TheOld Erie Canal State Historic Park encompasses a 36-mile (58 km) linear segment of the originalErie Canal'sLong Level section. It extends westward fromButternut Creek in the town ofDeWitt, just east ofSyracuse, to the outskirts ofRome, New York. The park includes restored segments of the canal's waterway and towpath which were in active use between 1825 and 1917. It is part of theNew York State Park system.
The towpath has been resurfaced with asphalt and stone dust and is suitable for biking, hiking, horseback riding or snowmobiling. The canal also is navigable by canoe or kayak for short segments throughout the park.All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and motorcycles are not permitted, and no campsites are available in the park, although camping is available atGreen Lakes State Park east of Syracuse, which is closely adjacent to Old Erie Canal State Park. Several picnic areas are available on the route and are accessible via nearby roads.
The 1,191-acre (4.82 km2) park lies withinMadison,Oneida, andOnondaga counties.[1] The park passes near or through several communities, includingFayetteville, Manlius Center, Kirkville,Chittenango,Canastota, Durhamville and New London.
Five miles (8.0 km) east of Butternut Creek, the canal passes by the entrance toGreen Lakes State Park.
The park's terminus is at the Erie Canal Village, a now defunct privately operated museum and historic recreation of a 19th-century canal village located outside ofRome,[2] which featured a2 ft (610 mm)narrow gauge railway.[3]
Other trails connecting with the Old Erie Canal towpath trail include:[4]
Other parks, museums, and recreation areas along and nearby the Old Erie Canal State Historic Park include, from west to east:[4]
In July 2006, stretches of the old canal within the park had to be dammed or drained to effect repairs on theaqueduct over Butternut Creek east of Syracuse, which was in danger of a potentially catastrophic leak due to unusually heavy rains.
In February 2010 the park was among about 40 New York State parks recommended for closure under Governor David Paterson's austerity budget plan. The park remains open.
43°04′23″N75°55′34″W / 43.0731°N 75.9261°W /43.0731; -75.9261
