Many runners have enjoyed sections of the 360 mile Erie Canal Heritage Trail. The canal dates back to 1822, a path along it is now heavily used for recreation – running, walking, biking, and so on. The trail runs in and near Rochester, for 78 miles between Newark and Medina, connecting several of Rochester’s surrounding towns, especially the “Canal Towns” of Newark, Fairport, Pittsford, Spencerport, and Brockport. The surface is paved in parts and gravel in others. It’s generally flat and a pleasure for running. It is possible to run on both sides of the path in many sections.
Section of trail near Pittsford. Photo: Mark Lowenstein
We have links to the trail, as well as distances between sections, from Brockport in the west to to Fairport in the east. Some of the nicest sections are the 10 miles between Lock 33 and Fairport.
From Brockport in the West, to Fairport in the East, in miles:
4.7 Adams Basin, Washington St. 7.2 Spencerport, S. Union St. 10.1 Greece Canal Park 14.5 Rt. 390 15.8 Rt. 490 19.2 Genesee Valley Park – Intersection w/Genesee River Trail 21.0 I-590/390 and connect to Brighton Town Park 23.3 Lock 33 Canal Park 24.7 Lock 32 Canal Park 26.4 Pittsford – Main St. 28.0 Great Embankment Park 29.7 I-490 33.3 Fairport – Main St.
Many runners have enjoyed sections of the 360 mile Erie Canal Heritage Trail. The canal dates back to 1822, a path along it is now heavily used for recreation – running, walking, biking, and so on. The trail runs in and near Rochester, for 78 miles between Newark and Medina, connecting several of Rochester’s surrounding towns, especially the “Canal Towns” of Newark, Fairport, Pittsford, Spencerport, and Brockport. The surface is paved in parts and gravel in others. It’s generally flat and a pleasure for running. It is possible to run on both sides of the path in many sections.
Section of trail near Pittsford. Photo: Mark Lowenstein
We have links to the trail, as well as distances between sections, from Brockport in the west to to Fairport in the east. Some of the nicest sections are the 10 miles between Lock 33 and Fairport.
From Brockport in the West, to Fairport in the East, in miles:
4.7 Adams Basin, Washington St. 7.2 Spencerport, S. Union St. 10.1 Greece Canal Park 14.5 Rt. 390 15.8 Rt. 490 19.2 Genesee Valley Park – Intersection w/Genesee River Trail 21.0 I-590/390 and connect to Brighton Town Park 23.3 Lock 33 Canal Park 24.7 Lock 32 Canal Park 26.4 Pittsford – Main St. 28.0 Great Embankment Park 29.7 I-490 33.3 Fairport – Main St.
Scroll Down For Route Maps
Essentials
50+ miles in & around Rochester. See link to trail detail and section distances
The section of Central Rochester N-S between University Ave. and I-490, and E-W from Culver to Alexander, is lovely for running. Canopied, with wide sidewalks, cultural sites, shops & restaurants, and pleasant residential side streets.
Wonderful trail, running 15 miles from the Erie Canal to Lake Ontario. The most centrally located section runs from downtown south to Genesee Valley Park, near URI. Historic bridges, Olmsted-designed parks, waterfalls, and a gorge.
A southern continuation of the Genesee River Trail, the Greenway runs for nearly 90 miles through five counties. Closest section to Rochester starts at Genesee Valley Park. The cinder trail features small towns, valleys, and gorges.
Combine a route incorporating the miles of hilly paths at Mt. Hope Cemetery, and two Olmsted-designed gems: Highland Park -- once the world's largest nursery -- and bucolic campus of the University of Rochester.
Good hill running opportunities and a 3/4 mile reservoir loop that's lit at night, just south of the city. Adjacent Washington Grove has paths around lovely large oaks.
Get a taste of Lake Ontario in this 1,000 acre park just 7 miles north of Rochester. Highlight is the waterfront running along the 2.2 mile Lake Ontario State Parkway Trail. Several other hilly, interior trails as well.
2,500 acre park in Monroe County. Great spot for trail running and hill running. Several marked loops, ranging from 0.5 to nearly 5 miles. Popular for nordic skiing in winter.
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!
Subscribe
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Essentials
50+ miles in & around Rochester. See link to trail detail and section distances
Review or 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!