Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor

Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor

The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor showcases the history and scenic beauty of New York's iconic waterway, offering diverse recreational activities and cultural experiences.

524
Acres Protected
365
Miles of Trails
3.7 million
Annual Visitors
2000
Year Established

About Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor

Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor
 

Stretching across more than 500 miles in upstate New York, the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is a tribute to America's vibrant economic and cultural history. The corridor follows the path of the historic Erie Canal, once the nation’s most important trade route connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes. Today, the canal and its adjacent trails offer a multitude of outdoor adventures, including walking, cycling, and paddling. The area's rich ecology includes diverse plant and animal species thriving in its wetlands and forests. Historical towns along the corridor provide glimpses into 19th-century life and host a variety of cultural festivals and events, bridging the past with vibrant present-day communities. Notable landmarks such as the Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse, and Lockport's famous 'Flight of Five', demonstrate the canal's engineering marvel. With its mix of natural beauty, history, and recreation, the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor remains a unique destination for visitors seeking both relaxation and enrichment.

Highlights

Highlight

Historic locks of the Erie Canal

Highlight

Rich birdwatching opportunities in marshes and wetlands

Highlight

Cycling along the picturesque Erie Canalway Trail

Highlight

Erie Canal Museum and cultural centers along the corridor

Notable Natural Features

Erie Canal Museum

Located in Syracuse, this museum offers a comprehensive history of the canal's construction and impact.

Lockport's Flight of Five

A series of historic locks demonstrating the complex engineering feats of canal construction.

Chittenango Landing

An old canal boat building and repair site now serves as a unique museum.