Canal Corporation, Parks & Trails NY Announce Canalway Trail Celebration June 2

ALBANY, NY (05/31/2007)(readMedia)-- The New York State Canal Corporation, in conjunction with Parks and Trails New York (PTNY), a statewide non-profit organization, and the Canalway Trails Association of New York (CTANY), is organizing a statewide Canalway Trail Celebration on National Trails Day, Saturday, June 2, 2007.

Local communities are planning festivities and special events to recognize the growing prominence of the Erie Canalway Corridor as a world-class recreationway and tourist destination for visitors and residents. With more than 260 miles of developed trail, the statewide Canalway Trail is fast becoming one of the nation’s premier cycling and multi-use trail destinations.

Canal Corporation Director Carmella R. Mantello said, “The Canal Corporation is pleased to work with our partners, local canal communities and volunteers to promote and celebrate the Canalway Trail. The Canalway Trail offers exciting recreational opportunities for New York residents, as well as visitors to the Canal System and is helping to foster tourism and economic revitalization throughout the Canal Corridor. We are excited for this weekend’s activities and encourage all New Yorker’s to come out and enjoy the Trail with family and friends.”

Robin Dropkin, Executive Director of Parks & Trails New York, said, “The Canalway Trail Celebration provides a wonderful opportunity to showcase the Canalway Trail and its many benefits to local citizens and visitors. The wide array of events and activities planned for the day, offering something for every age and interest, is very exciting.”

Canalway Trail Association of New York President, Carol Schmelz, said, “I encourage the public to participate in one or more of the many free canal events offered during the Canalway Trail Celebration on June 2. Take a walk or a bike ride on the Canalway Trail to smell the spring blossoms, hear the baby birds chirping and interact face to face with others, perhaps even some geese that may be using the trail. Consider exploring a canal town rich in historical significance, especially for residents of New York State. And for a relaxing change of pace be sure to stop for a leisurely lunch or some ice cream at a quaint little shop along the way. This is your special day to enjoy the Canalway Trail.”

Individuals and trail groups across the Canalway Trail Corridor are encouraged to participate in one of the Canalway Trail Celebration events planned for National Trails Day. A list of events can be found at http://www.ptny.org/canalway/celebration.html.

The New York State Canalway Trail System is comprised of a network of multi-use, recreational trails across upstate New York. While more than two-thirds of the 348-mile Erie Canalway Trail is complete, the Canalway Trail System is currently comprised of four major segments: the Erie Canal Heritage Trail in Western New York; the Old Erie Canal State Park Trail in Central New York; the Mohawk-Hudson Bike Hike Trail in the Capital Region, and the Glens Falls Feeder Canal Trail in the foothills of the Adirondacks near Lake George.

To obtain a free map of the New York State Canalway Trail System, please call 1-800-4CANAL4. To learn more about the Canalway Trail System, visit the Canal Corporation’s Website at: http://www.nyscanals.gov/exvac/trail/index.html.

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The New York State Thruway Authority/Canal Corporation offers a free email service called TRANSalert to its customers via email or text messaging to inform them of major incidents and emergencies that may affect travel on the Thruway or navigation on the Canal System. To sign up for the Canal TRANSalert service, customers can visit the Corporation's website at www.nyscanals.gov/tas/. To sign-up for Thruway TRANSalerts please visit the Authority's website at www.nysthruway.gov/tas/.

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