The Mohawk River Valley is the official birthplace of the Erie Canal. The "Old Erie Canal" started here in Oneida County with the first dig on July 4, 1817 near Rome NY. Today's Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor stretches from Albany, in the east, to North Tonawanda at the mouth of the mighty Niagara River in the west, offering 524 miles of adventure serving as the crown jewel of New York State's vast 750-mile Empire State Trail system. The Old Erie Canal Historic State Park runs from Rome to DeWitt, just east of Syracuse. It features former aqueducts, a dry dock at Chittenango and 36 miles of trail along the original canal. Oneida County canal communities along the current day Erie Canal route from Oneida Lake at Sylvan Beach through Utica offer year-round recreation.

Explore opportunities to get on the water, hike, bike, dine, picnic, camp and more along the Erie Canalway Trail system. Start your adventure today!