Adventure Trek

When and Where

When: August 15-20, 2025, 5:00 am — 10:00 pm
Nights: 5

We are excited to unveil this year's Adventure Trek with Troop 23 — a multi-day bikepacking journey across upstate New York, traveling along the historic Empire State Trail from Buffalo to Syracuse. This ride brings a new dimension to our high-adventure program: one that blends physical challenge with route planning, independent travel, and the unique rhythm of self-supported bicycle touring.

While our 2024 canoe trek on the James River tested our paddling skills and the 2023 climb of Whiteface Mountain pushed us to new elevations, this year’s expedition takes us to canal paths, small towns, and scenic green corridors carved through the heart of New York State. Unlike a typical cycling trip with support vehicles, bikepacking requires riders to carry all essential gear on their bikes, making this an adventure in self-reliance, route management, and minimalist travel.

Over the course of five days, we’ll pedal more than 190 miles, ride along restored canal towpaths, camp under the stars, cool off in swimming pools, stop in charming villages, and visit sites of historical and natural interest — all powered by our own legs. We’ll learn to manage gear, maintain bikes, make smart navigation decisions, and travel as a team. Whether you're new to overnight cycling or an experienced rider, this route offers a challenge scaled to all experience levels, with low elevation gain, well-maintained surfaces, and access to water and resupply points.

Scouts will also gain credit toward cycling merit badge requirements and participate in personal development by meeting goals related to leadership, physical fitness, and planning. Most importantly, we’ll spend the week growing stronger together — facing headwinds, rain, sunshine, and surprise fun as a patrol-based unit on wheels.

Overview

Troop 23 & Troop 253G will embark on a 5-day bikepacking expedition along the Empire State Trail, running from Friday, August 15 to Wednesday, August 20, 2025. The route begins in Buffalo, NY, and finishes in Syracuse, covering over 190 miles of mixed trail and light road sections.

Our ride will follow the Erie Canalway Trail, a dedicated multi-use path that forms the western leg of the Empire State Trail. Along the way, we’ll pass through Lockport, Medina, Brockport, Rochester, and Port Byron, stopping at both primitive campsites and full-service campgrounds. Campgrounds will feature a mix of back-to-basics and well-equipped sites, with options for showers, pools, and fire rings.

Trip Highlights:

• Explore historic canal towns and engineering landmarks like the Lockport “Flight of Five”
• Participate in local events like the Erie Canal Family Fun Day
• Camp at a variety of sites, including Niagara County Camping Resort, Whispering Winds, and River Forest Park
• Choose your adventure: detour into Rochester to visit the Museum & Science Center, or stay on the Empire Trail
• Celebrate the finish with a team photo and trail-end reflections at Syracuse Walsh Regional Transportation Center
• Travel home by car (with drivers and vehicles staged at the endpoint in advance)

This trek is designed to provide a sense of independence, mobility, and adventure—ideal for Scouts ready to embrace new challenges and the thrill of a moving camp. There is no support vehicle following us — everything we bring, we carry. Scouts will be expected to follow daily checklists, monitor hydration and nutrition, manage clothing and gear, and work together to support one another.

Trip Details:

• Friday, August 15: Depart NYC by car, arrive at KOA, move vehicles to Syracuse, return via Amtrak
• Saturday, August 16 – Wednesday, August 20: 5 days of riding, covering an average of ~40 miles per day
• Wednesday afternoon: Arrival in Syracuse, load up, and return to NYC by car
• Overnights: Tent camping at reserved sites along the trail
• Meals: Scouts will plan breakfast/lunch/dinner daily; occasional resupply and restaurant stops included
• Packing: Lightweight camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, cook set) and personal items carried by each rider

Gear lists, packing strategies, and safety expectations will be reviewed at pre-trip meetings. Riders will need to bring a well-maintained bike, approved helmet, and a set of bikepacking bags (or equivalent). Assistance will be provided for Scouts who need help assembling their kit or preparing their bike.

The Empire State Trail, opened in 2020, is the longest multi-use state trail in the nation, linking New York City to the Canadian border. The Erie Canal segment we’ll be riding is a blend of historic infrastructure, modern greenways, and small-town hospitality, making this a perfect backdrop for Troop 23’s next chapter of adventure.

Empire State TrailEmpire State Trail

The Empire State Trail is one of the most ambitious multi-use trail systems in the United States — a 750-mile continuous route stretching from the tip of Manhattan to the Canadian border, and from Albany west to Buffalo. It was officially completed in 2020, becoming the longest state trail network in the nation and transforming New York into a world-class destination for long-distance cyclists, hikers, runners, and outdoor enthusiasts.

📍 Structure of the Trail

The Empire State Trail is made up of three major branches:

• Hudson Valley Greenway Trail: Runs north from New York City to Albany, paralleling the Hudson River through historic river towns.
• Erie Canalway Trail: Runs west from Albany to Buffalo, closely following the path of the Erie Canal, a 19th-century engineering marvel that opened up trade and migration through the interior of New York.
• Champlain Valley Trail: Heads north from Albany to Rouses Point, ending at the Canadian border.

Troop 23’s Bikepacking Adventure Trek 2025 takes place along the Erie Canal segment, between Buffalo and Syracuse — one of the flattest, most scenic, and historically rich stretches of the entire system.

🏛️ A Trail Through History

The Empire State Trail isn’t just about nature — it’s a ride through America’s past. Much of the trail west of Albany follows the original path of the Erie Canal, completed in 1825. Often referred to as “The Nation’s First Superhighway,” the canal transformed New York into a commercial powerhouse and helped unite the East Coast with the Great Lakes.

As you ride this trail, you pass through former canal towns that were once bustling centers of trade and immigration. Remnants of canal locks, towpaths, and bridges still remain, along with interpretive signs, museums, and restored engineering features like Lockport’s famous Flight of Five.

Today, the trail allows modern adventurers — including Scouts — to follow in the footsteps (and paddle strokes!) of those who helped shape American industry and westward expansion.

🚲 What Makes It Ideal for Bikepacking

• Mostly Off-Road: Over 85% of the Erie Canalway Trail segment is off-road, away from vehicle traffic — perfect for youth bikepackers.
• Flat Terrain: Designed for mules pulling barges, the canal path features minimal elevation change, making it beginner-friendly while still offering long mileage.
• Surface Variety: Riders experience a mix of smooth pavement, crushed gravel, and hard-packed dirt. A true test of all-around cycling comfort.
• Frequent Amenities: The trail regularly intersects with small towns that provide water, food, rest stops, and campgrounds — essential for multi-day touring.
• Year-Round Use: While our trip is in summer, the trail supports year-round recreation including fall foliage rides and winter cross-country skiing in some areas.

🌿 A Trail for the Future

Beyond recreation, the Empire State Trail represents a vision for sustainable transportation and tourism. It connects urban neighborhoods with rural landscapes, linking people to parks, farms, historic landmarks, and each other. For Scouts, it's more than a trail — it's a classroom, a challenge, and a path to leadership, fitness, and discovery.

The trail is maintained by a partnership between New York State Parks, local municipalities, nonprofits, and volunteers. Riders are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles, respect other users, and help preserve the trail for future generations of adventurers.

What to Pack

Packing smart for the Bikepacking Trip is essential for safety, mobility, and comfort. Unlike regular camping trips, space is limited to what fits on your bike. Prioritize light, compact, and weather-appropriate gear.

Essentials:
⧠ Helmet (required)
⧠ Class B uniform (and Class A for travel) (???)
⧠ Bikepacking bags (seat bag, frame bag, handlebar roll, etc.)
⧠ Sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and compact shelter (tent, bivy, or tarp)
⧠ Headlamp or bike light with extra batteries
⧠ Water bottles or hydration bladder (at least 2L capacity)
⧠ Personal mess kit (cup, spork, small bowl or pot)
⧠ Lightweight stove (if assigned) and fuel (coordinated per patrol)

Clothing and Personal Items:
⧠ Padded bike shorts or quick-dry shorts
⧠ Wicking shirt or jersey
⧠ Lightweight rain jacket and rain pants
⧠ Warm layer (fleece or insulated jacket)
⧠ Hat and gloves (for evening warmth)
⧠ Sunglasses
⧠ 2+ pairs of socks (wool or synthetic)
⧠ Sleepwear and change of clothes
⧠ Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)
⧠ Sunscreen and lip balm
⧠ Insect repellent
⧠ Personal medications (if needed)

Bike Tools and Repair Kit (shared by patrol):
⧠ Lightweight lock
⧠ Spare tube (matching your bike’s tire)
⧠ Patch kit and tire levers
⧠ Mini pump or CO₂ inflator
⧠ Multi-tool with chain breaker
⧠ Chain lube and cleaning rag

Other Recommended Items:
⧠ Small first aid kit
⧠ Lightweight camp shoes or sandals
⧠ Small towel
⧠ Snacks and personal trail food
⧠ Dry bags or zip bags for electronics and clothing
⧠ Notebook and pen
⧠ Compact camp game, book, or cards (optional)

Documents and Permissions:
⧠ Completed Troop permission slip from Scout Book
⧠ BSA Medical forms A, B, and C (if not already submitted)

For additional guidance on preparing for this trip, Scouts and parents may find it helpful to review REI’s Bikepacking Checklist and their printable bikepacking gear PDF. These resources offer practical tips on packing efficiently and choosing the right equipment for multi-day biking adventures. Another excellent resource is the comprehensive Bikepacking 101 Pack List from Bikepacking.com, which covers gear, packing strategy, and common-sense preparation for first-time bikepackers.

Road to Buffalo, Friday

Start: Meet at OLA and leave around 5 AM
Destination: Buffalo NY / Grand Island KOA Holiday (approx. 390 miles / 6.5 hours of driving)

We’ll begin our trip to Buffalo early Friday morning to stay on schedule for a full travel day with multiple transitions. The drive from NYC to our KOA base will take approximately 6.5 hours. Around 12:30 PM, we’ll arrive at camp to unload bikes, gear, food, and shared equipment, get organized, and have lunch before the second phase of the day begins.

After lunch, those assigned to move the vehicles, will continue with the second leg of the journey: a 2-hour drive to Syracuse, NY, where they will board an Amtrak train to Buffalo Exchange Street Station (4:09 PM – 7:05 PM). From there, they’ll use rideshare (Uber/Lyft) to return to the KOA.

Day 1, Saturday

From KOA to Lockport
Distance: ~26.2 miles by bike
Destination: Niagara County Camping Resort

Pack and Breakfast

We’ll start the day early at KOA by packing our bikes and eating a solid breakfast. All personal gear and group items should be loaded and secured on the bikes, as we begin our multi-day ride along the Erie Canal corridor. Be sure to double-check your load — every ounce matters when you're pedaling.

Lockport – Bike-Friendly Town

Our first destination is the historic and bike-welcoming town of Lockport, located along the Erie Canal. The ride from Grand Island to Lockport covers approximately 26.2 miles and is mostly flat, making it a comfortable but active start to the trip. Riders should expect 3–4 hours of steady pedaling with breaks as needed.

Erie Canal Family Fun Day

On arrival in Lockport, we'll participate in the Erie Canal Family Fun Day, a local festival running from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Entry is free, but reservations may be required for some activities. Scouts will have time to explore the area, engage with exhibits, and enjoy family-friendly programming along the canal.

Flight of Five & Dinner Out

We'll take time to walk the historic Flight of Five Locks, one of Lockport’s engineering landmarks, and stroll the nearby canal strip. In the evening, we’ll enjoy dinner out together at a local restaurant—details to be shared closer to the date.

Night at Niagara County Camping Resort

After dinner, we’ll continue a short distance to our overnight stop at Niagara County Camping Resort, where we’ll set up camp and recover from our first day on the road. This campground offers us a quiet place to rest and recharge for the ride ahead.

Day 2, Sunday

From Niagara County Camping Resort to Greece Canal Park
Distance: ~55 miles by bike
Estimated ride time: ~6 hours
Destination: Greece Canal Park (primitive site with flush toilets, water spigot, fire ring)

Ride Overview

Sunday marks the longest riding day of the trip, covering approximately 55 miles along the Empire State Trail, with a mix of dedicated trail and on-road segments. Riders should be prepared for a full day in the saddle, with multiple hydration and snack breaks built in.

The route is mostly flat but includes a brief on-road detour where we’ll need to ride with traffic—extra care and group riding discipline are essential here. All Scouts will be briefed on safety and signals before departure.

Midday Stop – Holley Canal Falls

Around midday, we’ll stop for lunch at Holley Canal Falls, a quiet green space featuring a canal-side waterfall and shaded picnic areas. This makes for a perfect refueling stop before completing the second half of the day’s mileage.

Camp Location

Our overnight site is at Greece Canal Park, a primitive camping area with essential amenities: flush toilets, a water spigot, and a fire ring. This peaceful canal-side location is ideal for unwinding after our longest ride. We'll set up camp, cook dinner, and gather around the fire to rest and reflect.

As with all long-distance riding days, it’s important to start early, stay hydrated, and communicate any issues along the route. This will be a memorable milestone in the journey, combining endurance, teamwork, and some of the most scenic trail riding in upstate New York.

Day 3, Monday

From Greece Canal Park to Whispering Winds Campground
Distance: ~45 miles by bike
Destination: Whispering Winds Campground (showers, pool, supermarket nearby)

Route Options

This day presents a choice of routes through the Rochester area:

Option 1 – Stay on Empire State Trail
We can stay on the Empire State Trail the entire way, bypassing downtown Rochester and minimizing road riding. This route avoids busy city streets and stays on a scenic, mostly flat trail network. It’s the simpler, quieter option and allows us to maintain a steady pace throughout the day.

Option 2 – Visit the Rochester Museum & Science Center (RMSC)
For groups interested in exploring Rochester’s cultural side, we have the option to detour off the trail and visit the Rochester Museum and Science Center. This option requires navigating urban roads and traffic, both to and from the trail. It’s an exciting side trip, but demands tighter group discipline and time management. We’ll assess group interest and timing the night before.

Regardless of which option we choose, riders should be prepared for on-road segments, remain vigilant in traffic, and follow ride leader instructions closely.

Afternoon Arrival and Camp Setup

We’ll arrive at Whispering Winds Campground, a well-equipped site featuring flush toilets, showers, and a swimming pool—a welcome reward after three full days of riding. After setting up tents and storing gear, Scouts will have free time to relax, swim, and enjoy the space.

Dinner and Resupply

A nearby supermarket and local restaurant options make this a good opportunity to restock on snacks or enjoy a dinner out as a patrol or troop. Bring your wallet and appetite!

Day 4, Tuesday

From Whispering Winds Campground to River Forest Park Campground
Distance: ~39 miles by bike
Estimated ride time: ~3.5–4 hours
Destination: River Forest Park Campground (pool, showers, riverside setting)

Ride Overview

Tuesday’s ride continues along the Empire State Trail, covering just under 40 miles of scenic trail and canalway. The route features mostly flat terrain, with a few rolling sections and moderate elevation shifts. This stretch includes a short detour where riders will share the road with traffic, so standard safety procedures and group spacing will be reviewed again in the morning.

Afternoon Arrival and Camp Setup

We’ll arrive in the early afternoon at River Forest Park Campground, located near the Seneca River. This site offers a swimming pool, hot showers, and plenty of open space for rest and recreation. After setting up tents, Scouts will have time to relax, cool off, and enjoy the grounds.

Evening Activities

This is one of our lower-mileage days, giving us more time to unwind as a group. We’ll have access to riverside views, fire rings, and open areas for games or a troop gathering. Whether you're drying out gear, writing in a journal, or just enjoying the evening breeze, this is a chance to slow the pace and refuel—physically and mentally—before the final leg of the trip.

Day 5, Wednesday

From River Forest Park Campground to Syracuse RTC
Distance: ~26 miles by bike
Estimated ride time: ~2 to 2.5 hours

Final Trail Segment

Our last morning on the trail begins with breaking camp and prepping for the final 26-mile ride to Syracuse Regional Transportation Center (RTC). The route remains on the Empire State Trail for the majority of the distance, with mostly flat terrain and smooth surfaces, though the last few miles will bring us into more urban riding conditions.

As we enter the Syracuse area, scouts will ride in formation and stay alert. This final stretch is shorter than previous days, allowing time to regroup, celebrate the ride, and transition smoothly to the next phase.

Arrival and Transition

At RTC, we’ll meet the vehicles that were staged on Day 1 by our volunteer drivers. Scouts will load bikes and gear into cars, refill water bottles, and have a chance for a snack or restroom break before we depart.

Road to NYC, Wednesday

Travel Home

After completing our trail journey, we’ll begin the return drive to NYC from Syracuse. The route back takes approximately 6.5 to 7 hours, depending on traffic, breaks, and final drop-off locations in Brooklyn or Queens.

Scouts can expect to nap, snack, or simply relax after five incredible days on the trail. Stops for food and restrooms will be made as needed along the route.

Estimated arrival time in NYC: Late evening on Wednesday, August 20

This final stretch by car brings a close to a memorable week of biking, camping, and growing together as a Troop. Be proud — you’ve crossed upstate New York by bike!