The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor invites New Yorkers to be part of the Erie Canal Bicentennial by taking up the Canalway Challenge in 2025. The free program welcomes people of all ages and abilities to set a personal mileage goal and walk, run, cycle, paddle, or roll along the NYS Canal System to achieve it and receive recognition and rewards.
Participants can choose from a range of mileage options, including 1st Mile for people with disabilities, 15, 90, 180, 360, or 200 miles for 200 years of the Erie Canal. All finishers will receive a certificate, mileage sticker and magnet, plus an Erie Canal 200 commemorative patch.
“The Canalway Challenge invites people to discover all there is to see, learn, and do along this historic waterway. We look forward to welcoming residents and visitors to take up the Challenge during this momentous year,” said Bob Radliff, Executive Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.
Now in its seventh year, Canalway Challenge participants from 30 U.S. states and four countries have logged two million miles and generated an estimated $5 million in economic impact along New York’s canals and Canalway Trail to date.
New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said, “2025 is the ultimate year to participate in the Canalway Challenge, as New York State and the nation commemorate 200 years of the Erie Canal. Our goal is to make the Erie Canal corridor a place where everyone feels welcome, and this challenge is the perfect opportunity to come for a visit. Regardless of background or physical ability, we want you to try one mile, 360 miles, or a Bicentennial-favorite, 200 miles.”
Registration is open to individuals, organizations, and teams. People can complete the Challenge in one big trip or many small ones from May 1 through the end of October.
Sign up at www.canalwaychallenge.org.
The NYS Canal System officially opens for the season on Friday, May 16, 2025.
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