Last updated: May 1, 2022
Thing to Do
Bike the Mohawk River or the Erie Canal
National Park Service/M. Hutchko
Explore the beautiful and historic Mohawk River and Erie Canal in this unique environment. Enjoy the quiet of nature where you never expected it; in the heart of the city!
These trails can be fun for the whole family and is recommended for all ages. The larger portions of the trail are paved and accessible by wheelchair, stroller, and bicycle. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. The trail begins at the Griffiss Buisness Park and ends at Bellamy Harbor Park (intersecting with the larger Erie Canal Trail), with Fort Stanwix National Monument at the center. At Bellamy Harbor, a welcome center equipped with showers, restrooms, and laundry is available to cyclists traveling the Erie during the summer months.
Fort Stanwix National Monument sits within the heart of Rome, NY, a city built along the Mohawk River and the Erie/Barge Canal system. The Erie Canal was started in Rome to replace the trail that Fort Stanwix was originally built to protect. Numerous historic markers can be found along the way detailing the history of trade, commerce, and westward expansion in the area.
The map image below is provided for your convenience. Parking can be found at either end of the trail system, as well as at Fort Stanwix National Monument. In the summer, a kayak launch is availble for those wanting to see the river from a different perspective. A PDF version can be downloaded on the City of Rome, NY's website here.
Links to other information about cycling at Fort Stanwix can be found here.
These trails can be fun for the whole family and is recommended for all ages. The larger portions of the trail are paved and accessible by wheelchair, stroller, and bicycle. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. The trail begins at the Griffiss Buisness Park and ends at Bellamy Harbor Park (intersecting with the larger Erie Canal Trail), with Fort Stanwix National Monument at the center. At Bellamy Harbor, a welcome center equipped with showers, restrooms, and laundry is available to cyclists traveling the Erie during the summer months.
Fort Stanwix National Monument sits within the heart of Rome, NY, a city built along the Mohawk River and the Erie/Barge Canal system. The Erie Canal was started in Rome to replace the trail that Fort Stanwix was originally built to protect. Numerous historic markers can be found along the way detailing the history of trade, commerce, and westward expansion in the area.
The map image below is provided for your convenience. Parking can be found at either end of the trail system, as well as at Fort Stanwix National Monument. In the summer, a kayak launch is availble for those wanting to see the river from a different perspective. A PDF version can be downloaded on the City of Rome, NY's website here.
Links to other information about cycling at Fort Stanwix can be found here.
Details
Activity
Biking
Pets Allowed
Yes
All pets must be controlled on leash while hiking trails. Waste must be bagged and properly disposed. Do not let your animals harass the local wildlife.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Bellamy Harbor Park
This local park sits at the center of the Erie Canal Trail. Within park bounds you can find a welcome center with bathrooms and showers for cyclists traveling along the canal system.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Although these trails are open year-round, it is advised that folks dress in layers and check local weather forcasts as temperature and conditions can vary widely over the course of a season or a day! Be aware, the Erie Canal welcome center is only onen during the summer months.
Time of Day
Day, Dawn, Dusk
Accessibility Information
All trails on park grounds are accesible to wheelchairs and are paved with gravel.
The Mohawk River trail that connects to the park is paved. Evelation and grade changes are less than 30% and gradual. Benches are provided at regular intervals along the main sections of trail.
Some street intersections that connect the larger portions of the trails together maybe challenging for those with mobilty issues.
Comfortable shoes are suggested. Hiking boots are not required in most circumstances.
Bicycles riders should be aware of those walking on the trails as it is a shared pathway.
The Mohawk River trail that connects to the park is paved. Evelation and grade changes are less than 30% and gradual. Benches are provided at regular intervals along the main sections of trail.
Some street intersections that connect the larger portions of the trails together maybe challenging for those with mobilty issues.
Comfortable shoes are suggested. Hiking boots are not required in most circumstances.
Bicycles riders should be aware of those walking on the trails as it is a shared pathway.
