Calling all End-to-Enders

Whether you hike, bike, or kayak, completing the entire 360-mile Erie Canalway Trail is an accomplishment worth celebrating. In 2012, Parks & Trails New York and the New York State Canal Corporation created the End-to-End recognition program to celebrate the achievements of the trail's long distance travelers, and to allow trail users to share details from their experiences that can help PTNY and other stakeholders in creating programming and resources.

Since that time more than 3,700 people have registered as End-to-Enders. They do it for a variety of reasons. Some are attracted by the challenge of crossing an entire state on bike. Others love to explore the Canal and communities along the route.

Many do it in order to raise money or awareness for specific causes. Some ride alone, others with family and friends. Some become End-to-Enders as part of even longer journeys such as the Trans America route. Many achieve their recognition in the relative luxury of the fully-supported Cycle the Erie Canal tour each summer.

End-to-Enders register online, and PTNY sends an official decal along with a link to a certificate of completion. Those who make the journey are also added to the End-to-End Honor Roll released each January.

You'll need more than cheerleading to make the journey, however. That's where helpful resources like CycletheErieCanal.com, the Cycling the Erie Canal guidebook, and the Interactive Erie Canalway Trail map come in. Planning your ECT adventure has never been easier!

So, what are you waiting for? Explore the Canal corridor, and we'll be waiting at the end of the trail to pat you on the back.