A Journey Through the Finger Lakes Region

The Erie Canal, a 363-mile waterway that connects the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean, has been a vital transportation route for centuries. In 1825, New York Governor DeWitt Clinton poured a keg of Lake Erie water into New York Harbor, marking the completion of the Erie Canal. This engineering marvel not only connected the east and west coasts of the United States but also had a profound impact on the region’s history and culture.

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Today, the Erie Canal is a popular destination for canoeists and kayakers, offering a unique perspective on the region’s natural beauty and rich history. In this article, we’ll explore the best way to explore the Finger Lakes region by canoe, including the most scenic routes, top attractions, and essential gear.

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Scenic Routes

The New York State Canalway Water Trail is a 363-mile water route that spans the entire length of the Erie Canal. This route takes you through the heart of the Finger Lakes region, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and access to some of the region’s most popular attractions.

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One of the most scenic routes on the Erie Canal is the Cayuga Seneca Canal, which connects Cayuga Lake to Seneca Lake. This route takes you through a picturesque valley surrounded by rolling hills and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Top Attractions

The Erie Canal is home to a wide range of attractions, including historic locks, museums, and cultural events. Some of the top attractions on the Erie Canal include:

• The National Women’s Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls, which honors the contributions of women to society.
• The Wesleyan Chapel in Seneca Falls, where Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony gave speeches.
• The Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse, which showcases the history and engineering of the Erie Canal.

Essential Gear

When exploring the Erie Canal by canoe, it’s essential to have the right gear. Some of the essential items to bring include:

• A sturdy canoe or kayak.
• A waterproof container for your gear.
• A map and compass or GPS device.
• A first aid kit and emergency supplies.

A Journey Through the Finger Lakes

Our journey through the Finger Lakes region began in Geneva, where we picked up our canoe and set off on the Cayuga Seneca Canal. The first morning of our three-day, 40-mile paddle took us past a string of canalside homes with pontoon boats tied to their docks. We were making good time, but I got distracted and dropped my phone into the water.

My friend Lisa, who was seated up front, had her phone secure in her jacket. She’d seen similar disasters while paddling around New York Harbor with her outrigger club. I felt as lost as any 21st-century gal might. And I had started this journey with such esprit.

We chose a route that would take us first up the Cayuga Seneca Canal, which connects the two biggest Finger Lakes with the Erie Canal. Flying into Rochester, we overnighted on Seneca Lake in Geneva, where we were scheduled to pick up our canoe the next morning. Exploring the red-brick Victorian downtown, we made quick friends. Michalis Kalampoukas, a Greek-born sommelier with a swoop of blonde hair, poured us Finger Lakes wines at his bottle shop, Aszú.

At a sidewalk party for the As Above So Below Body Piercing and Mystic Parlor, we met Carly Olles, who was leaning against her 1997 Cadillac hearse.