Illegal motorized incursions are a continuing problem on this section. Help us protect this trail! If you observe violations call NYS Parks Police at 315 492-6422 or write: mk-l@juno.com.

The Nelson Rd. trailhead is approx. 1.7 mi. S of Rt. 5 at lowest point on road, with small stream flowing underneath. Parking for 2-3 cars only. Walk east along Canastota Creek on old railbed. Creek goes under trail into old water supply reservoir, then crosses back under trail where trail turns 90 degrees and heads north. Watch for turn off old railbed left (west) just after a gas line crossing. Trail descends steeply & turns right before stream, then crosses on bridge and enters a ravine. Climb stairs out of ravine and follow trail west and north to parking area just inside Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. Trail continues on walkway along west side on Mt. Pleasant Rd. to Rt. 5, and crosses at the light. Follow blue blazes to Canal Village Museum on the Old Erie Canal State Park Towpath Trail and end of the Link Trail. Restaurants and other services are found in downtown Canastota.
The blue blazes continue east on the Towpath Trail to Erie Canal Village at Rome, which is the current (2005) eastern terminus of the North Country National Scenic Trail.