Adopt-a-Trail

The Canalway Trail also needs regular maintenance throughout the season to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for the public. Presently, about 25 groups and individuals are participating in the Canalway Trail Adopt-a-Trail program by adopting sections of trail within their communities across the state.

Trail adopters tackle many types of maintenance tasks such as picking up litter, mowing, trimming brush, removing fallen branches, raking, or landscaping. Adopters can also help influence decision-making by assisting with data collection efforts, or assist trail users by sharing recommendations about local attractions and points of interest.

Trail adopters are able to work on their own schedule, but must engage in adopter activities at least 4 hours a month between April and November once a month.

Interested in becoming a Canalway Trail Adopter?

Adopters will be required to:

1. Commit to a three-year agreement, beginning in April, by entering into a contract agreement with PTNY that is approved by the New York State Canal Corporation

2. Submit a volunteer registration form for every person will perform activities as part of the AAT group

3. Update the volunteer roster on an annual basis listing contact information for active volunteers

4. Agree to meet four minimum requirements

❖ Visit adopted section(s) at least once a month between April 1 and November 30

❖ Spend 4 hours per month performing light maintenance or other adopter activities on your section of trail

❖ Host a Canal Clean Sweep Event

5. Submit two field reports from April-November detailing the activities performed.

The interactive Adopt-a-Trail map below shows where trail is presently adopted (in green) and what sections are available for adoption (in orange). This program is funded through the Canal Corporation; therefore, only lands owned and managed by the Canal Corporation are eligible for adoption.

​Need more information?

To learn more or to sign up, please contact Parks & Trails New York, canaltrail@ptny.org