Little Falls

Erie Canal

LITTLE FALLS

The City of Little Falls is a fun place to explore before, during, or after your paddle LODGING trip. Here you’ll find an historic downtown with lots of shops and places to eat, the 43.040448 -74.859239 largest lock on the Erie Canal, and an island The Inn at Stone Mill with unique geologic features that you can 410 Canal Place see from the water or explore on land. Little Falls, NY 13365 The best place to launch or take out is (315) 823-0208 from Little Falls Canal Harbor and Rotary theinnatstonemill.com Park. You can also rent a canoe or kayak there. From the park, walk across the bridge Inn and restaurant. Located 400 feet into town. The annual canal celebration takes from Benton’s Landing. place in early August. 43.040633 -74.858653 FOR MORE INFORMATION: Canal Side Inn More information about things to do in the 395 Canal Place Little Falls region, including dining and lodging, Little Falls, NY 13365 is available at explorelittlefalls.com and (315) 823-1170 herkimercountychamber.com/visit. canalsideinn.com Inn and restaurant. Located 400 feet from Benton’s Landing. PADDLECRAFT RENTALS

43.042206 -74.859458 E Mile 80.10, south side 43.034697 -74.865476 Travelodge by Wyndham Little Falls 20 Albany Street Little Falls Canal Harbor and Little Falls, NY 13365 Rotary Park (315) 823-4954 125 Southern Avenue at the Erie Canal travelodge.com Little Falls, NY 13365 (315) 823-1453 Located 0.2 miles from Benton’s Landing. cityoflittlefalls.net

164 NEW YORK STATE CANALWAY WATER TRAIL GUIDEBOOK | eriecanalway.org Erie Canal–Little Falls

Little Falls Canal Harbor and Rotary Park

E Mile 81.22, north side 43.025640 -74.882090 FACILITIES: Electric, wi-fi, water, restrooms, showers, laundry, picnic tables and grills, Little Falls Launch camping. Kayak and canoe rentals. Concrete 75 Riverside Industrial Parkway (western end) ramp at western end; low dock at eastern end. Little Falls, NY 13365 Ample parking. The facilities are housed in a FACILITIES: Picnic tables, pavilion. Concrete repurposed 1921 Barge Canal freighthouse. ramp and floating dock. Parking for 20 cars; PADDLING NOTE: The next take-out with 24-hour limit. Distance from parking about road access is at St. Johnsville, about 10 miles 20 feet. downstream. DEC fishing access point. Accessible fishing dock. E Mile 79.84, north side 43.035917 -74.865603 Two fixed crest dams span Mohawk River E Mile 80.10, south side 43.034697 -74.865476 channels to either side of Hansen Island on Little Falls Canal Harbor and Rotary Park the north side of the river. 125 Southern Avenue at the Erie Canal PADDLING NOTE: Do not approach the dams Little Falls, NY 13365 or attempt to enter the rapids below. Hug the (315) 823-1453 south bank below Little Falls Harbor/Rotary cityoflittlefalls.net Park and pass under the guard gate.

eriecanalway.org | NEW YORK STATE CANALWAY WATER TRAIL GUIDEBOOK 165 Erie Canal–Little Falls

Y 9 S >= AM

>=100

E A S T W RD E S M T O N R

S MO Travelodge T NR OE by Wyndham ml170 ml169 Little Falls ST NORTH ANN ST Little Falls Hydroelectric Canal Side Inn EAST Plant (FERC P-3509) MAIN ST

The Inn at Stone Mill Little Falls Moss Island E Mile 79.15 Little Falls Aqueduct Ruins (1823)

Benton’s Landing and Canal Place CANAL ml5 E Mile 79.59 E17 Western Inland Lock Navigation Guard Gate 4, Little Falls R IVER Company Lock (1792) E Mile 79.84 RD Little Falls Dam Lock E17, Little Falls

WEST L E Mile 78.99 IA R MAIN ST T S Little Falls Canal Harbor U D ERIE N AY I W E K and Rotary Park ID R S A ER P E Mile 80.10 D IV R R L Little Falls Launch IL H

E Mile 81.22 K C 167 O ml P RU River T T O ml5

Mohawk

ml5S

ml167 ml5S

>=226 >=66 0 0.5 Miles

0 0.5 Kilometers ml167 .-,90

166 NEW YORK STATE CANALWAY WATER TRAIL GUIDEBOOK | eriecanalway.org Erie Canal–Little Falls

E Mile 79.84 43.037560 -74.862237 E Mile 79.2, north side 43.039990 -74.850794 Guard Gate 4, Little Falls Stay clear of the hydroelectric plant intake, This guard gate protects Lock E17 from marked by vertical bar racks and rack raking Mohawk River floodwaters by diverting them machine on north bank. into the Little Falls rapids.

PADDLING NOTE: The canal from here to E Mile 79.15, north side 43.039777 -74.847913 Lock E17 is lined by vertical concrete and Moss Island rock walls on both sides. It is subject to Moss Island, an artificial island covering 14 surges and sudden changes in water level acres, was created when the Erie Canal was caused by operations of the lock and a built. The underlying rock of the island is hydroelectric plant. syenite. Glacial meltwater from the last ice age scoured out numerous large, very deep E Mile 79.74 43.038602 -74.860688 potholes. Profile Rock, a formation in the shape of a human head, has been a prominent Bridge E32A, NY 167 canalside feature since the 1820s; nearly half A segment of the chamber wall of old Lock of it is now submerged by the water above 39, built in 1850, was incorporated into the Lock E17. The cliffs around Profile Rock are a north wall just to the west of the bridge. popular place for rock climbing and boulder- ing. Moss Island was declared a National E Mile 79.59, north side 43.039499 -74.858999 Natural Landmark in 1976. The island can be Benton’s Landing and Canal Place reached on foot from Lock E17 or from below Mohawk Street and Mill Street the lock by paddling along the shoreline to Little Falls, NY 13365 the left once you leave the lock. (315) 823-4309 littlefallsantiquecenter.com E Mile 78.99 43.038350 -74.846689

FACILITIES: Use Rotary Park to access Canal Lock E17, Little Falls Place. 499 South Ann Street Little Falls, NY 13365 Canal Place (315) 823-0650 Canal Place houses an expansive antiques center, boutique shops, and other businesses LIFT: 40.5 feet. in two massive stone mill buildings dating to FACILITIES: Portable toilet, picnic tables. 1855. This vibrant destination also includes No docking on the upstream side of the lock. the Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts, Facilities are difficult for paddlers to access at several restaurants, and a park where events this location due to steep canal walls. and festivals are frequently held. Benton’s Landing PADDLING NOTE: Because the large lock The remains of a lateral aqueduct that once chamber holds more than six million gallons connected the old Erie Canal to Benton’s of water, locking through here takes a bit Landing can be seen underwater to the east longer than usual, about 25 minutes. of the Mohawk Street bridge. Constructed in 1915, Lock E17 lifts and lowers boats 40.5 feet. It was once the highest

eriecanalway.org | NEW YORK STATE CANALWAY WATER TRAIL GUIDEBOOK 167 Erie Canal–Little Falls

Herkimer Home State Historic Site, Little Falls

single lift lock in the world. The lock was built E Mile 77.24, south side 43.027867 -74.815895 to help boats navigate around multiple drops Herkimer Home State Historic Site and rapids that make up the “Little Falls” of 200 NY 169 the Mohawk River. Lock E17 is the only “shaft Little Falls, NY 13365 lock” on the system. The guillotine gate at (315) 823-0398 the lower end moves vertically rather than parks.ny.gov swinging side-to-side. It is suspended by chains and counterweights. The view from FACILITIES: The site has a dedicated floating the bottom of the chamber as it opens can be dock about 0.2 miles from the house. The breathtaking for east-bound boaters but be site is directly on the Erie Canalway Trail. prepared for drips as you pass underneath. Picnic area and restrooms. This 1764 Georgian-style mansion was home E Mile 78.87 43.038177 -74.844705 to Revolutionary War General Nicholas Bridge E30A, NY 169 Herkimer, hero of the Battle of Oriskany. The beautiful landscape is very close to what General Herkimer would have seen.

ADMISSION: Fee.

HOURS: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The grounds are open dawn to dusk year-round.

168 NEW YORK STATE CANALWAY WATER TRAIL GUIDEBOOK | eriecanalway.org Erie Canal–Little Falls

Moss Island 235 0 0.5 1 Miles 167 >= E Mile 79.15 ml RD 0 0.5 1 Kilometers AN E17 EM BIDL W RI EST RIV VER ER RD RD ml5 ERIE ml169 Lock E17, Little Falls E Mile 78.99

Little Falls Hydroelectric CANAL A Plant (FERC P-3509) S H Herkimer Home State E ml5 Historic Site >=246 Lansing Road R 5S E Mile 77.24 D ml M E Mile 74.94 o ha Rocky Rift wk Movable Dam Y WA RU Ri TH ve ml5S r NEW STATE .-,90 YORK .-,90 Castle Creek Aqueduct Ruins

Guard Gate 3, Indian Castle RIVER k RD E Mile 74.54 e MOHAWK RIVER REGION e 66 D >= r C R D Explore the region where water and the R >=156 >=213 Erie Canal have shaped transportation, K

102 C

0 0.5 1 Miles >= E K B agriculture, industry, and settlement for ga E N

a E E d R a C L w L centuries. Sample small town life and o I 0 0.5 1 Kilometers N D friendly hospitality in Mohawk Valley villages that grew up along the original Erie Canal, including Fonda, Fultonville, Canajoharie, Palatine Bridge, Fort Plain, Nelliston, and St. Johnsville. Several E Mile 75.33, north side 43.014385 -74.783750 have National Register Historic Districts Rocky Rift Movable Dam with outstanding architecture. The villages are connected by the canal and PADDLING NOTE: Warning buoys mark off the Erie Canalway Trail. the area around the dam. Do not enter this area—currents can be strong.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: The Mohawk River splits off from the canal More information about things to do here and runs more or less parallel. It rejoins along the Mohawk River, including the canal below Lock E16. dining and lodging, is available at visitmontgomerycountyny.com. E Mile 74.94 43.012431 -74.778675 Bridge E29, access road to Lansing Road

eriecanalway.org | NEW YORK STATE CANALWAY WATER TRAIL GUIDEBOOK 169 Erie Canal–St. Johnsville

E Mile 74.54 43.009429 -74.772059 E Mile 69.48, north side 42.994785 -74.678657 Guard Gate 3, Indian Castle St. Johnsville Municipal Marina The stream entering the canal on the south and Campground side is Nowadaga Creek, also known as 16 West Main Street Castle Creek. St. Johnsville, NY 13452 (518) 568-7406 E Mile 72.53 42.995827 -74.737345 stjohnsville.com Bridge E28, River Road (CR 65) FACILITIES: Electric, wi-fi, water, restrooms, This bridge is closed to traffic. showers, laundry, picnic tables, grills. Concrete ramp, low dock. E Mile 71.45 42.992304 -74.717424 The marina offers full-service camping at the Bridge E27, River Road (CR 65) St. Johnsville campgrounds. To reach shops and restaurants in St. Johnsville, use the Bridge Street overpass to the west. Do not E Mile 71.36, south side 42.992168 -74.715479 attempt to cross the active railroad tracks that Remains of Enlarged Erie Canal Lock 34 run parallel to the canal on the north side here. The wall here is the only remaining piece of the Enlarged Erie Canal Lock 34. The chamber E Mile 68.74, south side 42.990914 -74.665878 had a lift of 8.2 feet. It was enlarged again in the late 1880s to allow larger vessels to pass. Enlarged Erie Lock 33 Although the wall is too high for paddlers to St. Johnsville, NY 13452 dock, you can paddle up close to get a good FACILITIES: Dock, car top launch, beach look at the stonework. landing. Parking for five cars. Distance from parking about 50 feet. E Mile 71.02 42.992258 -74.708579 The remains of the old Lock 33 of the Erie Lock E16, St. Johnsville Enlarged Canal at St. Johnsville can be seen 171 Mindenville Drive here about 150 feet from the dock. The lock, Fort Plain, NY 13339 with a six-foot lift, was built in the late 1830s; (518) 568-2636 the south chamber was lengthened in 1888. The lock was abandoned around 1917 when LIFT: 20.5 feet. the Barge Canal was completed in this section FACILITIES: Picnic tables, parking. of the Mohawk Valley. The Mohawk River, supplemented by the flow from East Canada Creek, rejoins the canal E Mile 66.36, north side 42.964347 -74.637460 here on the north side just below the lock. Caroga Creek enters the canal.

E Mile 69.57 42.993604 -74.680581 E Mile 65.79 42.953676 -74.628928 Bridge E26A, Bridge Street (CR 61) Abeel Island. The main channel is on the north side of the island.

170 NEW YORK STATE CANALWAY WATER TRAIL GUIDEBOOK | eriecanalway.org Erie Canal–St. Johnsville

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SNELLS >=42 B BELL U S TWIN 331 RD H CHR ml UCH R R D D D R k ee 114 Cr >= C LL R HI RD UM

m 5 Y ml A u C r R 23 L EE C K Rocky Rift >= C ILL Movable Dam Lansing Road M E Mile 74.94 >=59 >=57 RD RD >=55 56 B Guard Gate 3, Indian Castle 62 >= BUSH AU >= NGS RD M RI E Mile 74.54 >=58 K

5S St. Johnsville Municipal ml N >=156 EW ERIE Lock E16, St. Johnsville Saint Marina and Campground RIV YOR ER K E Mile 71.02 Johnsville E Mile 69.48 RD STA 5 102 TE ml >= 90 R .-, IVER Castle Creek Aqueduct Ruins TH RD RU CANAL E Mile 74.54 WA E16 Y M DU 61 TC >= o NEW H 65 N h TURN 213 TO E a PIKE RD >= W >= W w M N T O k U H RD 32 R A OX >= N WK F RD P 5S IK ml R 90 E D Enlarged Erie Canal .-, YORK Lock 33 (1838-40) ml5 BUSH R E Mile 68.74 IV S E S D R FORD R O RD BU F SH S RD R T D A T 21 E >= RD 70 >=66 234 >= 67 R >= T >= 65 iv R >= e PAR RD O r IS P R Abeel Island I 68 A 82 >= E Mile 65.87 T H >= SANDERS R U 5S W ml A Y Fort Plain Museum and Historical Park >=71 OWN 206 COOPERST RD >= O tsq 72 ua MAIN ST >= go ml80 >=69 T REID S C >=73 reek

RD 80 79 K ml >= IS H F IL Creek L R Y D E L VA L Otsquago >=74 CHERRY >=74 0 1 2 Miles

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eriecanalway.org | NEW YORK STATE CANALWAY WATER TRAIL GUIDEBOOK 171 Erie Canal

FORT PLAIN

The hilltop fort on the outskirts of town was built during the Revolutionary War. In later PLACES OF INTEREST years the fort was largely demolished, but OFF THE WATER archaeology work starting in the 1960s unearthed many artifacts and uncovered the 42.940133 -74.630266 sites of numerous structures. The 75-acre site Fort Plain Museum and is now a museum. Historical Park The Village of Fort Plain boomed during 389 Canal Street the Erie Canal years as a textile and furniture Fort Plain, NY 13339 center. The prosperity the canal brought can (518) 993-2527 be seen in the Fort Plain Historic District, fortplainmuseum.org which includes the central business area and the surrounding residential neighborhoods. The museum is about a mile from Lock The district contains notable examples of E15 by way of the Erie Canalway Trail Federal, Greek Revival, Gothic Revival, and local streets. Italianate, Second Empire, Queen Anne, and Beaux-Arts style architecture. It was added to 42.932195 -74.622555 the National Register of Historic Places in 2012. Fort Plain Free Library 19 Willett Street E Mile 64.30, south side 42.938640 -74.622050 Fort Plain, NY 13339 Lock E15, Fort Plain (518) 993-4646 84 Otsquago Club Road fortplainfreelibrary.org Fort Plain, NY 13339 The library also serves as a welcome (518) 993-4161 center for visitors. LIFT: 8 feet.

FACILITIES: Water, portable toilets, picnic tables, grills, camping. Car top launch and E Mile 63.78, north side 42.925130 -74.611270 beach landing. Parking for 20 cars. Distance from parking about 20 feet. Tie up at western Nelliston Boat Ramp or eastern walls, south side. Services in Fort Old Station Road Plain are within walking distance. Nelliston, NY 13428

FACILITIES: Concrete ramp. Parking for 10 E Mile 63.87 42.933535 -74.617788 cars. Overnight parking permitted; 24-hour Bridge E25, River Street (NY 80) limit. Distance from parking about 20 feet. DEC fishing access site with handicap- accessible fishing dock.

172 NEW YORK STATE CANALWAY WATER TRAIL GUIDEBOOK | eriecanalway.org Erie Canal–Fort Plain

D R 0 0.5 Miles OW Abeel Island LL O ST H ONE E Mile 65.79 S ER' 0 0.5 Kilometers GN WA A 34 RA >= BIA O RD T

O ml5

C L U B

RY ICKO RD Lock E15, Fort Plain H >=33 HILL E Mile 64.30 RD ERIE

Movable Dam

.-,90 E15 MAIN STONE ml5S ARABIA ST ST Fort Plain Museum and Nelliston Historical Park Fort Plain MAIN H A CANAL N ST 80 ST C REID ml O Nelliston Boat Ramp CK E Mile 63.78

C MAIN S A T N

A RD

L W GROFF >=46 A S T Fort Plain Y Free Library TRAIL

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E Lock E14, Canajoharie T

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M A E Mile 60.95 F

o A h L >=97 awk Palatine NEW Y Bridge OR H K E ST I AT S E E TH R R R i 5S UW ve E14 ml AY r Movable Dam RD

Canajoharie Boat Ramp Canajoharie E Mile 60.69 ST N 80 RD CLINTO >= T U Erie Canal House N L A W The Arkell Museum ml10

S The Pineapple House EEB ERS LN Canajoharie Riverfront Park >=87 E Mile 60.55

eriecanalway.org | NEW YORK STATE CANALWAY WATER TRAIL GUIDEBOOK 173 Erie Canal

CANAJOHARIE PLACE OF INTEREST OFF THE WATER The name Canajoharie is derived from the Mohawk name Can-a-jor-ha, which means the 42.907454 -74.571781 “pot that washes itself.” The name refers to The Arkell Museum a geologic pothole at the base of a waterfall 2 Erie Boulevard in Canajoharie Creek. The pothole is about Canajoharie, NY 13317 20 feet across and 10 feet deep. (518) 673-2314 For 118 years, Canajoharie was the home arkellmuseum.org of Beech-Nut Nutrition Corporation. The company moved its operations to the nearby The Arkell is within easy walking Town of Florida in 2009. Today plans are distance of Riverfront Park. underway to redevelop the site. The art collection is notable for seven Winslow Homer paintings, as well as works by Thomas Benton, Childe Hassam, John Singer Sargent, and many other important American artists. Phil Scalia Arkell Museum, Canajoharie

174 NEW YORK STATE CANALWAY WATER TRAIL GUIDEBOOK | eriecanalway.org Erie Canal–Canajoharie

E Mile 60.95, north side 42.909399 -74.577709 LODGING Lock E14, Canajoharie 28 Spring Street 42.906422 -74.574321 Palatine Bridge, NY 13428 (518) 673-3314 Erie Canal House 121 West Main Street LIFT: 8 feet. Canajoharie, NY 13317 PADDLING NOTE: There can be a strong (518) 381-0325 current toward the movable dam. Stay along eriecanalhouse.com the north bank when approaching Lock E14. Deluxe guest house located 0.4 miles Do not attempt to land on the artificial island from Riverfront Park. between the lock and dam. A beautifully renovated 1853 Erie Canal ACCESS NOTE: Road access to Lock E14 is mule barn accommodates up to six strongly discouraged because it requires guests. Fully equipped kitchen. Free crossing very busy railroad tracks at a spot transfer and storage of kayaks. without automatic gates or warning lights. 42.903023 -74.575244 E Mile 60.69, south side 42.908990 -74.572490 The Pineapple House Canajoharie Boat Ramp 63 Otsego Street West of NY 10 bridge Canajoharie, NY 13317 Canajoharie, NY 13317 (518) 673-3923 (607) 652-7366 pineapplehousebb.com FACILITIES: Concrete ramp. Parking for 20 Bed and breakfast located 0.5 miles cars. Overnight parking permitted; 24-hour from Riverfront Park. limit. Distance from parking about 20 feet. DEC fishing access site. ramp on the western side of the NY 10 bridge. E Mile 60.61 42.909596 -74.570858 Shops, restaurants, and attractions are a Bridge E24, Church Street (NY 10) short walk away.

E Mile 55.50, south side 42.895571 -74.481753 E Mile 60.55, south side 42.909259 -74.570477 Little Nose Canajoharie Riverfront Park A 400-foot-tall cliff called Little Nose, created 143 Church Street eons ago by an upthrown fault block from the Canajoharie, NY 13317 underlying sedimentary bedrock, is on the (518) 673-5512 south side. Big Nose, the other end of the fault, FACILITIES: Picnic tables, pavilion. Floating is about 0.5 miles downstream on the north dock, 300-foot concrete wall. Located at the side. Big Nose is 560 feet high. The Noses junction of the Erie Canal and Canajoharie mark the gap between the Adirondack and Creek, a trail leads to the Canajoharie boat Catskill mountains.

eriecanalway.org | NEW YORK STATE CANALWAY WATER TRAIL GUIDEBOOK 175 Erie Canal–Canajoharie

PE D RSS R RD E >=30 RD 37 IA >= ARAB OLD

N 34 TR S R A TO A I N IL E >= D ON E E RD D ST Z R ARABIA N T I 34 B I L >= r M 334 L ig NYS Canal Shops, Fonda W I 10 g A ml S H ml s RD R T BROADW Pond I AY N >=31 >=34 Fonda 34 >= 35 33 R >= >= u n 5 R ml R KO D IVERSIDE HIC RY r Rive Fultonville PROSPECT RD ST NEW 119 DR HILL YO >= >=33 90 RK STATE .-, THR UWAY 33 ILL CANA >= H RD ml5S LWAY CKORY TRAIL HI k 30A GLEN >=33 aw ml DR oh 5S M ml Fultonville Dock AY W E Mile 47.99 RU K TH

RD u 41 d >= K AC 43 e B r k LEN >= a DIL e c e k 5 Dock C r ml y STATE r RD D 10 Lock E13, Yosts 90 114 ml .-, O >= SS 116 E Mile 53.12 LU >=

H K A R T O A RD D C OSWEGATC Y R HIE R r H e 41

P RD e E k >= VAN B O R V D k a E 45 n N >= NEW e e EPPS E13 5S r D ml C 30A R 115 ml L

L >= RD E RD W S CKINLEY CANAL W A M 42 ie D C >= R n 44 to >= lls A C 117 ree >= k NEWNEW 5 ml Movable Dam k INGERSOLL e YO GER e RK SIN r Y 112 GER 112 O R C RK >= A >= S RD 5 90 TA Big Nose ml .-, TE CA 44 RD Canajoharie NAL T >= WAY H RSU SP TAW OWER RA TAE BR KER Y S T k RA 105 e RD s IL e ie >= r r u T C SHER 118 A HR 5 ERIE A FI >= RD UW ml N AY 5S D TRAIL ml E R RD C SO a 90 n .-, N a AY j LW LANSING o NA h CA a 107 r SPRAKE i R R e >= S D HILL le R l

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176 NEW YORK STATE CANALWAY WATER TRAIL GUIDEBOOK | eriecanalway.org Erie Canal–Fultonville

PE D RSS R RD E >=30 RD 37 IA >= ARAB OLD

RD u 41 d >= K AC 43 e B r k LEN >= a DIL e c e k 5 Dock C r ml y STATE r RD D 10 Lock E13, Yosts 90 114 ml .-, O >= SS 116 E Mile 53.12 LU >=

H K A R T O A RD D C OSWEGATC Y R HIE R r H e 41

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D i k v 108 s Little Nose e e 106

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93 e >= r 162 111 C >= C ml r e 0 1 Miles e rs k e sh a t L F l a RD P 0 1 Kilometers 94 TO >= HILL

eriecanalway.org | NEW YORK STATE CANALWAY WATER TRAIL GUIDEBOOK 177 Erie Canal–Fultonville

E Mile 53.12, south side 42.917718 -74.445558 between the east end of the wall and the South Bridge Street bridge. The complex is Lock E13, Yosts 195 Old River Road across the road from the Fonda Speedway Fultonville, NY 12072 and the Montgomery County Fairgrounds. (518) 922-6173 E Mile 48.52 42.950275 -74.369359 LIFT: 8 feet. Bridge E23, South Bridge Street (NY 30A) FACILITIES: The Mohawk Valley Welcome Center is here, but access from the canal is E Mile 47.99, south side 42.949069 -74.359070 prohibited. Fultonville Dock PADDLING NOTE: There are two sunken Riverside Drive and Scholte Avenue World War I era concrete barges at the eastern Fultonville, NY 12072 end of the lock. The barges have mooring (518) 853-3815 posts, but be very cautious about tying up here. Currents can be strong near the dam FACILITIES: Car top launch and low dock. and spillway when the water level is high. Parking for two cars; distance from parking about 100 feet. Shops and fast food restau- If you are traveling on the New York State rants are nearby in the Village of Fultonville. Thruway I-90, the welcome center offers a good pit stop. The year-round site includes the lock and dam, a visitors center for the E Mile 43.90, south side 42.939599 -74.289979 Mohawk Valley region, restrooms, a Taste, NY Schoharie Crossing Boat Ramp store featuring local food and beverages, Hartley Lane historical exhibits, picnic tables, children’s Fort Hunter, NY 12069 play area (with climb-on mule), and charging stations for electric cars. A retired canal buoy 0.13 miles up Schoharie Creek, south bank boat is on display; kiosks provide additional FACILTIES: Portable toilet, picnic tables. information about Erie Canal history. The rest Concrete ramp, low dock, beach landing. area is westbound at milepost 187 between Parking for 20 cars; $5 fee (honor box). New York State Thruway I-90 exit 29 in Distance from parking about 20 feet. Canajoharie and exit 28 in Fultonville. There is no access to the rest area from the canal. DEC fishing access site.

E Mile 48.76, north side 42.951302 -74.370770 E Mile 43.90, south side 42.939481 -74.282016 NYS Canal Maintenance Shops, Fonda Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site 129 Schoharie Street FACILITIES: Camping is allowed in the village Fort Hunter, NY 12069 park. (518) 829-7516 The Fonda Shop canal maintenance complex parks.ny.gov has a 600-foot terminal wall. 0.56 miles up Schoharie Creek, north bank The shops are enclosed by a fence but there is a rocky beach landing with an PADDLING NOTE: The ruins of Schoharie informal parking area outside the fence Aqueduct can be approached while paddling

178 NEW YORK STATE CANALWAY WATER TRAIL GUIDEBOOK | eriecanalway.org Erie Canal–Fort Hunter

S TO LERS RD N 23 NT >=30 ER >= A 67 S ml

R T D E RA 3

Z >= R IL

T I L R L D W I Movable Dam Fort Johnson S H Tribes Hill E Mile 43.52 ml5 hawk River Mo TRAIL 30 AY >= LW A R Lock E12, Tribes Hill N Yankee Hill Lock IVE A RS C IDE E Mile 43.52 E12 E Mile 40.84 5 >=119 DR ml Schoharie Crossing M GLEN 113 DR A >= DR MO IN HAWK S State Historic Site 90 ERIE 26 CANAL T Dry D .-, >= o E Mile 43.90 ck F O

R 5S C ml

S r THRUWAY e NEW 90 A e STATE .-, G k 5S YORK E Fultonville Dock ml R

E Mile 47.99 153 H U >= Schoharie R Schoharie Crossing N D T D k Aqueduct (1842) E R e Boat Ramp R e r E Mile 43.85 C E Mile 43.90 s 146 rie 117 u 145 >= >= A >= S ER 122 R RN >= D OOKS CO 0 1 Miles SN >=164 0 1 Kilometers

on the Schoharie Creek. The aqueduct is Erie Canal used a dam to create a pool of close to the mouth of the creek so you will be slack water. The boats were towed across; paddling upstream for just a short distance. the mules and horses were ferried to the other side. A later towpath bridge made Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site is a the troublesome crossing somewhat less fascinating look at more than 200 years of dangerous. When the canal was expanded in Erie Canal history. Within the boundaries of the 1830s, the route across Schoharie Creek this 245-acre site are well-preserved structures was moved and an aqueduct with 14 stone including remains of the famed Schoharie masonry arches spanning 624 feet was built Aqueduct and several stone locks. to carry boats across the creek. Completed in ADMISSION: Free. 1841, the aqueduct on the Enlarged Erie stayed in operation until 1916. It was abandoned after The visitor center on the north side of the the Barge Canal opened. In the 1940s, the creek just past the aqueduct has artifacts, Army Corps of Engineers demolished the exhibits, and restrooms. easternmost six arches to alleviate ice jams. VISITOR CENTER HOURS: May 1 through Flooding and storms caused additional arches October 31, Wednesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to collapse; only five of the 14 remain standing. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The On land, trails on the east side of Schoharie grounds are open dawn to dusk year-round. Creek lead to a section of the original 1825 canal and to the remains of stone locks from To cross the powerful and flood-prone the enlarged Erie Canal, dating to the 1840s. Schoharie Creek, engineers of the original The preserved Empire Lock (old Lock 29) is a

eriecanalway.org | NEW YORK STATE CANALWAY WATER TRAIL GUIDEBOOK 179 Erie Canal–Fort Hunter side-by-side lock to allow boats going in E Mile 43.53 42.944867 -74.288489 opposite directions to lock through simulta- Bridge E22, Main Street (CR 27) neously. At the east end of the site are the This bridge goes over the top of the dam at well-preserved remains of Yankee Hill Lock Lock E12, one of only two movable dams on (Enlarged Erie Lock 28), built in 1841, and the the Mohawk River to carry highway traffic (the restored Putman Canal Store. other is in Rotterdam at Lock E9). Schoharie Crossing was also the site of Fort Hunter, dating back to 1712. The fort was built next to a Mohawk Village called the E Mile 44.10 42.953904 -74.263348 Lower Castle that had 40 or 50 houses Upper Pepper Island. The canal channel is to surrounded by a defensive palisade. The fort the south. and settlement grew larger over the years, but were demolished in 1820 to make room E Mile 43.48 42.954480 -74.253671 for the Erie Canal. Artifacts from the fort and settlement can be seen in the visitors center. Pepper Island, also known as Leppe Island or Island Number Ten. The canal channel is to the south. E Mile 43.52, north side 42.945590 -74.288499

Lock E12, Tribes Hill E Mile 40.84, south side 42.952755 -74.238038 177 Main Street Tribes Hill, NY 12177 Yankee Hill Lock (518) 829-7331 Queen Anne Street Amsterdam, NY 12010 LIFT: 11 feet. FACILITIES: Portable toilets, picnic tables, FACILITIES: Car top launch and beach grills. Car top launch and floating dock. landing at the end of the upstream approach Parking for 20 cars. Distance from parking wall. Parking for 10 cars. Distance from about 350 feet. parking about 35 feet. The eastern end of Schoharie Crossing PADDLING NOTE: The current from the contains the remains of Yankee Hill Lock movable dam can be strong. Stay to the north (Enlarged Erie Canal Lock 28), about 200 feet side when leaving or approaching the lock. south of the dock. Built in 1841 with a lift of The kayak launch here is one of the closest eight feet, one of the lock chambers was options for accessing the Schoharie Crossing lengthened in 1885. The restored Putman State Historic Site. From Lock E12, cross the Canal Store houses an exhibit on the grocery CR 27 bridge over the canal and continue on stores of the old Erie Canal. CR 27 (Main Street) for another 0.35 mile to Schoharie Street. Follow Schoharie Street for E Mile 40.29 42.954291 -74.226891 0.14 mile to reach the visitors center. Robb Island. The canal channel is to the south.

180 NEW YORK STATE CANALWAY WATER TRAIL GUIDEBOOK | eriecanalway.org Erie Canal

AMSTERDAM

Mohawk Valley Gateway Overlook Pedestrian Bridge, Amsterdam

Amsterdam grew on the north bank of the Mohawk River. Nearby Chuctanunda Creek PADDLECRAFT RENTALS provided abundant waterpower for manufacturing. Amsterdam became the “Carpet City,” 42.938630 -74.200029 with massive Sanford and Shuttleworth mills Down by the River Kayak Rentals turning out thousands of yards of floor cover- Erie Terrace ings every day. Other factories produced Amsterdam, NY 12010 brooms, paint, pearl buttons, and knitted (518) 423-5254 underwear. The Erie Canal ran along the downbytheriverkayakrentals.com south side of the river through the hamlet of Port Jackson. The canal, and later railroads, Launch site is the Port Jackson Boat carried wool, jute, and other raw materials to Launch at E Mile 38.50, south side. and finished products from Amsterdam’s manufacturers. The best place to launch here is the South Side Launch in Port Jackson. There are a few eateries nearby. The Mohawk Valley Gateway Overlook Pedestrian Bridge connects this area with downtown Amsterdam.

eriecanalway.org | NEW YORK STATE CANALWAY WATER TRAIL GUIDEBOOK 181 Erie Canal–Amsterdam

E Mile 39.29, north side 42.946620 -74.210099 E Mile 38.15 42.935702 -74.194982 Lock E11, Amsterdam Bridge E19B, Mohawk Valley Gateway 366 West Main Street Overlook Pedestrian Bridge Amsterdam, NY 12010 The Mohawk Valley Gateway Overlook (518) 843-2120 Pedestrian Bridge spans 500 feet over the LIFT: 12 feet. Mohawk River. The bridge connects the two sides of the city of Amsterdam and provides PADDLING NOTE: The current from the spectacular views over the river. On the north movable dam can be strong. Stay to the north end, the bridge connects to Riverlink Park and side when leaving or approaching the lock. downtown Amsterdam. On the south end, the Guy Park, a stone 1774 Georgian-style bridge connects to the Erie Canalway Trail. mansion adjacent to the lock, was built for Guy Johnson, the nephew of Sir William E Mile 38.06 42.934549 -74.193676 Johnson, the British superintendent for Indian Bridge E19A, NY 30 affairs in colonial New York. The mansion later became a tavern and stagecoach stop. It was used as a field headquarters during Barge E Mile 37.95, north side 42.933925 -74.191715 Canal construction and later became the Guy Amsterdam Riverlink Park Park State Historic Site. It was added to the 2 Front Street National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Amsterdam, NY 12010 The property was damaged by flooding in (518) 320-4868 2011 and is currently closed. amsterdamny.gov/our-city/things-to-do/ city-parks E Mile 39.13 42.943256 -74.207062 FACILITIES: Electric, wi-fi, water, restrooms, Bronson Island. The canal channel is to the showers, laundry, picnic tables, playground. north. Floating docks at the west end. Shops and restaurants in Amsterdam are a short walk PADDLING NOTE: Exercise caution at the away using the pedestrian bridge over the western end of the island. The water can be railroad tracks. rough here, especially after recent rainfall.

E Mile 37.76 42.931187 -74.189317 E Mile 38.50, south side 42.938630 -74.200029 Davey Island. The canal channel is to the north. Port Jackson/South Side Launch Erie Terrace off Gilliland Avenue Amsterdam, NY 12010 E Mile 37.27 42.926073 -74.181440

FACILITIES: Concrete ramp, low dock. Giording Island. The canal channel is to the Parking for 15 cars; 24-hour limit. Distance north. from parking about 20 feet. This is a launch site for Down by the River Kayak Rentals.

182 NEW YORK STATE CANALWAY WATER TRAIL GUIDEBOOK | eriecanalway.org Erie Canal–Amsterdam

P M

A R RD 67 BLVD N ml T JONES Yankee Hill Lock H N 10 Y >=

RD Fort Johnson E Mile 40.84 C

Z CORNERS

B NORTHERN D E e g r Lock E11, Amsterdam a Moha wk E Mile 39.29 CANALWAY TRAIL RD AmsterdamAV

V A Riverlink Park C E11 r Movable Dam E e D 67 e I E Mile 37.95 ml k S M

K H C T C O R

S U O V

Bronson Island R E H i R C ST Q v A R e B U

O r A

D Port Jackson/South Side Launch/ Lock E10, E Down by the River Kayak Rentals >=8 Cranesville/ Amsterdam RD EA Town of 5S E Mile 38.50 ST

ml MAIN Amsterdam Florida Ramp D R 90 ST Boat Ramp E Mile 35.02 .-, X A Mohawk Valley Gateway E Mile 36.68 U ERIE R RD Overlook Pedestrian Bridge T RS E C Movable N E Mile 38.15 HA 7 R PM >= O AN Dam S C AGE RD R 5 DR CANAL ml >=146 30 158 ml PA E10 >= KS 165 90 TTER OO >= .-, SO SN N RD V 5S 0 1 Miles 147 IL ml Y L >= E E L G N D A R AHAM L RD 0 1 Kilometers FULLERRD BR THAYER A RD

E Mile 36.68, north side 42.923839 -74.171009 PADDLING NOTE: The current from the movable dam can be strong. Stay to the Amsterdam Boat Ramp Quist Road off NY 5N south side when leaving or approaching the Amsterdam, NY 12010 lock. A large stone quarry surrounds the site. No services are nearby. FACILITIES: Concrete ramp, dock. Parking for 20 cars; 24-hour limit. Distance from parking E Mile 34.83, south side 42.915880 -74.138319 about 20 feet. Town of Florida Ramp DEC fishing access site. Eastern end of Lock E10 Amsterdam, NY 12010 E Mile 35.02, south side 42.917090 -74.140779 (518) 887-5450

Lock E10, Cranesville FACILITIES: Overnight parking permitted. 712 NY 5S Distance from parking about 50 feet. Amsterdam, NY 12010 (518) 887-5450 DEC fishing access site.

LIFT: 15 feet. The Town of Florida ramp is at the far end of the eastern terminal wall.

eriecanalway.org | NEW YORK STATE CANALWAY WATER TRAIL GUIDEBOOK 183 Erie Canal–Amsterdam

0 1 Miles ml5 Movable Dam >=63 HILL E10 RD SWART 0 1 Kilometers 1 Kil >= nen l aa p R CANALWAY m IDG o E ERIE C N EW l T il 53 RA W IL 5 59 K >= 5S >= A ml D 49 ml T >= R Y E ORK R S .-,90 RD STATE N RD SO >=51 D N R H D 152 A JO D T MS R EA >= HR TER H UW DAM AY CANAL Lock E9, Rotterdam W a 38 f s >= R r h BULLS D e E Mile 29.07 o V u t Lock E10, ill Cranesville/ K

C MAIN T

U Town of a e e e O k

s H Florida Ramp d S S n T E9 A a E Mile 35.02 S W Movable Dam >=97 Arrowhead Marina >=165 160 5 and RV Park ml ml E Mile 26.06 M oh Mabee Farm Historic Site a

E Mile 28.04 w k 117 >= >=115 ml5S 90 VLEY .-, RD

R iv e ll 890 Rotterdam Kiwanis Park Ki ml r E Mile 26.18 113 r >= otte Pl

E Mile 33.02 42.906476 -74.104457 E Mile 29.07, north side 42.878686 -74.041216 Swart Island. The canal channel is to the south. Lock E9, Rotterdam 9 State Canal Park Road (NY 103) E Mile 30.43 42.884737 -74.064888 Rotterdam Junction, NY 12150 (518) 491-8205 Bridge E17, CSX railroad LIFT: 15 feet.

E Mile 29.08 42.878089 -74.042103 FACILITIES: Car top launch is at the western- Bridge E16, Bridge Street (NY 103) most end of the lock wall. Parking for 10 cars. This traffic bridge goes over the top of the Convenience store within walking distance. dam at Lock E9, one of only two movable PADDLING NOTE: The current from the dams on the Mohawk River to carry highway movable dam can be strong. Stay to the traffic (the other is at Lock E12). NY 103 north side when leaving or approaching the connects NY 5 on the north with NY 5S on lock. Sunken concrete barges built during the south. It is the shortest state road in World War I are at either end of the lock New York. approach walls.

184 NEW YORK STATE CANALWAY WATER TRAIL GUIDEBOOK | eriecanalway.org Erie Canal–Rotterdam

Mabee Farm, Rotterdam Junction

E Mile 28.04, south side 42.866269 -74.031818 E Mile 27.11 42.857875 -74.021008 Mabee Farm Historic Site Bridge E15, Boston & Maine Railroad 1100 Main Street Rotterdam Junction, NY 12150 E Mile 26.18, south side 42.847149 -74.013790 (518) 887-5073 schenectadyhistorical.org Rotterdam Kiwanis Park and Boat Ramp 1100 Sunrise Boulevard (NY 5S) The oldest farm in the Mohawk Valley (1705), Rotterdam, NY 12306 this site preserves Mohawk Valley heritage (518) 355-7450 through historic buildings and extensive rotterdamny.org historical and archaeological collections. The grounds cover 36 acres with orchards, FACILITIES: Water, portable toilet, pavilion, gardens, and trails. The site is also home to picnic tables, grills. Ramp. Parking for 40 cars. two reproduction 18th-century bateaux. Distance from parking about 100 feet. The site is accessible from the canal using The Van Slyke/Plotter Kill Aqueduct was built the seasonal floating dock. Check ahead to around 1842 as part of the Enlarged Erie Canal be sure the dock is in place. Water and to carry boats over a small gorge and creek. restrooms are available 24 hours a day at the The aqueduct was in use until around 1915, farm site during the navigation season. when the Barge Canal enlargement moved ADMISSION: $8 adults; free for students and the canal to the north. Today, the arches that children. carried the towpath are used to carry the Mohawk-Hudson Bikeway over the creek. HOURS: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. The arches are visible from the waterway just to 4 p.m. to the east of the Kiwanis Park.

eriecanalway.org | NEW YORK STATE CANALWAY WATER TRAIL GUIDEBOOK 185 Erie Canal–Glenville

E Mile 26.06, north side 42.849240 -74.013071 PADDLING NOTE: The current from the movable dam can be strong. Stay to the Arrowhead Marina and RV Park 2 Van Buren Lane south side when leaving or approaching Glenville, NY 12302 the lock. (518) 382-8966 arrowheadmrvp.com E Mile 23.42, south side 42.821329 -73.987088

FACILITIES: Electric, wi-fi, water, restrooms, Old Erie Canal Lock 23 (Alexander’s Lock) is showers, camping. Ramp and low dock. 0.5 inland here, accessible from the Erie Canalway Trail near the intersection of Rice Private marina. and Schermerhorn Roads. Exit the water trail below Lock E8 to access this historic site. E Mile 25.73 42.849945 -74.005773 The lock dates from 1842 in the Enlarged era. Bridge E14A, I-890 It was bypassed by the Barge Canal and closed in 1918. Today, the site contains two E Mile 25.03 42.841039 -73.997821 side-by-side lock chambers and a rebuilt lockmaster’s shed. It was listed on the Dalys Island, also known as Daleys Island. National Register of Historic Places in 2008. The canal channel is to the north.

E Mile 23.75 42.826348 -73.986735 E Mile 24.10, north side 42.830700 -73.989400 Isle of the Oneidas. The canal channel is to Maalwyck Park the south. 300 Maalwyck Park Road (NY 5) Glenville, NY 12302 (518) 688-1221 E Mile 22.91, north side 42.816007 - 73.971865 Isle of the Onondagas. The canal channel is Just to the west of the movable dam at Lock E8 to the south. The Mohawk River splits off FACILITIES: Water, portable toilets. Ample from the canal at the Isle of the Onondagas parking. and flows northward past the Isle of the Senecas and the Isle of the Mohawks. E Mile 24.04, south side 42.829340 -73.991389 E Mile 21.96, north side 42.822110 -73.959459 Lock E8, Scotia (Rotterdam) 115 Rice Road Glen Sanders Mansion Rotterdam, NY 12306 1 Glen Avenue (518) 346-4631 Scotia, NY 12302 (518) 374-7262 14 feet. LIFT: glensandersmansion.com FACILITIES: Portable toilet, picnic tables. Tie Restaurant and inn with dedicated dock. up at the eastern or western walls. Informal Distance from dock about 150 feet. beach launch at lower end of downstream approach wall. Parking for 12 cars. Distance from parking about 800 feet. No services are within walking distance.

186 NEW YORK STATE CANALWAY WATER TRAIL GUIDEBOOK | eriecanalway.org Erie Canal–Scotia

0 1 Miles

Arrowhead Marina 0 1 Kilometers 47 and RV Park LEY >= V RD E Mile 26.06 147 ERIE ml ml5 RI VE 30 R A >= M S T E RD R D A M Rotterdam Kiwanis Park R 50 E Mile 26.18 D ml Scotia Village Docks at Freedom Park/ 890 Maalwyck Park 90 CANAL Mohawk River Cruise

.-, .-, E Mile 24.10 Y

A E Mile 21.45

W Movable Dam U V R M A O H H T H N T A W R K O SUNNYSIDE RD O T Lock E8, Scotia (Rotterdam) E8 N S AV LL A E T E Mile 24.04 B A Collins T S Scotia Lake Glen Sanders Mansion Old Erie Canal Lock 23 E Mile 21.96 YORK RDON GO 56 er >= iv W R R E RD 93 I M N >= C 5 N E o ml R h O R a H D w R UNION E k D

M ST R R D E LV CH OL B S RD D 890 Gateway Landing Park RIE .-, E Y 159 R E Mile 21.50 A ml 337 IV W ml E LL R MPBE AD CA RD Riverside Park O R E Mile 21.05 B T S

W Front Street Park Schenectady E Mile 20.91

E Mile 21.94 42.818683 -73.959731 FACILITIES: Water, restrooms, picnic tables. Low dock, beach landing, and parking near Isle of the Cayugas. The canal channel is to the Jumpin Jack’s Drive-In (a favorite place for south. Turn north to enter the Mohawk River paddlers and a fixture at the park since 1952) channel that leads to the docks in Freedom Park. to the east of the Western Gateway bridge.

E Mile 21.79, north side 42.821595 -73.953805 PADDLING NOTE: To reach the docks, leave the Erie Canal and paddle north into the channel Scotia Village Docks at Freedom Park between Isle of the Onondagas and Isle of the 5 Schonowee Avenue Cayugas for about 0.50 mile if eastbound Scotia, NY 12302 and between Isle of the Cayugas and the (518) 374-1071 mainland for about 0.40 miles if westbound. freedomparkscotia.com

eriecanalway.org | NEW YORK STATE CANALWAY WATER TRAIL GUIDEBOOK 187 Erie Canal

SCHENECTADY

Dutch settlers arriving along the Mohawk Changes in the manufacturing economy River in the mid-1700s encountered the put ALCO out of business in 1969 and Mohawk Nation of the Iroquois Confederacy. reduced GE’s presence in the city. Starting in The area that is now Schenectady was 2004, however, economic growth in the city known as Schau-naugh-ta-da, meaning “over has been strong. The land along the Mohawk the pine plains.” The name came to refer to River once occupied by ALCO has been the bend in the Mohawk River where the city revitalized to become Mohawk Harbor, a of Schenectady grew. 60-acre mixed-use development. For centuries, Schenectady had been a Schenectady’s early history is preserved in jumping-off point for west-bound travelers the Historic Stockade District, which features who moved overland from Albany to avoid dozens of Dutch and English Colonial houses rapids and falls on the lower Mohawk, then dating from the 18th and 19th centuries. It is boarded boats to move further inland. The New York State’s first National Register city was already a road transportation hub historic district, designated in 1965. when the Erie Canal opened in 1825 and Erie Canal history in the area can be seen turned it into a canal hub as well. Rail trans- along the Mohawk Towpath Byway, a network port was soon added to the region. Locomo- of local, county, state, and federal highways tive manufacturing began in the city in 1848; that follow the historic route of the Erie Canal by 1901 the massive American Locomotive from Waterford and Cohoes to Schenectady. Company (ALCO) covered many acres along the waterfront. Starting in the 1880s, Thomas Edison’s General Electric Company was also FOR MORE INFORMATION: More information about the Schnectady area a massive presence in the city. Schenectady can be found at discoverschenectady.com. became known as “The City That Lights and Maps and more information about the byway Hauls the World.” are at mohawktowpath.org.

LODGING

42.826386 -73.931435 42.825684 -73.932223 Courtyard Marriott at Mohawk Harbor The Landing Hotel at Rivers 240 Harborside Drive Casino & Resort Schenectady, NY 12305 21 Rush Street (518) 579-6620 Schenectady, NY 12308 marriott.com (518) 579-8840 thelandinghotelny.com Hotel at Mohawk Harbor. Distance to dock about 200 feet.

188 NEW YORK STATE CANALWAY WATER TRAIL GUIDEBOOK | eriecanalway.org Erie Canal–Schenectady

E Mile 21.61 42.818337 -73.954341 PADDLECRAFT RENTALS Bridge E13, Western Gateway Bridge (NY 5)

42.825196 -73.933532 E Mile 21.50, south side 42.817830 -73.951999 Upstate Kayak Rentals Harborside Drive Gateway Landing/Rotary Park Schenectady, NY 12305 East of Western Gateway Bridge (518) 209-1063 Schenectady, NY 12303 upstatekayakrentals.com (518) 386-2225 Several locations along the canal in FACILITIES: Picnic tables, gazebo. Car top the Capital Region. In Schenectady, it is launch, floating dock, and beach landing. located at Mohawk Harbor. Parking for 20 cars. Distance from parking about 100 feet. Shops and restaurants are in the nearby Historic Stockade area, the oldest 42.848571 -73.889814 neighborhood in Schenectady and marked The Boat House by Dutch and English 17th- and 18th-century 2855 Aqueduct Road buildings. Schenectady, NY 12309 This park marks the mouth of the Binnekill, (518) 393-5711 historic point of embarkation for batteaux and boathousecanoeskayaks.com Durham boats heading up the Mohawk River Canoe and kayak rentals and sales. in the days before the Erie Canal. Located in Aqueduct Park. Open seasonally. Closed Sundays. E Mile 21.05, south side 42.819830 -73.946085 Riverside Park Washington and Ingersoll Streets Schenectady, NY 12305 WATERWAY CRUISES A promenade along Schenectady’s waterfront; this park offers access to the adjacent 42.821606 -73.953656 historic neighborhoods. Shops and restaurants Mohawk River Cruise are in the nearby Historic Stockade area of 22 Schonowee Avenue Schenectady. Scotia, NY 12302 (518) 852-9130 E Mile 20.91, south side 42.820597 -73.943146 mohawkrivercruise.com Front Street Park One- and two-hour canal cruises in a 157 Front Street glass-bottomed boat through Lock E7. Schenectady, NY 12305 Boats leave from Scotia Landing at FACILITIES: Restrooms. Freedom Park and Mohawk Harbor. This waterfront park is adjacent to the Stockade District. No access from the water trail. Shops and restaurants are nearby.

eriecanalway.org | NEW YORK STATE CANALWAY WATER TRAIL GUIDEBOOK 189 Erie Canal–Schenectady

H E T 0 1 Miles C H ELT RD O

E W L N

A 0 1 Kilometers A

GL M ENRIDGE RD GLEN RIDGE RD

146 l

l ml i 50 K ml D

18 N Enlarged

>= W

Schenectady Yacht Club O T Erie Canal

L s

E Mile 17.21 A Lock 21 u

l p A l 88 S RI LP >= VERV W 29 LA A IEW A >= US AV 16 G >= G E R T O RD W N >=35 Mohawk Valley Marine k E Mile 18.14 Mohaw

V i A The Boat House/ v

e The Waters Edge Aqueduct Park r 50 10 ml E >= Lighthouse L E Mile 17.33 P E Mile 20.01 A RD Glen Sanders Mansion M Rexford T F C Aqueduct E Mile 21.96 R U B E CANAL ED R E U Ruins ID M Q G A A E NS RD Scotia Village Docks ml146 at Freedom Park/ N

Mohawk River Cruise OW

RD L

E Mile 21.45 L Freeman’s Bridge Boat Launch A RD >=12 B SUNNYSIDE E Mile 20.07, north side 8 RIVER >= R 19 D Collins Scotia >= Lake Mohawk Harbor Marina E Mile 20.27 ERIE Upstate Kayak Rentals Rivers Casino & Resort Front Street Park EAST

Courtyard Marriott at Mohawk Harbor T RD E Mile 20.91 S 6 NOTT Riverside Park >= P ER G E Mile 21.05 R W A T D N N V D A BL IE Schenectady U >=21 ER NIO S N 23 T ST >= A B T N E LV A Gateway Landing Park D V

E Mile 21.50 AV AL S B T A AY N W RD AD Y RO B C 5 890 ml R BRANDYWINE A .-, N

E 146 N

ml W ST O

146 A LE RD V B DA A ml N W SE A O ST T R T CON N T NECT O OWN ION M S ST 7 A V S ml T LT A RO MICHIGAN A C

190 NEW YORK STATE CANALWAY WATER TRAIL GUIDEBOOK | eriecanalway.org Erie Canal–Schenectady

E Mile 20.99 42.822128 -73.943486 E Mile 20.07, north side 42.831000 -73.930499 Bridge E12, CSX railroad Freeman’s Bridge Boat Launch Freemans Bridge Road E Mile 20.27, south side 42.825252 -73.933426 Glenville, NY 12301 Mohawk Harbor FACILITIES: Picnic tables. Floating dock, Schenectady, NY 12308 concrete ramp. Parking for 20 cars. Overnight parking permitted; 24-hour limit. Distance Mohawk Harbor, a 60-acre mixed-use from parking about 50 feet. development, stretches along the south side of the river for a mile. The community DEC fishing access site with accessible dock. contains luxury apartments, high-tech offices, restaurants, hotels, and retail stores, along E Mile 20.01, north side 42.831779 -73.930292 with the Rivers Casino & Resort. The waterfront area offers public access for boating The Waters Edge Lighthouse 2 Freemans Bridge Road and links to the Mohawk-Hudson Hike-Bike Glenville, NY 12302 Trail and Erie Canalway Trail. Mohawk Harbor (518) 370-5300 was built on the vast workshops of the thewatersedgelighthouse.com American Locomotive Company (ALCO). Steam, diesel, and electric locomotives were Restaurant and lodging with dedicated dock. built here from 1848-1969. Distance from dock 100 feet.

E Mile 20.27, south side 42.825196 -73.933532 E Mile 19.80 42.833631 -73.927372 Mohawk Harbor Marina Bridge E10, CP railroad Schenectady NY 12308 (518) 949-0220 E Mile 19.57 42.840600 -73.918400 themohawkharbor.com The canal channel is to the north of the island. FACILITIES: Electric, wi-fi, water. Low docks and dedicated kayak launch. Kayak rental E Mile 18.14, north side 42.849845 -73.905591 from Upstate Kayak Rentals. Bike share program and easy access to Mohawk-Hudson Mohawk Valley Marine Hike-Bike Trail and Erie Canalway Trail. 47 Mohawk Avenue Mohawk River Cruise boat docks here. Free Alplaus, NY 12008 trolley to downtown Schenectady. (518) 399-2719 mohawkvalleymarine.com

E Mile 20.12 42.829714 -73.930388 FACILITIES: Electric, water, restrooms, Bridge E11, Freemans Bridge Road showers. Concrete ramp. Private marina.

E Mile 18.13, north side 42.850957 -73.903679 Alplaus Kill enters the Mohawk River.

eriecanalway.org | NEW YORK STATE CANALWAY WATER TRAIL GUIDEBOOK 191 Erie Canal–Schenectady

E Mile 17.93 42.851510 -73.899490 E Mile 17.21, north side 42.852004 -73.886647 The abutments from an old Schenectady Schenectady Yacht Club Railway Company deck truss bridge are still 1676 NY 146 in place. The bridge was built in 1904 and Rexford, NY 12148 abandoned in 1941. The superstructure was (518) 384-9971 removed in 1943 for scrap metal to be used sycontheerie.com in the war effort. FACILITIES: Electric, wi-fi, water, restrooms, showers. Low dock. E Mile 17.33, south side 42.849350 -73.889830 Private yacht club. The clubhouse is a Aqueduct Park converted former canal store built around 1900. 2855 Aqueduct Road Schenectady, NY 12309 (518) 386-4504 E Mile 16.91, north side 42.852724 -73.884204 Enlarged Erie Canal Lock 21 constructed in FACILITIES: Portable toilet. Car top launch 1841 can be seen in a back channel of the and low dock. Parking for 15 cars. Distance Schenectady Yacht Club. This double- from parking about 200 feet. chambered lock was in use until 1916. Lock 21 is still in use today as the travel lift for the E Mile 17.25 42.850275 -73.887932 Schenectady Yacht Club. Bridge E8, Balltown Road (NY 146) E Mile 16.02, north side 42.849574 -73.878561 E Mile 17.20 42.851001 -73.887432 The spectacular Rexford Cliff borders the Rexford Aqueduct Ruins canal on the north for the next 1.2 miles. The ruins of the Rexford Aqueduct can be seen on both sides of the canal. Constructed E Mile 14.75, north side 42.826485 -73.859871 in 1841 to carry the Enlarged Erie Canal over the Mohawk River, the central part was Riverview Orchards 660 Riverview Road removed in 1915 to make way for the Barge Rexford, NY 12148 Canal. The remaining stone arches supported (518) 371-2174 a truss bridge until 1965, when the Balltown rivervieworchards.com Road Bridge was opened. Today one arch remains on the north (Rexford) side and two To access this historic Erie Canal farm, use on the south (Niskayuna) side. the ramp at Mohawk Landing. From the parking area, walk west on Riverview Road for 0.18 miles. Riverview Farm features locally produced foods and a bakery. Lots of activities for kids.

HOURS: Open every day 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. year-round.

192 NEW YORK STATE CANALWAY WATER TRAIL GUIDEBOOK | eriecanalway.org Erie Canal–Rexford

Enlarged Erie Canal Lock 21 (1841) 0 1 Miles Schenectady Yacht Club E Mile 17.21 0 1 Kilometers

>=10 RD R >=90 IV

E Rexford R

V R D

E R I

E H Y Aqueduct W C R R 91 S E >= I R L E Ruins V ERIE L I F

M R D

L G T R O OO RD 91 W MS >=

N Aqueduct Park/ RD The Boat House DROMS D E Mile 17.33, S ENGLEMORE R 146 U ml G RD CANAL south side Riverview OrchardsA E Mile 14.75 R R IVER RAY RD RD RES H E I A L C R I L R C

H Mohawk Landing Nature Preserve 19

D >= E Mile 14.69

R RD I VE R Y VIE W R EAST R E Stony

F T S P R R D Creek E

DR R

W E E T IN Reservoir L H NOTT N A C S I >=21 Vischer Ferry Hydroelectric V ml146 Plant (1925 FERC P-4679) >=90 N A V

Vischer Ferry Dam ek R Cre IV E Mile 13.07 RD S E y R n

U I to ENT L C S ES

E V CR

A N Lock E7, Vischer Ferry (Niskayuna) E7

O E Mile 13.07 Vischer Ferry 92 C Car Top Launch>= U 19 N >= M E Mile 12.00 IO RD N o h S a T w CROSST D 158 k OW E R >= R CONN N ROSENDAL IVE ECTI RV

ON IEW S

A 7 ml R I D N T Kill Vischer Ferry Nature and a

TROY s D i Historic Preserve A L R V D O I R S D E ' N S D A SC L HEN E

RD E CTAD 11 Y >= RD 158 >= RD MOHAWK RD

N R

W i CO Niskayuna ve O N L 7 r T S N >= L A

L U E

S A L Niskayuna Lions Park

R B

E S E Mile 11.02 RD P O U RIV LD R ER U 2 RD 9 >= R A >= 3 7 D T >= ml

eriecanalway.org | NEW YORK STATE CANALWAY WATER TRAIL GUIDEBOOK 193 Erie Canal–Rexford

E Mile 14.69, north side 42.824590 -73.860630 The Vischer Ferry Hydroelectric Plant is the large, yellow-orange brick building on the Mohawk Landing Nature Preserve Riverview Road north bank of the Mohawk River. It was built Clifton Park, NY 12065 in 1925 and is still in operation. (518) 371-6651 Lock E7 has a 2,300-foot-long breakwater cliftonpark.org between the river and the north lock wall to provide protection from river currents for FACILITIES: Hand launch, picnic tables. vessels approaching from the east. The Parking for 10 cars. Distance from parking breakwater was built using rubble from the about 850 feet. demolished Crescent Aqueduct. The 107-acre Mohawk River State Park E Mile 13.14, south side 42.803349 -73.849040 adjoins Lock 7 Park. Lock E7 boat ramp Lock 7 Road E Mile 12.00, north side 42.794186 -73.831203 Niskayuna, NY 12309 Vischer Ferry Car Top Launch End of Ferry Lane FACILITIES: Portable toilet, picnic tables, grills. Rexford, NY 12148 Ramp and low dock. Parking for 20 cars. Overnight parking permitted; call (518) 374-7912. Distance from parking about 20 feet. E Mile 12.14, north side 42.7934 -73.8303 The boat launch area is tucked away at the Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve base of an inlet behind the western lock wall. Riverview Road Rexford, NY 12148 (518) 371-6667 E Mile 13.07, south side 42.803229 -73.847058 cliftonparkopenspaces.org Lock E7, Vischer Ferry (Niskayuna) The preserve covers 740 acres and stretches 1280 Lock 7 Road along the Mohawk River/Erie Canal for Niskayuna, NY 12309 approximately five miles. A dock and kayak (518) 374-7912 and canoe launch are located within the park LIFT: 27 feet. near Clute’s Dry Dock, however, the site is not accessible from the water trail except during Tie up at the western or eastern FACILITIES: periods on high to moderate water levels. terminal walls or use the Lock E7 boat ramp. The preserve contains a number of historic Portable toilets, picnic tables and parking. Erie Canal remains. At the main entrance on PADDLING NOTE: The dam spans the width Riverview Road at VanVranken Road is a rare of the Mohawk River. The current above and surviving iron “bowstring” truss bridge below the dam is strong. Do not approach designed by engineer Squire Whipple. This within 100 feet in either direction. Paddle one originally spanned the Erie Canal at directly into the channel for Lock E7. Fultonville. It was moved here in 1996 and is now a footbridge crossing an original 1825 Vischer Ferry Dam extends from the lock section of the Erie Canal and towpath. The across the Mohawk River to rocky Goat remains of the double-chamber Lock 19, built Island, along the width of the island, and then in 1842 and enlarged in 1885 are at the to the powerhouse.

194 NEW YORK STATE CANALWAY WATER TRAIL GUIDEBOOK | eriecanalway.org Erie Canal–Rexford

0 1 Miles

D R 0 1 Kilometers

R A

I R

N D RD A

MOE LAPP CHER VIS FERRY D R Stony D Creek .-,87 R

N H Reservoir O C A R 92 E T >= B H L W A

A N A RD Y C NT CE ES CR Crescent Boat Club CANAL E Mile 5.96 RD H T A The Klam’r Tavern & Marina P W VAN O E Mile 6.86 T

N Diamond Reef Yacht Club E Mile 7.10 RD RD ERIE

W Mohawk VIE VER R Riverside RI ive r RD Landing

W E I Park Vischer Ferry Nature V E Mile 6.35 and Historic Preserve

D Y N A BO A W SL G

I H H T RD T R D

Adirondack Northway (I-87) U N N E Mile 7.22 S B Blain’s Bay F A O D C R e M H o T l hawk p Marina S h

s C F E Mile 6.88 A E RD R D R N Y O

I K R 9 D C D

A 0/ 158 O >= LL O F P RI E VE R R R K Y i L Y l l V RD RD Niskayuna Lions Park D SP R A E Mile 11.02 RRO WB US RD RD H L 7 IL k ml M e NSON re JOH N C RD hakers IS S KA Y O U L N D R A D

R S 7 D RD h ml a SHAKER k 160 e >= r 87 s .-, N 151 O >= D U

O Y L N C A r B e W L e k E A N

eriecanalway.org | NEW YORK STATE CANALWAY WATER TRAIL GUIDEBOOK 195 Erie Canal–Rexford western end of the preserve. A footbridge E Mile 7.10, north side 42.794283 -73.760884 links the two sides of the lock; a picnic area Diamond Reef Yacht Club and observation platform are nearby. 5 Clamsteam Road Clute’s Dry Dock, dating from 1852 and Clifton Park, NY 12065 abandoned in 1907, is about 1.0 mile east of (518) 371-2716 the Whipple Bridge entrance to the preserve, on the south side of Riverview Road. Canal FACILITIES: Electric, water, restrooms, boats were built and repaired here, but all the showers. Low docks and concrete ramp. workshops and other structures are long Private yacht club. gone. The dry dock area is now a large pond. A dock and a kayak and canoe launch are in the dry dock area, however the site is only E Mile 6.88, south side 42.794132 -73.755758 accessible from the water trail during periods Blain’s Bay Marina of high to moderate water levels. 221 Dunsbach Ferry Road Cohoes, NY 12047 E Mile 11.02, south side 42.777509 -73.822890 (518) 785-6785 Niskayuna Lions Park FACILITIES: Electric, wi-fi, water, restrooms, Rosendale Road showers. Low dock and concrete ramp. Niskayuna, NY 12309 Private marina. (518) 386-4504

FACILITIES: Water, restrooms, picnic tables. E Mile 6.86, north side 42.796760 -73.760020 Car top launch and beach landing. Parking for 20 cars. Distance from parking about 250 feet. The Klam’r Tavern & Marina 32 Clamsteam Road PADDLING NOTE: Thick floating mats of Halfmoon, NY 12065 invasive water chestnut can make it difficult (518) 930-0577 to reach this site from the water during late theklamr.com summer. FACILITIES: Car top launch, beach landing. The Old Niskayuna Train Station, dating from Parking for five cars. Distance from parking 1834, is now an art exhibit space. The picnic about 20 feet. Restaurant with dine-in or area offers beautiful views of the Mohawk River. take-out menu.

E Mile 7.22 42.791590 -73.761381 E Mile 6.35, south side 42.799480 -73.747870 Bridge E7A, Adirondack Northway (I-87) Mohawk Riverside Landing Park Also known as the Thaddeus Kosciusko Bridge 4071 River Road or the Twin Bridges. Below the bridge to the Colonie, NY 12110 east is Dunsbach Ferry, once the site of an (518) 783-2760 important river crossing. In the 1920s, the colonie.org/departments/parksandrec hamlet was home to many barge canal captains. FACILITIES: Water, restrooms, picnic tables, grills. Car top launch, beach landing. Parking for 20 cars. Distance from parking about 20 feet.

196 NEW YORK STATE CANALWAY WATER TRAIL GUIDEBOOK | eriecanalway.org Erie Canal–Colonie

MID 0/9 DLETOWN W 96 RD OO >= D IN Halfmoon S DR t Crescent Terminal Wall MOON re HALF a m E Mile 4.50 RD

RD H URC LL CH HI Halfmoon-Crescent Park >=99 E Mile 4.72

RD FERRY

R CHE VIS

r ERIE e iv D R R

Crescent Boat Club C R E Mile 5.96 E S C E L N T Alcathy’s Boat Launch NA A 9 C E Mile 3.02 H 0/ C A E B Freddie’s Park E Mile 4.50 Albany Marine RD Services E Mile 4.32

Crescent Hydroelectric Plant (1925 FERC P-4678)

CANAL

k Crescent Dam Guard Gate 2, w a Mohawk Riverside Crescent h o Landing Park E Mile 2.77 M E Mile 6.35

C R E SC ENT R D

FONDA

0/9 RD

U O L

0 0.5 Miles

0 0.5 Kilometers

eriecanalway.org | NEW YORK STATE CANALWAY WATER TRAIL GUIDEBOOK 197 Erie Canal–Halfmoon

E Mile 5.96, north side 42.806922 -73.748486 E Mile 4.50, south side 42.820099 -73.729900 Crescent Boat Club Freddie’s Park 142 Canal Road 22 North Schermerhorn Road Halfmoon, NY 12065 Cohoes, NY 12047 (518) 371-9864 Picnic tables. Car top launch, crescentboatclub.com FACILITIES: beach landing. Parking for 10 cars. Distance FACILITIES: Electric, wi-fi, water, restrooms, from parking about 150 feet. showers, picnic tables, grills, overnight RV The water around the launch area is heavily parking. vegetated. Remnants of the south abutments Private yacht club. of the Crescent Aqueduct can be seen near the launch area. E Mile 4.72, north side 42.822451 -73.735934 E Mile 4.32, south side 42.820753 -73.727705 Halfmoon-Crescent Park 1 Old Canal Road Albany Marine Services Halfmoon, NY 12065 1395 New Loudon Road Cohoes, NY 12047 Picnic tables. Car top launch, FACILITIES: (518) 783-5333 beach landing. Parking for eight cars. albanymarine.wixsite.com/mysite Distance from parking about 100 feet. FACILITIES: Electric, water, restrooms, E Mile 4.55 42.821445 -73.731670 showers. Low docks, concrete ramp. Bridge E6, Loudon Road (NY 9) Private marina.

E Mile 4.50, north side 42.823199 -73.731399 CAPITAL REGION Crescent Terminal Wall The Mohawk and Hudson Rivers meet Terminal Road here, near the second-largest waterfall Halfmoon, NY 12065 in New York, the Cohoes Falls. See FACILITIES: Hand launch under development, the eastern terminus of the Erie Canal portable toilets, convenience store nearby. and marvel at the engineering genius that unlocked waterway travel west The ruins of the north abutments of the Crescent from Albany. Start your paddle trip in Aqueduct (officially, the Lower Mohawk River Waterford. You’ll find a concentration of Aqueduct) can be seen at the west end of the interesting sites and services, as well as wall. The Crescent Aqueduct was built in 1840 good visitor information. to carry the Enlarged Erie Canal across the Mohawk River to a 12-mile section that stretched west to the Rexford Aqueduct. It was the FOR MORE INFORMATION: longest aqueduct on the Erie Canal—1,160 feet More information about things to do in long with 26 arches. The aqueduct was the Capital Region, including dining and removed in 1915 to allow boats to pass lodging, is available from albany.org. through the canalized river. Only the north and south abutments remain visible today.

198 NEW YORK STATE CANALWAY WATER TRAIL GUIDEBOOK | eriecanalway.org Erie Canal

WATERFORD

Waterford is the oldest continuously incorpo annual Canal Fest is held in mid-May. A rated village in the United States. It is the farmer’s market takes place on the canalfront eastern terminus of the Erie Canal and the promenade near the visitor center at Lock 2 southern terminus of the Champlain Canal. on Sunday mornings during canal season. The opening of the Waterford Flight of Locks Restaurants, shops and other services are in 1915 transformed Waterford from a small within walking distance from the Lock 2 village along the old Champlain Canal into Visitor Center. The best places to launch are the eastern gateway to the Erie Canal. from the Waterford Point Boat Ramp, Peebles Waterford is home to the Tugboat Round- Island State Park, and Alcathy’s Boat Ramp up held each September. It is the largest above Lock 6. annual tugboat festival in the Northeast. The

PLACES OF INTEREST OFF THE WATER

42.789057 -73.708922 42.695071 -73.780909 Cohoes Falls The Waterford Historical Museum North Mohawk Street 2 Museum Lane Cohoes NY 12047 Waterford, NY 12188 friendsofcohoesfalls.org (518) 238-0809 waterfordmuseum.com The spectacular 85-foot Cohoes Falls on the Mohawk River is a must-see destination that was pivotal to construction of the Erie 42.793952 -73.67866 Canal and the industrialization of America. Old Champlain Canal Towpath During the 1820s, engineers constructed NY 32, Short 5th Street 18 locks on the Erie Canal threading through Waterford NY 12188 Cohoes to lift and lower boats around the (518) 237-0810 falls. The falls also supplied water power for Harmony Mills and other Cohoes textile Beginning at Lock 2 Park, follow this companies. In 1915, the falls were harnessed walking and bike trail south for about one for hydroelectric power at the School Street mile to see Old Champlain Canal Lock 4 Hydroelectric Facility. and Lock 5, the old weigh lock, and Falls View Park is located at the north several sidecut locks, all dating from the edge of the Harmony Mills National Historic Enlarged era. Landmark District on North Mohawk Street. This park is open May through November. Open year round, Overlook Park on School Street is another spot to see the falls.

eriecanalway.org | NEW YORK STATE CANALWAY WATER TRAIL GUIDEBOOK 199 Erie Canal–Waterford Stefanie Obkirchner

Waterford Flight

E Mile 3.02, north side 42.807890 -73.714510 PADDLECRAFT RENTALS Alcathy’s Boat Launch 42.785696 -73.677617 (Flight Lock Road Boat Launch) Western end of Flight Lock Road Upstate Kayak Rentals Waterford, NY 12188 Flight Lock Road Waterford, NY 12188 FACILITIES: Portable toilet at Guard Gate 2 (518) 209-1063 (0.25 mile east on Flight Lock Road). Ramp, upstatekayakrentals.com low dock, beach landing. Parking for 20 cars. Distance from parking about 25 feet. Kayak rentals, traveling adventures, and self-serve kayak rental hubs throughout DEC fishing access site. the Capital Region. In Waterford, they This launch is an outstanding starting point are located at the Waterford Point Boat for paddling through the Waterford Flight of Ramp. Locks. There are no services accessible to paddlers until Lock 2 at Waterford Harbor.

200 NEW YORK STATE CANALWAY WATER TRAIL GUIDEBOOK | eriecanalway.org Erie Canal–Waterford

THE WATERFORD FLIGHT

PADDLING THE WATERFORD FLIGHT: Erie Canal Locks 2 through 6 make up the Waterford Flight, a set of five locks with a total lift of 169 feet in just over 1.5 miles. Until recently, these locks were the highest lift in the shortest span in the world. Paddling through the flight makes an outstanding half-day trip, with dramatic scenery, towering locks, and pleasant, easy paddling. Here are a few things of note to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey: • Safety first! Always wear life jackets. Beware of large boats traversing through the Flight. • Allow two to three hours to complete the trip and arrive at Waterford Harbor. • We recommend putting in at Alcathy’s and taking out at Waterford Point Boat Ramp. Leave a vehicle at the take out point to facilitate your return at the end. • There are no services accessible to paddlers and no take-out points until you reach Waterford Harbor. • This trip takes you through two guard gates and five locks. Each lock takes about 20 minutes. Call ahead to alert lock operators of your journey so they are prepared to open gates and locks. • As you start out, stay to the right hand shoreline to enter the canal channel. You’ll paddle through a 0.50-mile long deep rock cut carved in the greywacke shale that forms the crest of Cohoes Falls. • Large stilling pools between the locks ensure an ample supply of water for the locks and prevent overflow as the massive chambers empty and fill. The slab-on-pier guide walls between Locks E6 and Lock E5 allow the free flow of water into and out of the stilling pools. Stay in the channel; do not attempt to get out and walk on the concrete slabs.

HISTORY OF THE WATERFORD FLIGHT: This remarkable engineering accomplishment was constructed between 1910 and 1915 to bypass the 85-foot barrier of Cohoes Falls on the Mohawk River. The original Erie Canal used 18 locks in Cohoes to lift and lower boats past the Great Falls of the Mohawk (as Cohoes Falls was known then). The Enlarged Erie Canal replaced those locks with 16 pairs of longer double locks following a slightly different route. Barge Canal engineers decided on a completely different approach. They used an Ice Age overflow channel that opened onto the Hudson River about 2.5 miles north of the falls. The five locks of the Waterford Flight, with lifts ranging from 32.5 to 34.5 feet, were completed in 1915.

eriecanalway.org | NEW YORK STATE CANALWAY WATER TRAIL GUIDEBOOK 201 Erie Canal–Waterford

Alcathy’s Boat Launch MID 0 0.5 Miles DL ETO E Mile 3.02 WN 0 0.5 Kilometers

R Guard Gate 2, F D 97 ON >= D Crescent A E Mile 2.77 96 ERIE >= RD

Guard Gate 1, Lock E6, Waterford 4 Crescent E Mile 2.15 0/ E Mile 2.52 Lock E5, Waterford E Mile 1.87 Waterford Point C E6 R E5 E Crescent Dam Boat Ramp/Upstate S C E N E4 Kayak Rentals T E Mile 0.28 Crescent Hydroelectric Plant Lock E4, Waterford CANAL (1925 FERC P-4678) 32 R E Mile 1.60 ml r D e RD Old Champlain iv M Lock E3, Waterford Canal Towpath R o R h E E Mile 1.09 ST IV a R w E3 FONDA k Schaghticoke RD NYS Canal Shops, Waterford 3RD

N Waterford Boat Ramp O R T Old Champlain Canal C Mile 1.51 H

D R E Lock E2, Waterford W K E I Cohoes Falls N P E Mile 0.63 126 N E2 TH R M ST U

O T

A Waterford Harbor Visitor Center W K E Mile 0.47, north side ANOR M 4 AV L River I 0/ A

ST D

S I

DR Lansingburgh

S Peebles Island E Boat Ramp L D

B A E C Mile 0.27 T State Park O S E R P L I E Mile 0.47 A T R VLIE Waterford Historical Museum

R ONTARIO E T M S ST Start of Barge S LUM E CO BIA ST N ml470 Canal Maintenance, V 1 470 Cohoes A 12TH ml ST 0.0 on Water Trail 787 SARATOGA ml S T B R I AV D E G n E R A o V A AV W s A d L 32 E u ml D 4 S H 0/ a

lt D N 107TH

2 5TH ST

S PRING ST Troy D Y K K E ill AV

202 NEW YORK STATE CANALWAY WATER TRAIL GUIDEBOOK | eriecanalway.org Erie Canal–Waterford

E Mile 2.80, south side 42.805801 -73.718219 E Mile 2.15 42.802860 -73.701729 Crescent Dam, Cohoes Lock E6, Waterford The massive Crescent Dam on the south side 77 Flight Lock Road is visible. Built in 1911, the 1,922 foot long dam Waterford, NY 12188 consists of two curved sections separated by (518) 237-4014 a rocky island. 33 feet. The Crescent Dam spans the Mohawk LIFT: River; from this point to the junction with the FACILITIES: Portable toilet, picnic tables, Hudson River in Waterford, the Erie Canal is a viewing platform. Tie up at the western walls. true canal of locks and walls. Facilities are difficult for paddlers to access at this location due to steep canal walls. PADDLING NOTE: The current near the dam is strong. Do not approach within 100 feet. Paddle to the north to enter the walled canal. E Mile 1.87 42.802159 -73.696289 Lock E5, Waterford E Mile 2.78 42.804888 -73.713492 55 Flight Lock Road Bridge E5, Flight Lock Road Waterford, NY 12188 (518) 237-0821

E Mile 2.77 42.804896 -73.713357 LIFT: 33.3 feet. Guard Gate 2, Crescent The slab-on-pier guide walls between Lock Eastbound paddlers must call E5 and Lock E4 allow the free flow of water (518) 237-0833 or VHF 13 to open. into and out of the stilling pools.

PADDLING NOTE: Guard Gate 2 is the entry point to the five interconnected locks that E Mile 1.60 42.800779 -73.691420 make up the Waterford Flight. Once you Lock E4, Waterford begin paddling this route, you must continue 25 Flight Lock Road to the end. Waterford, NY 12188 (518) 237-0818 E Mile 2.52 42.803407 -73.708912 LIFT: 34.5 feet. Guard Gate 1, Crescent Guard Gate 2 and Guard Gate 1 both protect E Mile 1.10, south side 42.794152 -73.687471 the Waterford Flight from flooding and allow for maintenance and seasonal drawdowns. NYS Canal Maintenance Shops, Waterford The role is so important that canal engineers The entrance to the canal shops and drydock put in two guard gates just a 0.25-mile apart. is on the south side. The shops repair NYS They raise and lower alternately to protect the Corporation boats and locks in the eastern flight. Be prepared for drips as you pass end of the system. underneath. PADDLING NOTE: Do not enter the canal shops area. Watch out for workboats near the entrance.

eriecanalway.org | NEW YORK STATE CANALWAY WATER TRAIL GUIDEBOOK 203 Erie Canal–Waterford

E Mile 1.09 42.794859 -73.686130 E Mile 0.47, north side 42.787427 -73.679522 Lock E3, Waterford Waterford Harbor Visitor Center 48 Washington Avenue One Tugboat Alley Waterford, NY 12188 Waterford, NY 12188 (518) 237-0812 (518) 233-9123 town.waterford.ny.us LIFT: 34.5 feet. FACILITIES: Electric, wi-fi, water, restrooms, E Mile 0.97 42.793284 -73.685255 showers. Shops and restaurants in Waterford are a short walk away. Volunteers provide Bridge E4, CP railroad visitor information. Visitor Center can be accessed from the Waterford Point Boat E Mile 0.84 42.791589 -73.684201 Ramp 0.19 of a mile east. Bridge E3, Saratoga Avenue (NY 32) E Mile 0.47 42.783985 -73.680702 E Mile 0.63 42.789120 -73.681800 Peebles Island State Park Lock E2, Waterford 1 Delaware Avenue NY 32, Short 5th Street Waterford, NY 12188 Waterford, NY 12188 parks.ny.gov (518) 237-0810 FACILITIES: Water, restrooms, picnic tables, LIFT: 33.6 feet. grills, pavilion, hiking trails. Car top launch, beach landing. Parking for 40 cars. Open FACILITIES: Picnic tables. Facilities are difficult during daylight hours. Distance from parking for paddlers to access at this location due to about 535 feet. Shops and restaurants in steep canal walls. Waterford are a short walk away over the Lock E2 is the easternmost lock of the Erie Delaware Avenue Bridge. Canal. The park on the north side of the lock The 90-acre Peebles Island State Park is is a good way to see the old Champlain located at the confluence of the Mohawk and Sidecut, a flight of five locks that provided an Hudson Rivers. The park is accessible by a alternate link from the old Champlain Canal bridge over the Erie Canal or from the water to the Hudson River. The stone lock chambers using the launch on the east side of the now serve as a spillway for Lock E2. This is a Island on the Hudson River near the Observa- good place to compare the scale of 19th and tion Deck or the dock at the northern end of 20th century canal structures side-by-side. the island on the Erie Canal. Hiking trails around the island with cliffs, water views, and E Mile 0.57 42.788490 -73.680979 mature oak woodland. Peebles Island is headquarters to the Erie Canalway National Bridge E2, 4th Street Heritage Corridor. PADDLING NOTE: The stretch from here to the Hudson can be one of the busiest places on the canal. Watch out for powerboats, tugs E Mile 0.41 42.786381 -73.679336 and barges. Bridge E1, 2nd Street (Peebles Island Road)

204 NEW YORK STATE CANALWAY WATER TRAIL GUIDEBOOK | eriecanalway.org Erie Canal–Waterford Richard Endres

Waterford Harbor

E Mile 0.28, north side 42.785539 -73.677449 Waterford Point Boat Ramp Confluence of Erie and Champlain Canals CHAMPLAIN Battery Park, First and Front Streets CANAL Waterford, NY 12188 The Champlain region is rich in history, FACILITIES: Concrete ramp, low dock, beach starting with Dutch and French explora- landing. Parking for 10 cars; overnight parking tions. It was a strategic location during permitted. Distance from parking about 20 feet. the Revolutionary War. The Champlain Walk to restrooms, showers, and information Canal was a critical north-south at the Waterford Harbor Visitor Center. transportation route that complemented Upstate Kayak Rentals is located here. the east-west Erie Canal.

Water Trail sites along the Champlain Canal can be found starting on page 238.

eriecanalway.org | NEW YORK STATE CANALWAY WATER TRAIL GUIDEBOOK 205