Erie Canalway Trail (Syracuse to Dewitt)

The Erie Canalway Trail from Syracuse to DeWitt is a 6.2-mile point-to-point route that sits within easy reach of the city, starting just 0.6 miles from Syracuse. The trail's modest climb of 59 feet over its length makes it a low-key outing rather than a serious ascent, and it's a moderate hike that takes about two hours to complete. The route rises from a low point of 392 feet to a high of 464 feet, with the steepest stretch coming around mile 6. The slight drop of 178 feet over the course of the trip makes it easy to adjust for a return leg if you want to turn the journey into a loop. Late spring and early fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Syracuse put May highs near 69°F and September highs around 73°F, with July the warmest month at about 82°F. The trail sits close to a variety of other outdoor options. The Bear Trap Creek Bikeway is about 2.8 miles away, and the Onondaga Lake Circumnavigation paddling route is about 3.7 miles away. The West Shore Trail is roughly 4.1 miles off, and the Right Wall climbing area lies about 5 miles away.