueduct, where visitors can learn about its construction and the history of the area.
Places to Enjoy Canal Cuisine…
Place to Find Visitor Information…
Port Byron Erie Canal Heritage Park:
Amenities include: Public Restrooms, Visitor Information, Museum and Gift Shop. Park is also Wheel the World Verified.
Equal Rights Heritage Center
Your one-stop all-you-need-to-know website about Cayuga County and New York! Discover places to eat, stay, shop, and so much more!
Places to Stay…
🚲 Red Roof Inn
For a convenient and budget-friendly stay consider the Red Roof Inn in Weedsport. Situated just minutes from the canal, this comfortable lodging option provides easy access to nearby historic sites and outdoor adventures. Rest up in well-equipped accommodations before setting out to explore the waterways, trails, and landmarks that define the Erie Canal’s legacy in Cayuga County.
River Forest Park Campground
Nestled along the Seneca River in Weedsport, NY, Riverforest Park is a convenient getaway just one mile north of Exit 40 on the New York State Thruway. This full-service RV park also offers dedicated tent camping sites, making it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts. With nearly a mile of scenic riverfront access, modern amenities, and well-maintained facilities, guests can enjoy both comfort and nature. Riverforest Park provides the perfect base camp after a day of adventure exploring the Erie Canal.
Enjoy a solid deal on a simple stay close to the Seneca River. Located off Interstate 90 close to numerous attractions in the heart of the Finger Lakes. Enjoy the area’s museums including the National Women’s Rights Museum and Harriet Tubman Home Museum. Get outdoors and explore the Erie Canal bike trails and Owasco Lake Emerson Park. Numerous outlet malls, and wineries add to the entertainment options in the area. Free parking means it is easy to get around.
Find a Bike Friendly Business…
Find bike friendly businesses along New York’s trails that offer the services and amenities cyclists need for a comfortable and convenient ride. Look for this sticker or PTNY Certified Bike Friendly Business and look for the 🚲 symbol on this webpage. For more information and an interactive map click here..
What is a Trail Town.. .a little background…
Parks & Trails New York is proud to support communities that embrace the economic, health, and recreational benefits of trails. Across the state, these towns are transforming into thriving destinations where visitors can explore scenic bike trails, enjoy local businesses, and connect with the outdoors. By partnering with local leaders, businesses, and residents, we help cultivate trail-friendly infrastructure and experiences that boost tourism and foster community pride.
What is a trail town?
-These towns often provide trailside amenities like 🚲 bike racks, restrooms, and welcome centers.
-A trail town is a community that has been designated as trail-friendly.
-The trail is considered a core asset that drives planning and investment.
-It aims to increase opportunities for residents to access recreation and create welcoming destinations for visitors.