HomeNew YorkWaterloo › Cayuga-Seneca Canal Trail

Cayuga-Seneca Canal Trail

4.7 ★★★★★ 79 Google reviews · Running trail in Waterloo, New York · Open 24 hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Open 24 hours

Confirmed from Cayuga-Seneca Canal Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

Open 24hScenicDog-friendlyFlat & fastTrailhead parking

Kid-friendly and dog-friendly hiking area offering trails suitable for biking.

What runners say about Cayuga-Seneca Canal Trail

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (79 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 5 mentions

“Beautiful trail at the top of the lake connects Geneva to Waterloo, there is a 3 mile section of E River Rd to complete the route to Seneca Falls.”

👟 good for all levels 2 mentions

“Quiet beautiful trail, dog friendly, easy hike, would be great for kids.”

🐕 dog-walking favorite 3 mentions

“Quiet beautiful trail, dog friendly, easy hike, would be great for kids.”

Quiet beautiful trail, dog friendly, easy hike, would be great for kids.

★★★★★ — Colleen , Nov 2022

Really nice bicycle trail. Beautiful place to ride. Lots to see, riding along side part of the Erie Canal. Rode 18 miles (9 each way). Seneca Falls Lake is beautiful!!! Nothing better than the Finger Lakes, wineries and breweries, along the way.

★★★★★ — Maryjo , Sep 2022

Wonderful trail, whether hiking, walking, running, or biking. My dog Jack loves his rides on the bike. I saw an Eagle about a month ago, perched up in a tree scouting for food. While riding one afternoon, Jack and I saw at least 10 rabbits cross our path along with squirrels and chipmunks.

★★★★★ — K , Jul 2024

Very nice, flat hiking trail which used to be a railroad bed that goes from Waterloo all the way to Seneca Lake State Park. Bring the bug spray during Summer!

★★★★★ — Rich , Sep 2020

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 79 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 6 mentions

“Beautiful trail at the top of the lake connects Geneva to Waterloo, there is a 3 mile section of E River Rd to complete the route to Seneca Falls.”

More trails like this →

Flat & fast 4 mentions

“Very nice, flat hiking trail which used to be a railroad bed that goes from Waterloo all the way to Seneca Lake State Park.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 3 mentions

“Quiet beautiful trail, dog friendly, easy hike, would be great for kids.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking

“Ample parking but could use a rest room or a port a potty.”

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Plan your run at Cayuga-Seneca Canal Trail

The practical stuff

  • AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Websitegofingerlakes.org
  • Phone(315) 789-1465
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday Open 24 hours
Tuesday Open 24 hours
Wednesday Open 24 hours
Thursday Open 24 hours
Friday Open 24 hours
Saturday Open 24 hours
Sunday Open 24 hours

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Cayuga-Seneca Canal Trail

8-10 Fayette St, Waterloo, NY 13165

Get directions

Running trails near Waterloo

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Seneca Lake State Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 1,436 reviews

Geneva, NY

PavedScenic

Trails & picnic areas offer scenic lake views, with a swimming beach & water sprayground for kids.

4.4 miles away

Kashong Conservation Area

4.6 ★★★★★ 59 reviews

Geneva, NY

Scenic

Nature preserve featuring trails, picnic areas, a white oak tree, and diverse biota.

10.9 miles away

Gifford Road Trail

4.1 ★★★★☆ 10 reviews

Phelps, NY

Natural surface

11.5 miles away

Ontario Pathways, Stanley Trailhead

4.5 ★★★★★ 71 reviews

Stanley, NY

Scenic

Recreation area offering hiking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing, plus a Pooh-themed trail.

13.0 miles away

Auburn-Fleming Trail

3.9 ★★★★☆ 13 reviews

Auburn, NY

14.6 miles away

Long Point State Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 466 reviews

Aurora, NY

Scenic

Waterfront park offering picnic tables and a playground for kids, plus beach access.

15.0 miles away

All running trails in Waterloo, NY →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.