Ideas for Logging Miles

There are many great adventures in store when you hit the trail or get out on the water. Try one of our recommended cycling or paddling half-day and full-day trips. Or plan a multiday trip with one of our recommended itineraries. Discover favorite places to visit and recommendations for local food and beverages with Hot on the Trail. A few miles at a time will start to add up!

2024 Events

Pedal-Paddle-Run

May 11 >> AQUEDUCT PARK, NISKAYUNA

Bike 7 miles on the Empire State Trail, paddle 2 miles on the Erie Canal and run a 5K on the trail. Sign up as an individual or team.

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The Old Erie Canal Boat Float

June 15 >> Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum, Chittenango

Join hundreds of paddlers to celebrate the Old Erie Canal. Start from one of four locations and paddle up to 9.5 miles. Enjoy live music, food trucks, Erie Canal Brewing Company craft beers, demonstrations, and exhibits after the paddle. Count your miles toward the Canalway Challenge.

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Donald Patneaude Memorial Towpath Regatta

June 20 >> Gateway Landing Park, Schenectady

Free, family-fun event. Paddle a 4.5-mile loop. Sponsored by Schenectady Wintersports Club and Northern New York Paddlers. Questions: Beverly and Bruce Blinn-Knapp; (518) 257-6567; bruce.blinnknapp@gmail.com

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Paddle the Canals: Mohawk River Expedition

JUNE 21 - 23 >> CANAJOHARIE to SCHENECTADY

Paddle through history on the scenic Mohawk River and celebrate 200 years of the Erie Canal on this 3-day, 2-night exploration of the Erie Canal from Canajoharie to Schenectady. Registration required.

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Armond Bassett Canoe and Kayak Race

June 29 >> MACEDON CANAL PARK, MACEDON

Start and finish in the same location on the Erie Canal. Three races: C1 Pro - 3 miles, 10-Mile Marathon and 3-Mile Recreational. Free t-shirts for the first 50 paddlers registered. Awards with food afterwards.

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49th Electric City Regatta

July 13 >> LOCK 9 STATE CANAL PARK, ROTTERDAM

Open to canoes and kayaks. Three races: Marathon - 11 miles between Locks 9 and 10; Recreational - 3 miles; Family Fun Race - 1 mile. T-shirts for each participant and prizes to first three finishers in each class. Sponsored by NY Paddlesports Racing Association. Questions: Ed Greiner egreiner1@yahoo.com or 518-421-2947.

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Barge Chaser Race

July 14 >> Kiwanis Park, Rotterdam

Open to canoes and kayaks. Three races: Marathon - 10 miles between Locks 8 & 9, Recreational - 3 miles, Family Fun - 1 mile. Sponsored by NY Paddlesports Racing Association.

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On the Canals

Multiple Dates and Locations >> Multiple Locations

The NYS Canal Corp/NYPA offers FREE winter excursions across the Canal Corridor.

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Event Partners

Do you have an event on the NYS Canal System or Canalway Trail that would make a good Canalway Challenge event?

Find out more and apply to become an official event partner.