Paddle the Canal
Many people are unaware that the Old Erie Canal is open for paddling every day during the warm weather months. In 2023, the Town of Manlius installed the first kayak launch on the Old Erie Canal, specifically at Pool’s Brook in Kirkville, NY. Location information can be found below. Happy paddling!
Launch Location Details:
Cedar Bay, DeWitt
Follow Cedar Bay Road to the parking lot for Cedar Bay Park. Turn right into the parking lot. Follow the the short trail at the east end of the parking lot to the boat launch.
Cedar Bay Boat Launch
Manlius Center, Manlius
A large parking lot dedicated to Old Erie Canal State Park users is located at the convergence of Green Lakes Road, Manlius Center Road (Rt. 290), N. Manlius Street, and Minoa Road. The Boat launch is a series of stairs at the end of the path leading to the canal trail from the parking lot.
manlius center boat launch
Pool's Brook, Kirkville
From Route 5 turn north on to 290/Green Lakes Road. After about 1 mile take a right onto Kinderhook Road. After about 3/4 mile turn right onto Poolsbrook Road. After about 1/2 mile turn right onto Andrus Rd. Take the first left into the driveway for Pool's Brook Park. Follow signs for the canoe launch.
Please note you can not drive your vehicle directly to the launch itself. Please park your car in the parking lot and take a 1-minute walk to the launch with your kayak or canoe.
pool's brook boat launch (Photo: Town of Manlius)
Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum, Chittenango
The launch is at the Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum, on the canal feeder just before it reaches the canal. Volunteers will be on site to direct you to parking and the launch location.
Chittenango landing canal boat museum boat launch
a second boat launch location is available at community recognition park about .4 miles east of the museum at the corner of pottery road and legion drive
View Photos and Videos from Boat Float 2017 Here:
