Erie Canal- East
This is a linear ride, approximately an hour and a half in length, between Scenectady and Utica in upstate NY. It’s a simple trip, but very scenic as it takes you through the Mohawk River valley and along the Erie Canal. Visit one of the locks to get a close-up look at some fascinating machinery that has stood the test of time. You may even be lucky enough to see a few boats pass through the lock. This trip is nice in both directions, so you can stop at one of the locks, or one of the waysides along the route, and turn around to head back the other direction. The maps and directions also show an alternate route with a loop up to Little Falls, NY which takes you to a nice wayside with a scenic overlook of the Mohawk River valley below. The ForkCam video is a compilation of two different rides; one in late October, 2018, and the other in mid-April, 2019.
Gallery
Directions: From Interstate 90, take exit 26 for NY route 5S heading West. To view the scenic overlook, west of Fort Plain look for NY 169 North. Next, turn right on NY 167 North. Take NY 167 to the parking area and scenic overlook. Leave the turnout for the overlook and continue on 167 heading north, then right on county 235, then right on NY 5 West, and a left on NY 169 to get back to NY 5S.
Tips: If you’re going out-and-back, head back east before getting to the city of Utica. Rout 5S ends in Utica, but there are a lot of stops and sometimes heavy traffic as you head into the city. Use caution at the intersection of NY 5S and NY 30A — it seems like a four-way stop, but crossing traffic does not have a stop sign.
Shorthand: S-5S[W]-> R-NY169[N]-> R-NY167[N]-> R-Co235[S]-> R-NY5[W]-> L-NY169[S]-> L-NY5S[W]
Ride Details
- Ride Type: Linear
- Time: 1:30
- Distance: 69.7 mi. (112 km)
- Average Speed: 47 mph (75 km/h)
- Road Type: State Routes
- Road Condition: 7–Average (a few rough sections).
- Date Ridden: 4/18/2019
- Maximum Elevation: 840 ft. (256 m)
- Traffic Lights: 4
- Stop Signs: 3
Gas:
Sunoco
Stewarts (Ethanol free premium)
Betty Beaver’s Truck Stop
Lodging:
Knights Inn
Hilltop Bed & Breakfast
Camping:
Frosty Acres Campground
Repair Shops:
San Souice’s Service (Auto shop)
Pattersonville Service (Auto shop)
Attractions:
Erie Canal
Erie Canalway Trail
Our Lady of Martyrs Shrine
Connections:
I-90