Explore the Canalway Water Trail

By Mona Caron

Engineering marvels, historic canal structures, small towns and big cities, along with great paddling and recreational opportunities are all on the NYS Canalway Water Trail. Discover the Water Trail this summer – a 450-mile-long system of manmade canals and interconnected lakes and rivers and includes the Erie, Champlain, Cayuga-Seneca, and Oswego canals. There’s so much to enjoy along the waterways!

Canal History – The canal system has been in continuous operation since 1825, longer than any other constructed transportation system in North America. Since its opening, it has been enlarged three times, rerouted, and even had a few name changes, including Clinton’s Ditch, Enlarged Erie Canal and the Barge Canal. In 2000, the U.S. Congress recognized the Erie Canal’s national significance by establishing the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. And, in 2016 the NYS Canal System was designated a National Historic Landmark. Once limited to commercial use, the canals have evolved into a recreational and tourist destination. 

Paddling the Water Trail – In recent years, the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, in partnership with the NYS Canal Corporation, has been leading the effort to develop the canal system as a world-class destination for recreational paddlers. Recent initiatives have made it easier to explore the waterway. 

The Water Trail has over 140 launch sites across the state starting on the western end of the Erie Canal in Tonawanda (north of Buffalo) to the east in Waterford (north of Albany), and heading north on the Champlain Canal to Whitehall (east of Lake George). It also includes the Cayuga-Seneca and Oswego canals. More launches are being added every year by municipalities who see the waterway as a recreational asset for their communities. This year the canal system opens on May 21 for end-to-end navigation.

What makes paddling the NYS Canalway Water Trail so unique from other water trails? It’s the centuries old locks, stone aqueducts, and towns and cities that grew around the canal. Paddlers will find a diverse waterway with narrow, calm sections and wide river segments, urban to rural landscapes, geological features, birds and wildlife. 

Launch sites are found in nearly every community so you won’t have far to travel to start your backyard adventure. NYS Canalway Water Trail signs were installed last year to identify safe locations to put-in/take-out. Look for the trail signs to assist you in finding the launch. 

Last summer, Canal Corporation introduced the “Staycation” at several locations by partnering with local businesses. Participants discovered the canals by paddling or bicycling. The program was a hit with every excursion selling out in advance. The 2021 Staycations will be announced in May: canals.ny.gov.

Erie Canalway published the NYS Canalway Water Trail Guidebook and Map Set for paddlers in 2019. It’s a mile-by-mile guide including launch sites, paddler friendly facilities, and places of interest for over 450 miles. The guidebook features how to go through a lock, plan a day trip or multiday journey, and what you can see and do on/off the water. The set includes four water-resistant maps. Order your copy at eriecanalway.org/watertrail. 

Best Bet Trips – The guidebook and Erie Canalway website highlight several paddling trips. In the Capital Region, the Waterford Flight is a hidden gem that is centrally located and is quite spectacular. Erie Canal Locks 2 through 6 have a total lift of 169 feet in just over 1.5 miles. It’s a half-day trip with beautiful scenery, towering locks and easy paddling. Start at Alcathy’s Boat Launch at the end of Flight Lock Road in Waterford and head east for 2.5 miles to Waterford at the confluence of the Mohawk and Hudson rivers. If you’re looking to do more, explore Peebles Island State Park and the Hudson River.

On the Champlain Canal, launch from Hudson Crossing Park in Schuylerville and head south to Stillwater’s Hudson Riverfront Park. It’s almost nine miles of straight paddling. You’ll pass Fort Hardy Park, the mouths of the Battenkill River and Fish Creek, and the historic Schuyler House. If you want something shorter, just explore these points of interest in the Schuylerville area.

Rentals and Outfitters – If you don’t own your own kayak, canoe or SUP, it’s easy to find a rental outfitter along the water trail. Upstate Kayak Rentals has several self-serve and walk-up kiosks from Mohawk Harbor in Schenectady to the Waterford Boat Ramp, across from Peebles Island. New rental kiosks are opening this summer at Port Jackson, Amsterdam; Vischer Ferry Nature & Historic Preserve in Clifton Park; and Hudson Crossing Park in Schuylerville. You can also visit Mountainman Outdoors or other outfitters in the region to purchase boats, gear and apparel.

Stewardship – With an increase in use and awareness, caring for the water trail is needed for the continued enjoyment for all users. This spring, Erie Canalway is launching a new volunteer-based Water Trail Stewardship Program to care for the waterway and launch sites, be the “eyes and ears” on the trail and act as friendly ambassadors with visitors. Stewards can choose a section between six and 12 miles and volunteer four to six hours per month from May through October. Stewardship is open to individuals, families and community groups, not just paddlers. Volunteers must be at least 12 years old with adult supervision. It’s a great way to get outdoors, give back to your community, and have fun! Learn more at eriecanalway.org/watertrail. 

Water Trail Community – The water trail has an active Facebook group with nearly 1,800 members and growing every month. This group is for kayakers, canoeists and SUPers who have paddled or are planning to paddle the NYS Canal System. Members ask questions, post photos, share info, and meet others who share a passion for paddling the canals. Join at facebook.com/groups/nyscanalwaywatertrail. Not on Facebook? You can also sign up for Erie Canalway’s monthly E-news for the latest news, featured best bet trips, paddling events and more. To sign up, visit eriecanalway.org.

Canal Lodging – Camping along the canal is allowed at several designated Biker-Hiker-Boater campsites. These tent-only campsites have space for four tents and some offer water, restrooms, picnic tables. Contact Canal Corporation in advance to confirm facility availability. Camping is also permitted at most locks on a first-come, first-served basis by contacting the lock operator. For details, go to canals.ny.gov. For those planning a multiday trip without camping, there are plenty of hotels, motels, and B&Bs along the way.

Paddle the Mohawk – Come experience the water trail with a group excursion. On August 7, Paddle the Mohawk will launch from Schoharie Crossing in Fort Hunter and head east to Port Jackson in Amsterdam. Paddle the scenic and historic Mohawk River through Erie Canal Locks 11 and 12 and past several islands on this half-day trip. Total distance is 5.5 miles. A complimentary shuttle and boxed lunch will be included with registration. All NYS and Montgomery County Covid-19 safety precautions will be followed. Stay tuned for registration to open in May. Afterwards, head to Amsterdam’s Riverfest at Riverlink Park to enjoy music, vendors, water-ski shows and more.

Safety – Always remember to wear a properly fitting PFD when paddling in any body of water. A whistle, light, float plan, and wicking clothes for the weather are also good safety measures. NYS Navigation laws require use of PFDs between November 1 and May 1. Learn more at wearitnewyork.com.

Track Your Miles – Challenge yourself by tracking your miles for the Canalway Challenge! Sign up for a mileage goal of 15, 90, 180 or 360 miles and paddle the water trail, or bike, run or walk the Canalway Trail – it all counts! Try one of the recommended paddling trips and check out what’s “Hot on the Trail.” This year finishers will receive a Canalway Challenge Finisher patch, plus other cool swag. Sign up and find paddling and biking trip planning resources, for adults and families, at canalwaychallenge.org.

See you on the Canalway Water Trail this summer! 

Mona Caron (mona_caron@partner.nps.gov) is a program manager with Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.