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Erie Canal Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 54 Google reviews · Running trail in Rochester, New York · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Erie 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.
Peaceful park featuring trails for walking, biking, camping, fishing, and picnics.
What runners say about Erie Canal Trail
“I stumbled on this trail by chance and my God, it’s such a beautiful view with the most serene environment and is now my top biking route.”
“My wife and I love biking or running on the canal.”
“Follows along the historic Erie Canal, paved with a painted center line for two-way traffic, sometimes shaded.”
“I stumbled on this trail by chance and my God, it’s such a beautiful view with the most serene environment and is now my top biking route.”
Great scenic trail to see beautiful sights of nature and explore the history behind it. There’s also other trails that you can explore alongside the Erie Canal. Great for hiking, fishing, camping, and biking.
Good biking and hiking trail. Get a chance to see the locks raising and lowering boats of all sizes. A lot of history, well preserved.
Nice place to walk, run, or bike. Lots of people come here with dogs, too. The pavement is level and easy to walk on. There are also grills and picnic tables along the path. If you're used to hiking on a trail, it might seem a bit boring. Looking forward to walking it in the fall.
A great place to walk, run or bike. Follows along the historic Erie Canal, paved with a painted center line for two-way traffic, sometimes shaded. Plenty of places to access. Pleasant and doesn’t feel secluded in a worrisome way at all.
Trail conditions & character
“I stumbled on this trail by chance and my God, it’s such a beautiful view with the most serene environment and is now my top biking route.”
“Follows along the historic Erie Canal, paved with a painted center line for two-way traffic, sometimes shaded.”
“I stumbled on this trail by chance and my God, it’s such a beautiful view with the most serene environment and is now my top biking route.”
Plan your run at Erie Canal Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
Running trails near Rochester
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Brighton Town Park
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Buckland Park
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A park with a lodge, trails, playgrounds, baseball fields & courts for tennis & basketball.
Highland Park
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Spring-blooming flowers & trees line a 150-acre park with a castle, sunken garden & amphitheater.
The Brickyard Trail At The Sandra Frankel Nature Park
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Brickyard Trail (North Entrance)
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Compact hiking area featuring wooded sections and ponds as well as nature, wildflowers, and wildlife.