Running in Buffalo isn’t complete without experiencing a section of the 360-mile Erie Canalway Trail. The former towpath is now a trail along the Erie Canal between Buffalo and New York. The path is not 100% seamless, especially at the Buffalo end. Here are a few recommended sections near the city. The surface is paved in sections, gravel/crushed stone in other sections.
Tonawanda. 1.4 miles one-way. Where the Erie Canal meets the Niagara River in Tonawanda, a path runs east along the south side of the canal for 1.4 miles. (There’s a 1.3 mile gap between the east end and Ellicott Creek Park.). Combine with the Riverwalk between Tonawanda and Unity Park. ROUTE MAP
Ellicott Creek Park Area. 3 miles one-way. From the park, the path heads east along the canal for ~3 miles to White Chapel cemetery. Connect also to the path along Ellicott Creek.
Amherst Canal Park to Pendelton. 6 miles one-way. The path picks up again just west of Amherst Veterans Canal Park and runs east for 6 very flat miles to Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village. The path is on the south side of the canal, following Tonawanda Creek Rd. The first mile is through Amherst Park, then the path follows the Canal for another mile. There’s an 0.7 mile gap at the 1.9 mile mark, and then another 0.4 mile gap at the 4.5 mile mark, where runners must take Orbit Dr. Our route ends at E Canal Rd. in Pendelton. ROUTE MAP
- Add-On: At Pendelton, cross to the north side of the Canal trail. Here, the Canalway Trail turns north and continues seamlessly along the canal for 6 miles to Lockport.
- Depends on segment chosen
- Flat!
- Depends on section chosen
- There are numerous access points & parking areas
Comment on this Route/Share a Photo!
Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!