Old Erie Canal State Park

Make no bones about it, outdoorsy pooches and hound dog history buffs alike are sure to go wild for a trip to Old Erie Canal State Historic Park! This Upstate New York gem has thirty-five whole miles of trail for you two to stretch all six of your legs on, running through the towns of DeWitt, Syracuse, Chittenango and many others before finishing in Rome. Old Erie has several trailheads along the route, making this an ideal option for both those looking for a long walk and others who fancy a short stroll. There are several parking lots along the route, though capacity varies.

The Old Erie Canal Trail is pawfect for those looking for a peaceful ramble not too far from civilization. The path runs alongside the serene waterway and under mature, deciduous trees -- Old Erie is a nice hike at any time of the year, but its extra special in fall, when the leaves burst into a ka-Fido-scope of color! You’ll also pass through picturesque small towns and by breathtaking historic bridges. Cooper’s Tubular Arch Bridge at the Cedar Bay Picnic Area and the Butternut Creek Aqueduct in DeWitt are particularly interesting to look at!

The canal was constructed in the early nineteenth century and fell into disuse at the beginning of the twentieth, and there are several sites of historic interest along the route -- you and your pooch can check out old docks, locks, and even a sunken canal boat.

If you’ve got an urge to roam further, you’re in luck! Green Lake State Park is eight miles along the route, and this pawesome park has even more trails for you and your pooch to sniff and explore.

Old Erie Canal Historic State Park has all of the benefits of a less remote trail. Restrooms are plentiful, but you’ll need to bring waste bags and water for your buddy. The path is flat, paved and accessible to everyone -- even wheelchair users and those with strollers. Enjoy your walk, and look out for speeding cyclists along the way!