Cycle the Erie Canal 2026 Showcases the County-Level Economic Power of the Erie Canalway Trail
Another incredible Cycle the Erie Canal is in the books, and this year’s ride demonstrated something bigger than the journey itself.
Over eight unforgettable days, 600 cyclists from across the country traveled from Buffalo to Albany, experiencing the history, hospitality, and landscapes that make the Erie Canalway Trail one of New York’s premier destinations.
But the ride also highlighted an important economic story: every mile of trail connects visitors with communities that benefit from trail tourism. At coffee shops, restaurants, museums, bike shops, and local retailers, trail users bring new spending into communities along the canal corridor. Our new Economic Impact of the Empire State Trail Report shows that these benefits can be measured county by county.
A Statewide Trail With Local Economic Impact
The Empire State Trail generates $1.87 billion in annual economic output, supports 9,680 jobs, attracts 9.75 million visits each year, and generates $206 million in annual state and local tax revenue. But the true power of the trail is seen in the communities along the route, where visitors stop and spend money.
The Erie Canalway Trail portion of the Empire State Trail connects communities across 14 counties from Buffalo to Albany. The county-level data shows that some of the strongest economic impacts are concentrated in communities where trail access, population centers, and visitor destinations intersect.
Albany County: A Capital Region Gateway
The eastern gateway of Cycle the Erie Canal demonstrates the power of a trail-connected destination.
Albany County’s Erie Canalway Trail segment attracts 636,150 visitors annually, with visitors spending an average of $31.83 per visit — the highest average visitor spending among the counties highlighted here.
The county’s trail network generates $119 million in annual economic output, showing how a connected trail system can strengthen both urban and suburban communities.
Monroe County: A Major Trail Tourism Hub
Home to Rochester and several well-known canal communities, Monroe County represents one of the busiest sections of the Erie Canalway Trail.
The county attracts 675,840 visitors annually, with average spending of $23.29 per visit.
The trail generates $131.1 million in annual economic output, the highest economic output among the Erie Canalway Trail counties highlighted in this story.
Onondaga County: Connecting Syracuse and Canal Communities
The Erie Canalway Trail serves as a major connector through Onondaga County, linking Syracuse with communities including Camillus, Solvay, Liverpool, and others.
The county welcomes 589,820 annual trail visitors, who spend an average of $27.54 per visit.
Trail visits generate $113.2 million in annual economic output, demonstrating the importance of trail infrastructure in central New York.
Erie County: The Western Gateway
Every Cycle the Erie Canal journey begins in Erie County, where Buffalo serves as the western gateway to the historic canal corridor.
The county’s trail segment attracts more than 500,000 annual visitors, making it a critical entry point for trail tourism and outdoor recreation in western New York.
The county’s role extends beyond a starting point — it introduces visitors to the communities, businesses, and attractions that define the Erie Canalway Trail experience.
Schenectady County: Small Communities, Big Impact
Schenectady County demonstrates how trail tourism benefits communities of all sizes.
The county welcomes 223,040 annual visitors, with average visitor spending of $30.54 per visit.
The trail generates $42.7 million in annual economic output, supporting businesses and communities connected by the canal corridor.
Oneida County: A Central Link Along the Canal Corridor
Oneida County connects major population centers including Utica and Rome with smaller canal communities.
The county receives 205,300 annual visitors, with average spending of $21.09 per visit.
Trail visits generate $37.6 million in annual economic output, highlighting the role of trails in supporting Mohawk Valley communities.
Wayne County: Long Trail Miles, Strong Community Connections
Wayne County contains one of the longest stretches of Erie Canalway Trail in the state, connecting communities including Palmyra, Newark, Lyons, and Clyde.
The county attracts 178,720 annual visitors, with average spending of $11.46 per visit.
The trail generates $32.1 million in annual economic output, showing that even smaller communities benefit from trail-based tourism.