 Take a Cruise
Relax and enjoy the tranquil waters of New York's canals. From a dinner cruise to 12 day vacation.
Where to Stay?
Find the right place to stay in the Bed and Breakfast section.
NYcanal Open Forum
Ask questions and get answers. Post a comment or share some knowledge.
Free List
Request a free list of tour, cruise, charter and rental boat operators. |  |
Capt. John C. Callaghan -
Just north of Albany, the moody Mohawk River cascades urgently down the Cohoes Falls into the waters of the mighty Hudson. At this ancient
convergence - a joining of the most natural of New York’s transportation arteries - one finds also a crossroads of a man-made sort. The Champlain and Erie Canals meet here at Waterford, the gateway to New York State’s Barge Canal System.
|
|
For more Information:
Village of Waterford (518) 235-9898
Town of Waterford (518) 235-8184
Village & Town Website
New York State Canal Corporation
1-800-4CANAL4 |
|
The sleepy community formed by the Town and Village of Waterford, New York, represents a throwback to an era gone by. The clock ticks a little slower in this close-knit, blue collar community; just as it
has since Henry Hudson turned the Halfmoon around just a couple short miles north of here. While the history of water-borne commerce here predates the earliest of New York’s canals, heavy maritime traffic was not seen until the nineteenth century. Since the
inception of the original canal system in the early 1800s, Waterfordians have been accustomed to the sight of bargemen plying through their backyards.
The Old Champlain Canal, which is still one of Waterford’s greatest assets (albeit no longer navigable), still ambles lazily through the center of
town. The Waterford Sidecut, a system of locks used to bypass a weighlock on the old system, is similarly prominent and is located next to the current Erie Lock 2. These two waterways brought canal traffic through Waterford when the actual Erie Canal was located
several miles south. At the turn of the century, however, Waterford’s busiest canal days still lay ahead.
Recreational traffic on New York State’s inland waterways has increased significantly - due to improved access, cleaner waters, and safer navigation. Communities along these waterways have embraced
this resurgence by improving waterfront facilities for boaters and residents alike. In Waterford, mooring is available at floating docks along the terminal wall, located just below the stately lower gates of Erie Lock 2. Free docking, water, and electric are
available - in addition to pump-out for a small fee. Although power along the floating docks is limited to 30 amps, 60 amps should be available when work on a new dockside Visitor’s Center is completed at the end of this season. Currently, a temporary
facility meets the needs of visitors to the area - providing information, hospitality, and free coffee. The temporary facility is manned by volunteers, but it is a rare occasion that de-facto Dockmaster Del Rettinger is not on hand to catch lines, provide
transportation, or tell sea stories. When manned, the Visitor’s Center monitors VHF channel 13.
The Broad Street pubs and shops that were so popular with commercial boatmen are still just a short walk from the waterfront. Antique stores and assorted eateries are prominent among this eclectic
collection of businesses. Although Waterford’s streets - rich in architectural significance -are a must see, greener spaces are just as popular. Peebles Island State Park, one of Waterford’s many hidden treasures, is located just across the river from
the docks. The Old Champlain Canal Trail proceeds north and south from Erie Lock 2, and is ideal for walking and biking. The southern span of this trail will take you to the Northside Business District, and to the Waterford Museum. The northern span is still under
some construction, but will be completed this summer. Soldiers and Sailors Park, with its impressive monument, keeps a solemn watch over the waters of the majestic Hudson. Sugarloaf Pond Park is a popular spot for walking, jogging, picnicking, and duck
watching.
Many other village and town parks are a short walk from the water. Flight Lock Road takes one along the path of the Waterford Flight of Locks. Currently in use as part of the Erie Canal, this flight of
locks - bypassing the Cohoes Falls just to the south - constitutes the largest lift in the shortest distance on any system in the world! At Lock 6 park, an observation deck removes any doubt as to the veracity of this fact. The Flight stands as an engineering
marvel, and is a testament to the ingenuity and determination of the New Yorkers responsible for the design and construction of the Barge Canal. Flight Lock Road also leads to a boat launch and park area, which serves as a popular spot for those wishing to access
Crescent Lake. A favorite area for recreational boating, water skiing, and fishing - Crescent “Lake” is actually the pool of the Mohawk River above the Cohoes Falls.
One need not stray far from the docks, however. Located adjacent to Erie Lock 2 is the Waterford Sidecut and Lock 2 Park. This area is a popular staging place for waterfront festivals - including
CanalFest and the Tugboat Roundup: to be held this year on May 8 and September 11, respectively. Button Park and Battery Park make up the Linear Canal Promenade below Erie Lock 2. Another boat launch is located at Battery Park. Easily accessible from Broad Street,
the launch can be found at the end of First Street. The Village of Waterford - the oldest continually incorporated village in the United States -also sponsors a “Concert in the Park” series on Saturday evenings over the summer months. Information on what
events might be going on at any given time is available at the Visitor’s Center.
Waterford is a scenic, fun, and easy trip from anywhere on New York’s inland waterways. The docks are located just 2 miles north of the Federal Lock at Troy, which is toll free. Locking through is
safe, easy, and simple with caution and sensible speed. The Federal Lock, like the state locks, monitors VHF Channel 13.
On the New York State Canal System, Waterford is at the easternmost point of the Erie and the southernmost point of the Champlain. Passes for the New York State Canal System are available as you go
through your first lock, and are very reasonable. Of course, with two convenient boat launches, traveling to Waterford with your trailerable by land is also an option. Regardless, Waterford is a enjoyable, frugal trip for anyone.
For more Information:
Village of Waterford (518) 235-9898
Town of Waterford (518) 235-8184
Waterford Welcome Center at (518) 233-9123
Village & Town Website
|
|
|
Back