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New York

New York State Canalway Water Trail

The NYS Canalway Water Trail is comprised of over 450 miles of land cut canals, interconnected lakes and rivers with more than 150 public access points for paddlers. The water trail follows the NYS Canal System across the full expanse of Upstate New York, offering visitors a wealth of places to visit and sights to see. The waterway flows through time and history, connecting magnificent scenery and communities, many of which have been welcoming canal travelers for nearly 200 years.

 

Location: The NYS Canalway Water Trail is located in upstate New York and include 450-miles of the Erie, Cayuga-Seneca, Champlain and Oswego canals and the five-mile Feeder Canal.
State(s): New York
Counties: See full list of counties attached
Longitude: -76.332800
Latitude: 43.155830

Driving Directions

There are more than 150 access points between Tonawanda to Waterford on the Erie Canal; Kipp Island to Seneca Lake on the Cayuga-Seneca Canal; Whitehall to Waterford on the Champlain Canal and Phoenix to Oswego on the Oswego Canal, and Queensbury to Hudson Falls on the Feeder Canal.

Description

The NYS Canalway Water Trail is comprised of over 450 miles of land cut canals, interconnected lakes and rivers with more than 150 public access points for paddlers. The water trail follows the NYS Canal System across the full expanse of Upstate New York, offering visitors a wealth of places to visit and sights to see. The waterway flows through time and history, connecting magnificent scenery and communities, many of which have been welcoming canal travelers for 200 years.
The NYS Canalway Water Trail is part of the NYS Canal System which has been in continuous operation since 1825, longer than any other constructed transportation system in North America. Since its opening, the canal has been enlarged three times to accommodate more traffic and larger vessels. The system is managed and operated by the NYS Canal Corporation, a subsidiary of the New York Power Authority. The Canal Corporation is our partner in developing the Water Trail.
The Water Trail is distinct from many other water trails in that it is an engineered waterway and a historic canal. Paddlers and boaters navigate century-old locks, pass by historic stone aqueducts, paddle alongside tugboats and cruisers, experience narrow flatwater stretches and wide river segments. Unique features such as 57 locks, 15 lift bridges, eight movable dams, guard gates, and power houses all regulate the flow of water and enable boats to transit changing elevations.
Paddlers experience a diversity of birds and wildlife, unique geology and varying terrain. The waterway offers a mix of urban, suburban, pastoral, natural, and industrial settings. While canal technology remains the same, its use has evolved from commercial to recreational and Water Trail usage has adapted with the times.
Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor (Erie Canalway) has taken a leadership role in developing the Water Trail and programs to create connections to diverse communities and promote education, health and fitness, tourism, and economic development. Through Erie Canalway programs such as Water Trail Stewardship, Canalway Challenge, Ticket to Ride, and resources such as our guidebook and maps, websites (eriecanalway.org; nycanalmap.com), Facebook group (facebook.com/groups/nyscanalwaywatertrail) and paddling events, the Water Trail is experiencing growth and new audiences.
The Water Trail Stewardship Program was launched in May 2021. The first-year goal was to have 10 adopted sections or approximately 100 miles adopted. Erie Canalway surpassed that goal and have 23 sections adopted by over 40 active volunteers. Volunteers range from ages 15 to 75, represent individuals, families and groups, and bring a variety of experiences and skills. Their roles include maintaining launch sites on shore and in the water, acting as ambassadors, and communicating about conditions and issues on the trail. See www.eriecanalway.org/watertrail/stewardship
Canalway Challenge is a free program developed to encourage visitors to the NYS Canalway Water Trail and Canalway Trail. Participants can sign up for a personal mileage goal, track their miles while paddling, running, walking, or cycling, and discover all there is to do along New York’s canals. Trip itineraries, Hot on the Trail (things to see and do), Best Bet Paddling trips are additional resources for challenge participants. See www.canalwaychallenge.org
The Ticket to Ride and Every Kid Outdoors Program provides funding to help teachers and school districts take advantage of educational field trips to the Erie Canal and designated museums and historic canal sites. The program covers both bus and tour fees. The program also gives teachers access to lesson plans and document-based questions. A new curriculum is underway to incorporate STEAM into the program. See www.eriecanalway.org/learn/teachers
Through Erie Canalway’s leadership, 450 miles of the NYS Canal System was designated a National Historic Landmark Historic District in 2016. The designation specifically recognizes the canal for its role in shaping the American economy and settlement, as an embodiment of the Progressive Era emphasis on public works, and as a nationally significant work of early 20th century engineering and construction. The NYS Canal System is remarkable in its span, scope, and historical integrity. See www.eriecanalway.org/resources/NHL
Historically, the Erie Canal has been a significant commercial and cultural driver throughout Upstate New York. The canal system continues to contribute to New York’s sense of place and serve as an economic generator.

Additional Details

Primary Surface: Not Available
Secondary Surface: Water, rapids
Water, moderate moving
Water, slow moving
Water, still
Grass or vegetation
Rock, boulders
Rock, smooth
Snow or ice

Elevation Low Point: Not Available
Elevation High Point: Not Available
Elevation Gain (cumulative): Not Available

Year Designated: 2022

Supporting Webpages and Documents

Brochure: Saratoga Boat Ramp, Schuylerville
Brochure: Paddle the Mohawk Valley event flyer
Brochure: Stewardship Plan
Brochure: Guidebook Postcard - Front
Brochure: Guidebook Postcard - Back
Brochure: Planning Guide for Events on NYS Canalway Water Trail
Other: Water Trail Stewardship Orientation
Other: NYS Canalway Water Trail E-News October 2021
Other: Ticket to Ride Teacher Lesson Plans/DBQs
Other: Stewards Volunteer Handbook
Other: Stewardship Program Press Release
Other: Montgomery County Stewardship Plan
Other: Lock Operator Reference
Other: Safety Update
Other: Stewardship Plan
Other: Water Trail Advisory Committee Meeting
Other: Water Trail Advisory Committee
Website: NYS Canalway Water Trail
Website: NYcanalmap.com
Website: Canalway Challenge
Website: NYS Canalway Water Trail Stewardship
Website: NYS Canalway Water Trail Paddling Trips
Website: NYS Canalway Water Trail Safety

Contact Information

For more information and current conditions, contact the trail manager (listed below). For questions, suggestions, and corrections to information listed on the website, contact American Trails.

Public Contact:
Mona Caron
Program Manager
Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor
PO Box 219
Waterford, NY 12188
518-237-7000 x204
[email protected]

Trail Management:
Sasha Del Peral
Trail Manager
NYS Canal Corporation
30 South Pearl Street
Albany, NY 12207
518-449-6036
[email protected]

Trail Management:
Mona Caron
Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor
PO Box 219
Waterford, NY 12188
(518)237-7000 x204
[email protected]

Trail Management:
Sasha Del Peral
Trail Manager
NYS Canal Corporation
30 South Pearl Street
Albany, NY 12207
(518)449-6036
[email protected]