SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – The Erie Canal Museum is celebrating the completion of the Empire State Trail through Syracuse with a bike ride!
The path, connecting DeWitt and Camillus through the city, completes the 750-mile trail across New York State.
Governor Andrew Cuomo kickstarted the idea in 2017 in hopes of inspiring healthy lifestyles, promote outdoor recreation, support local communities and strengthen tourism-related economic developments.
The ride will start at 9:30 a.m. in two places, eventually meeting in the middle at the Erie Canal Museum. Those starting in DeWitt will begin their ride at Old Erie Canal State Historic Park Trailhead on Butternut Drive. Those beginning in Camillus will start their ride at Reed Webster Park on Warners Road/NYS Route 173.
Erie Canal Museum Educator Derrick Pratt says the new path is a relief for trail-goers.
“Cyclists who’ve done this section in the past, they’re thrilled by this cause Syracuse, getting through here on the Erie Canalway Trail used to be a nightmare,” said Pratt.
Because the trail takes riders and walkers alike past the museum, the museum has seen an increase in visitors, especially from bikers.
The main event of the morning is the “Wedding of the Waters”, a nod to the original opening of the Erie Canal.
In 1825, Governor DeWitt Clinton brought two kegs of water from the Erie Canal to the Atlantic Ocean and poured the water into the ocean. This symbolized the union between the Great Lakes and the Atlantic through the Erie Canal.
“We’re bringing water from the canal, which still has water in it out in Camillus. Another part, some more water from DeWitt,” said Pratt. “We’re going to pour them together in the garden here.”
The celebration of the trail doesn’t end there. Participants are invited to stay after the “Wedding of the Waters” for refreshments in the Locktender’s Garden and music from the Harmonic Dirt Duo.
