Triple End-To-End: On Foot (Pt. 2)
I remember April 27th of '21 as a cool morning. Thin clouds scattered the sky as I slowly walked over the bridge leading to the Corning Preserve in Albany. As I waved goodbye to my parents, and as I began walking north, I had no idea that the trek ahead of me would be the single most difficult experience of my life.
Prep
Having been a Boy Scout for many years and having gone on more backpacking trips than I can remember, a relatively short thru-hike didn't worry me. Aside from my past outdoor experience, which would be useful in terms of preparing me for living outdoors, I prepared physically by hiking. A lot of hiking. Knowing my weakness was never having hiked long days on the trail consistently, I pushed myself with local hiking challenges to condition my feet, legs, and body. In addition to putting down some mileage, I also went through all of my equipment in advance to determine if there were any areas to improve upon.
In hindsight, there are a few things I would do differently if I were able to go back in time. The Erie Canalway Trail doesn't have lean-tos like other trails because thru-hikes are not common. While my The Two by Gossamer Gear was light and roomy, I would have taken a slightly heavier single-person tent for those stormy nights that The Two couldn't handle when hard shelter wasn't available. I also overestimated the distance between towns and gas stations and ended up carrying way too much food for the duration of the trek. Lastly, I would have worn road shoes with lots of cushions, perhaps Hokas or Brooks. Oboz was kind enough to sponsor the trek, but the traditional boots ruined my feet which persisted even after switching to Altra Lone Peaks.
Schenectady, NY
What To Bring
Apart from a tent, sleeping bag, backpack, and all the other essentials, there are several items specific to the Canalway that I would recommend to anyone willing to attempt a thru-hike.
Road shoes (the Canalway Trail is mostly pavement or hard-packed gravel)
Extra water storage
Wide hat or umbrella for shade
NO TREKKING POLES (being flat, it's unlikely they will be used)
Solar panel (the Canalway is almost always in the open sky, so solar panels work great)
Overall, I believe the Erie Canalway trail is excellent for a first thru-hike; it's mostly flat, passes through nearly every major city in New York with frequent small-town stops, and offers a great deal of history to learn. As always, practice makes perfect in the outdoors, so hit the trail for a weekend to gain experience with your gear and processes while backpacking. Plan extra time if you like to spend a day or two in town and plan where you will sleep accordingly as camping is allowed and Locks and along the Canal, but not in most towns or cities.
