The Empire State Trail from Albany to Buffalo is an epic, mostly flat canal route ideal for multi-day cycling. Due to the proximity to population centers, this is a very popular and well-known long distance bike touring route in this region. It contains a mix of natural scenery, historic canal towns, cultural sites, and loosely connected services makes for a memorable cross-state adventure accessible to many cyclists.
The Empire State Trail’s Albany → Buffalo section follows the historic Erie Canalway Trail, a scenic, mostly flat east-west route that traces the historic Erie Canal and connects towns, forests, farms, and waterways across upstate New York. The trail is largely off-road and beginner-friendly, suitable for long-distance touring, family rides, or multi-day adventures.
Bottom line: Physically accessible for most cyclists, but endurance and planning elevate it beyond a true “easy” ride — making it ideal for first-time multi-day tours or relaxed long-distance riding.
Fiddlehead Craft Sandwich (Fort Plain, NY): Decadant custom made sandwiches. Directly off the trail.
Nonna Maria Wood Fired Oven at the Stone Mill Building (Herkimer, NY): Tasty wood fired pizza. Across the river.
Zeina’s Cafe and Catering (Utica, NY): Amazing Mideastern food in heart of Utica. 1 mile south of trail.
Sugarbeets (Rome, NY): Gourmet restaurant. Directly off the trail.
Cafe Jarosz (Manlius, NY): Great cafe for american fair. .5 East of the trail.
Junction361 (Fairport): Fancy and tasty food at reasonable prices. Directly off the trail.
Copper Leaf Brewing (Pittsford, NY): Craft Brewery outside Rochester offering great eats as well. . Directly off the trail.
Frankie Fresh Burritos & Bowls (Brockport, NY): Fill up with some hearty mexican fair. .5 mile south of the trail.
Risen Cafe (albion, NY): Cafe serving american fair. Directly off the trail.
https://www.stonehollowfarmny.com/ (Middleport, NY): Gorgeous local farm serving produce and baked goods. . 1.5 miles north of trail.
The Bike Works (Johnstown, NY): Bicycle Shop close the start of the trail. . 2 miles north of the trail.
Freemans Bridge Sports (Schenectady): Local bike shop. Located in town.
Dick’s Wheel Shop (Herkimer, NY): Local bike shop. Directly off the trail.
Trek Bicycle New Hartford (New Hartford, NY): Larger chain bike store with a good selection of bikes. Utica also makes for a great stopping point. 5 miles off trail in Utica.
Resource Cycling (Fayetville, NY): Awesome Local shop. About halfway point so great spot for a tune up. . .5 mile off the trail.
Mello Velo Bicycle Shop (Syracuse, NY): Awesome local shop with an attached cafe and bakery! Syracuse also makes for a great stopping point. Directly off the trail.
Rocherster Bicycle + Fitness (Rochester, NY): Great selection of bikes. Directly off the trail.
Towpath Bike (Pittsford, NY): Local bike shop. Directly off the trail.
Sugar’s Bike Shop (Spencerport, NY): Local shop with friendly owner. Directly off the trail.
Blueline Bicycle Repair (Lockport, NY): Great local repair shop. 1 mile south of the trail.
360 mi
5-8 Days
8000
United States
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