New York · Hiking

Erie Canalway Trail (Frankfort to Little Falls)

Erie Canalway Trail (Frankfort to Little Falls)Photo: Schezar, CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)
10.9 mi
one way
51 ft
climb
406 ft
high point
Point to point
route
May–Oct
best months

The Erie Canalway Trail from Frankfort to Little Falls is a 10.9-mile point-to-point route in New York, ending about half a mile from the town of Little Falls. It is an easy walk with a total elevation gain of 51 feet, so the climb is gentle and the trail stays nearly flat from start to finish. The route runs along the canal corridor, and the most noticeable change in grade comes at about 7.1 miles, where the trail reaches a 7% slope. The high point is 406 feet, and the low point is 373 feet, with the start at 384 feet. Bikes are allowed, so the trail works for both hikers and riders. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Little Falls show July highs around 81°F and lows near 58°F, while winter highs stay in the 30s. The next section of the Erie Canalway Trail, from Little Falls to Canajoharie, starts right at the end of this stretch. Climbers can find Moss Island about 0.6 miles away and Recycle Rock about 1.2 miles away. For a longer outing, the Horseshoe Trail lies about 9 miles off.

  • Best time to go · May–Oct

    Best time to visit Erie Canalway Trail (Frankfort to Little Falls)

    Best months: May–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      30° / 11°

    2. Feb

      32° / 12°

    3. Mar

      40° / 20°

    4. Apr

      54° / 32°

    5. May

      68° / 44°

    6. Jun

      76° / 54°

    7. Jul

      81° / 58°

    8. Aug

      79° / 56°

    9. Sep

      73° / 48°

    10. Oct

      59° / 38°

    11. Nov

      47° / 28°

    12. Dec

      35° / 18°

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Little Falls City Rsch, NY, 1.6 mi away at 893 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors