Utica and Lyons Join Empire State Trail Town Program as Canal Communities Gear Up for 2026 Navigation Season
As canal-side communities across New York prepare for the opening of the 2026 navigation season on May 15, two historic towns along the Erie Canal corridor have earned a prestigious new distinction. The City of Utica and the Town of Lyons have been officially selected as the newest members of the Empire State Trail Town program, joining eleven other communities committed to harnessing the canal trail as an engine for tourism and local economic growth.
A Trail Town With Big-City Amenities
Utica stands out as the largest community ever designated under the program. Situated along the Mohawk River section of the Empire State Trail, the city offers visitors an unusually rich combination of lodging, dining, arts venues, and outdoor recreation all within easy reach of the trailhead. City officials have expressed hope that the designation will draw more cyclists, hikers, and boaters into the downtown core, where revitalization efforts are already underway along the waterfront.
Lyons, a historic village in Wayne County with deep roots in the canal era, brings a different but equally compelling appeal. Known for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture and proximity to the Finger Lakes, Lyons serves as a natural gateway for travelers exploring the eastern stretches of the canal trail system.
Funded by the NYS Canal Corporation, the year-long Trail Town program provides each selected community with expert guidance, community workshops, and strategic recommendations from Parks & Trails New York. The organization works with local partners to assess trail usage, identify strengths, and develop plans that improve the experience for both residents and visitors.
Grant Funding Flows to 41 Canal Communities
The Trail Town announcements arrive alongside another wave of support for canal corridor communities. The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and the NYS Canal Corporation have awarded $207,953 in 2026 Canal System Tourism Infrastructure and Event Grants to 41 organizations and municipalities. The grants fund a wide range of projects, from trail improvements and accessibility upgrades to community festivals and heritage programming. Among the recipients, the Lockport Locks Heritage District Corporation will use its award to create a tactile map and conduct an accessibility assessment of the historic locks district, while the Village of Clyde plans seating and signage improvements at its Welcome Center.
Looking Ahead to a Busy Season
With the navigation season set to open on May 15 and run through October 14, the canal system is poised for another strong year. The NYS Canal Corporation has also released a new Request for Qualifications seeking organizations to design and operate recreational adventures along the waterway beginning this summer as part of its expanding On the Canals program. The initiative will offer seasonal experiences through the summer, fall, and winter months.
The Canalway Trail system now attracts an estimated four million visits per year, a figure that underscores the waterway’s transformation from a 19th-century commercial artery into one of New York’s most beloved recreational corridors. For communities like Utica and Lyons, the Trail Town designation represents both recognition of what they already offer and a roadmap for what lies ahead.