All Paths Lead to Fort Edward

By Kyle Cozzens

Fort Edward is a growing “Trail Town” destination. Over the last few years, Fort Edward’s recreation, parks, and tourism advocacy group has worked hard to position the community as a recreation hub destination. Earlier this year, the Town of Fort Edward was selected as one of Parks & Trails New York’s 2024 Empire State Trail Towns through a program that “recognizes and supports New York’s exceptional trailside communities.” Although the program’s focus is towns along the Empire State Trail, Fort Edward is uniquely situated on several multiuse land and water trails.

Promote Fort Edward’s motto, All Paths Lead to Fort Edward, alludes to the fact that visitors can come by bike, boat, train, bus, and automobile, but once there, they will find many great recreation opportunities on “paths” leading from Fort Edward as well.

Evergreen Bicycle Works, Fort Edward’s local bicycle shop, recommends three different day touring routes leaving from the Canal Street Marketplace. If you don’t have your own bike, daily rentals are available:
evergreenbicycleworks.com.

Fort Edward to Fort Ann (Empire State Trail/Champlain Canalway Trail)

This route is great for beginner day tourers and for riders that prefer to stay off the roads. After a short ride on neighborhood streets, riders will find themselves on a crushed stone path as they travel adjacent to the Old Champlain Canal for two miles. The trail continues along 2.5 miles of low traffic dirt roads before returning briefly to crushed stone and then paved trail as it follows the modern Champlain Canal for the remaining 6.3 miles to Fort Ann. This route is almost completely flat and just under 12.5 miles one way. Expect to see plenty of wildlife including turtles, herons, beavers, and bald eagles. Ride with GPS with detailed map, cue sheet, and file: ridewithgps.com/routes/47374873.

Fort Edward to Lake George (Feeder Canal Towpath Trail/Warren County Bikeway)

This route is great for more ambitious day tourers that still prefer to stay off the roads. This one starts along the Champlain Canalway Trail but deviates about 2.3 miles in as riders turn onto the Feeder Canal Towpath Trail. As the name suggests, this towpath trail follows the Feeder Canal for 4.2 miles where it terminates in Glens Falls. After less than a half-mile back on the road, riders can pick up the Warren County Bikeway which continues for 10 miles to Lake George Village. The Feeder Canal Towpath Trail is mostly flat and crushed stone from end to end. The Warren County Bikeway is entirely paved with a 1.5 mile stretch of low traffic road riding with shoulders. There are some hills and downhills on the way to Lake George. Following this route, it’s 17 miles from Fort Edward to Lake George. Ride with GPS: ridewithgps.com/routes/47374837.

If you need a bike shop in Glens Falls, visit our friends at Grey Ghost Bicycles: greyghostbicycles.com. Or, in Queensbury, at Rick’s Bike Shop: ricksbikeshop.com. Near the Feeder and Warren trails – visit Rock Hill Bakehouse & Café in Glens Falls for real food, and Adirondack Brewery in Lake George has been rewarding outdoor enthusiasts for 25 years with their pub, tasty food and great beer:
adkbrewery.com.

Fort Edward to Schuylerville (Empire State Trail/Champlain Canalway Trail)

This route is great for those with some confidence when it comes to road riding. Following the Empire State Trail south out of Fort Edward, riders will travel within sight of the scenic Hudson River on NY Route 4 for 10.2 miles. This section of Route 4 has a very wide shoulder and leaves plenty of space for riders to travel safely. After crossing the Champlain Canal, the route then continues along a combination of quiet paved and dirt roads for approximately four miles. Most of this stretch runs right along the river and is great for a casual evening ride as the sun gets low and the warm evening light shines over the river and through leaves on the trees lining the riverbank. 

After a brief 1.4 miles on low traffic back roads, riders cross the pedestrian-only Dix Bridge into Schuylerville’s Hudson Crossing Park. The historic bridge was constructed in 1895 and restored in 2013. After leaving Hudson Crossing Park, riders are treated to a one mile stretch along the Old Champlain Canal towpath trail, which terminates at the Champlain Canal Region Gateway Visitor Center at Fort Hardy Park. This route is approximately 17 miles one way, and it’s a mix of paved and dirt roads and crushed stone bike path (road bike friendly). There are only a few minor hills. If you need a bike shop in Schuylerville, visit our friends at Adirondack Ultra Cycling: adkultracycling.com. For Mexican, Amigos Cantina in Schuylerville has been refueling outdoor enthusiasts with delicious dinners and solid drinks since 2007: amigoscantina.net. Ride with GPS: ridewithgps.com/routes/47374968.

In addition to biking opportunities, visitors can explore the scenic Hudson River and Champlain Canal by canoe, kayak and SUP. Through a joint effort between Promote Fort Edward and the village, paddlers of all abilities will soon be able to take advantage of a brand new accessible kayak launch at the Fort Edward Yacht Basin – thanks to a grant from Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and NYS Canal Corporation. After recreating, be sure to stop by Slickfin Brewing, or before/after visit Stumpy’s Pizzeria, Mamma’s Cafe, Dalia’s on the Hudson, Ye Old Fort Diner, and A Taco Situation. If you prefer to pack a meal, picnic tables and benches at the yacht basin provide a scenic view of the Hudson River. 

Visit Fort Edward on a Tuesday or Thursday for a full day experience. On Tuesdays from 4-8pm (July-Aug.), experience Tuesdays on the Hudson, with food trucks, live music, happy hour specials, and free drop-in yoga. On Thursdays from 4-7pm (June-Sept.) visit Canal Street Farmers Market at the historic Canal Street Marketplace, with baked goods, local produce and meats, flowers, soaps, crafts, and live music. To learn more:
visitfortedward.com. 

Kyle Cozzens is co-owner of Evergreen Bicycle Works. Find him out on his touring bike, with his cats, or adding to his vintage coffee mug collection. Contact Kyle or Randy: ride@evergreenbicycleworks.com.