Welcome Cyclists!
Rome, NY: An Empire State Trail Town
Did you know Rome, NY was selected as a provisional Empire State Trail Town in 2023, and achieved official Trail Town status in 2024? The Empire State Trail Town program, led by Parks & Trails New York in partnership with the NYS Canal Corporation, helps communities along the trail become more welcoming destinations for residents and visitors alike by strengthening connections between the trail and local downtowns. As part of the program, Rome formed a local coalition and adopted a community-driven Action Agenda outlining strategies to improve trail access, wayfinding, amenities, business connections, and overall visitor experience. The initiative aims to help Rome leverage its location on the Empire State Trail to boost outdoor recreation, support tourism and local businesses, and enhance trail user experience.
Places to Stay
Rome offers a variety of lodging options for visiting cyclists. Major hotels in the area include the Hampton Inn & Suites Rome and Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Rome NY, which provide full amenities.
Beyond traditional hotels, visitors can choose from Airbnb, VRBO, and Warm Showers accommodations. Warm Showers is a global hospitality exchange platform specifically designed for touring cyclists, offering stays with local hosts who provide not only a place to sleep and shower, but also valuable local knowledge and advice.
Currently, there is no overnight camping available within the City of Rome. However, Delta Lake State Park, located approximately 7 miles north of the city, offers campground facilities for visitors seeking an outdoor camping experience. Check the NYS Parks website for current seasonal hours and reservation information.
Bike Friendly Businesses
Bike Friendly New York is a statewide certification program that recognizes businesses committed to supporting cycling. A bike-friendly business provides services, amenities, or support that make it convenient and welcoming for cyclists to visit. This might include bike parking, filling water bottles, having public bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, charging for electronic devices, or other cyclist-friendly amenities. To learn more about the Bike Friendly Business program, including an interactive map of Bike Friendly Businesses, or instructions on how to get your business certified, visit Bike Friendly New York.
The following businesses in Rome are certified as Bike Friendly:
Transportation
Centro MOVE: Centro MOVE is an on-demand, app-based bus service in Rome that works more like a shared rideshare than a fixed bus route. Riders request trips using the MOVE app, and buses pick them up and drop them off near their destinations within the service zone, sometimes sharing the ride with others heading in a similar direction. Typical wait times are about 15–30 minutes, with fares generally around $1 to or from the downtown hub and about $4 elsewhere in the zone. Learn more at: https://www.centro.org/rome-move/move or by calling 315-356-MOVE. Centro MOVE buses have bike racks on the front of the bus that accommodate most bicycles, fitting wheels from 20 to 29 inches (including 700c) and bikes with wheelbases up to 44 inches.
Amtrak: Rome has an Amtrak station with service to major cities. Bikes are permitted on some Amtrak trains, but you must make a reservation for your bike in advance. Contact Amtrak directly to reserve space for your bicycle and to confirm which routes allow bikes and to view bike size restrictions.
Facilities
Restrooms: Free public bathrooms and showers are available at the Navigation Center in Bellamy Harbor Park. These facilities are open weekdays from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM while an attendant is on duty. If you need access outside these hours (until 9:00 PM on weeknights), you can request remote access by calling the Rome Fire Department at (315) 339-7784. Provide your information, and they will give you instructions for remote access. You can also request advance access or ask about "weekend passes" and "season passes".
Service Your Bike
Bike Repair Station: A public bike repair station is located at Fort Stanwix for quick maintenance and adjustments.
Cycle Shack: Cycle Shack is an Aventon ebike dealer located about 1/2 mile east of Erie Canal Village on the Erie Canalway Trail in Rome. They assemble bikes and provide tire repair services.
Bike Retail: Limited bike retail items can be found at the Rome Wal-Mart.
Full Service Bike Shops: The nearest full-service bike shops are in New Hartford — approximately 15 miles from Rome. They are Dick Sonne's, Trek Bicycle New Hartford, and Bikes & Boards.
Things to Do in Rome
Make sure to check out the connecting trails in Rome, including the Mohawk River Trail, and the Griffiss Sculpture Trail. Beyond cycling, Rome offers a variety of attractions and activities. Visit the City of Rome's official website, to find out more.