SERENE SCENERY: DAY 6 - ROME to CANAJOHARIE
EVENING ENTERTAINMENT
"Try something new!" Live music, engaging presentations, game nights,
and even jugglers dot each evening at the various overnight locations to help you unwind after a long day.
HERKIMER HOME
About 40 miles into Day 6 pop off the trail to visit Herkimer Home, one of many remarkable New York State Historic Sites along the route. The 1764 structure was the residence of Revolutionary War General Nicholas Herkimer, who defended Fort Stanwix (where you camped the night before) from a British siege. According to a description on the State Parks website:, visitors are invited to tour the mansion, view the visitor center exhibits and explore the grounds, where you come across a recreated kitchen garden, remnants of an Erie Canal lock, and scenic views of the Mohawk River.
THE TALLEST LOCK IN THE CANAL SYSTEM
Lock 17 in Little Falls is the largest lock in New York and one of the largest in the world. You can't help but stop and stare at this feat of engineering genius. The lock, which lifts boats 40 feet to bypass whitewater rapids, includes a 150- ton guillotine-style gate and a concrete arch through which boats pass. While you're there, take a look at the remains of retired Erie Canal Lock 36.
ARKELL MUSEUM
The Arkell Museum in Canajoharie collects and preserves American art that focuses on Mohawk Valley history. Named for founder Bartlett Arkell, whose personal collection was the first to be featured when the museum opened in 1927, the tradition of sharing art with the Canajoharie community and beyond lives on.CANAJOHARIE CLIMB
One of the major draws of Cycle the Erie Canal is the flat terrain, with even a slight decline in overall elevation (566 feet in 400 miles...barely noticeable!) However, nature isn't always that kind to riders - a few spots on the tour route require changing gears. Perhaps the most memorable is the final mile of Day 6. So get ready for a short but challenging ride up to the overnight location in Canajoharie. The climb is memorable enough that you may want to purchase an "I Conquered the Canajoharie Climb" t-shirt. Your effort is rewarded by an evening at the overnight location with the most bucolic scenery and views on the tour.
THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES: RIDER STORIES
KURT
I’ve been a regular cyclist for over 50 years. My first organized ride was the Tour of the Scioto River Valley in 1970. I was thinking of riding along the Erie Canal and I read about Parks & Trails New York’s organized ride and I signed up. I was concerned about the number of riders, but I was overwhelmed at how well run the ride was. It ranks among my life changers. I met a younger couple from Ohio, and at the end of the Erie Canal ride I told them I planned on coming back to Albany next summer and riding to Portland ME- finishing my cross country. The whole Erie Canal experience was wonderful. The camping, meals, showers, talks in the evening, food stops, and support were without compare.