Cayuga–Seneca Canal Trail Walk or Cycle
This walking or cycling route takes you along the Cayuga–Seneca Canal Trail in Waterloo, New York.
The trail runs between the towns of Geneva and Waterloo in upstate New York, following the course of the historic Cayuga–Seneca Canal. The trail is set along a former railroad bed and has a crushed stone surface, making it suitable for walking, cycling, running, and other non-motorised activities.
Starting from the area near Seneca Lake State Park in Geneva, the route moves eastward through wooded sections and open views across fields, wetlands, and stretches of the canal itself. The trail is relatively flat throughout, making it accessible and easy to follow.
Along the way, users pass canal locks, remnants of old bridges, and various water crossings, including Kendig Creek. A boardwalk section helps carry the trail under Route 96A near Waterloo. Wildlife is often seen along the route, including birds, small mammals, and waterfowl, especially in the marshy areas beside the canal.
The environment varies between shaded tree-lined paths and exposed sections through rural farmland, offering a mix of scenery. The trail ends just past Lock 4 in Waterloo, but at the Geneva end it connects with the Seneca Lake Waterfront Trail, allowing users to extend their journey towards the lake. Mile markers are placed along the trail, and access points are available at several locations, including near Bishop Nature Preserve.
You can continue east to visit Seneca Falls which has historical connections to
the women’s rights movement and a strong industrial and canal heritage.
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Photos
View from the Cayuga-Seneca Canal Trail in New York, USA
Cayuga-Seneca Canal Trail sign in New York, USA
Seneca Falls Canal Harbour. Seneca Falls is located just east of Waterloo in New York’s Finger Lakes region and lies directly on the Cayuga–Seneca Canal. The canal runs through the centre of the town, forming a prominent feature of its landscape and linking it to both Cayuga Lake and the wider Erie Canal system. Several small bridges cross the canal in Seneca Falls, and sections of the canal are lined with walkways, docks, and canal-era structures. The town is known for its historical significance, particularly in relation to the women’s rights movement, but it also has a strong industrial and canal heritage. The presence of the canal contributed to the town’s development in the 19th century, providing water power and transport links for mills, factories, and shipping. The canal is still used today by recreational boats, and the town includes a waterfront area with mooring facilities and walking paths along the water.
A railroad truss bridge over the Cayuga-Seneca Canal; part of the New York State Barge Canal infrastructure.