Erie Canal, Finger Lakes

Condé Nast TravelerJul 2

The Best Way to Explore the Finger Lakes Region Might Just Be by Canoe

Writer Betsy Andrews paddles a 40-mile route, stopping to wine-taste, swap stories with barge captains, and visit some of the state's most significant historic sites.

200th anniversary in 2025

24 things in this story

New York State Canalway Water TrailTrail40-mile paddle from Albany to Buffalo
Erie CanalSight200th anniversary in 2025
Cayuga Seneca CanalTrailconnects two biggest Finger Lakes with Erie Canal
Seneca LakeSightovernighted here in Geneva
AszúRestaurantFinger Lakes wines poured by sommelier
Death by DessertsPlaceice cream sold from a hearse
Finger Lakes Welcome CenterPlacescored regional snacks for the paddle
FLX ProvisionsRestauranthouse-brewed lambic ale to go
AnorahRestaurantbustling spot for smoked swordfish tacos
Seneca RiverSightcanal follows this river, girdled with locks
WaterlooNeighborhoodstop on the Underground Railroad, birthplace of Memorial Day
Seneca FallsNeighborhoodbirthplace of women's rights
As Above So Below Body Piercing and Mystic ParlorPlacesidewalk party hosted here
New York State Canal SystemSightsluggish current, seemed manageable for a canoe trip
Lock CS4Sightlock on the Cayuga Seneca Canal
American Civil War MemorialSightcenotaphs glided past
Ludovico Sculpture TrailTrailmile and a half of towpath dotted with women's art
Wesleyan ChapelSightrestored interior seen through windows
National Women’s Hall of FameMuseumlocated in the old Seneca Knitting Mills
Water/Finger Lakes KAO Holiday CampgroundPlacemillennial owners stocked camp store with hipster merch
Montezuma National Wildlife RefugeSightreclamation of wetlands drained for Barge Canal
Mud LockSightfinal lock on the Cayuga Seneca Canal
Inns of AuroraHotelresort on Cayuga Lake's eastern shore
Fall Street BrewingRestaurant

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Erie Canal

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The Best Way to Explore the Finger Lakes Region Might Just Be by Canoe