Champlain Canal Trails

The New York State Canal System
Waterford to Whitehall

From Waterford to Whitehall, along Route 4 and the Hudson River/Champlain Canal is one of America's most historic transportation routes.

Situated at the confluence of two of the most beautiful and historic rivers in the world, the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers, Waterford's life, commerce, and industry, have been dominated by the water since its first settlements. Peebles Island State Park offers a historical view of the rivers as well as nature trails open year round.

The Village of Waterford, awash in canal tradition, was the first incorporated village in the United States. The Champlain, Barge, and Erie Canals all begin in Waterford. With the new Waterford Visitors' Center and canalside parks and promenades, Waterford looks again to the water to play an important role in its economy in the 21st Century. Not only boaters, but all who are interested in the rich history of New York's canals, are welcomed to this community - the Gateway to the New York State Canals.

The Waterford Flight of Locks is the highest lift of locks in the shortest distance anywhere in the world, extending 1.5 miles and lifting boats to an elevation of 169 feet. Boaters can continue to "lock" their way along the Hudson from Waterford to Lake Champlain.


Traveling north along the Hudson River/Champlain Canal you will find the Waterford Museum and Cultural Center overlooking the old Champlain Canal. Travelers by bike, boat or car will pass through the historic communities of Halfmoon, Mechanicville and Stillwater.

         

Fort Miller and Fort Edward sit aside the historic waterway connecting the Hudson River with Lake Champlain. The Old Fort Museum in Fort Edward houses collections of early 19th Century domestic artifacts. Fort Edward was the base for Roger's Rangers during the French and Indian War, and a collection of 18th Century military artifacts can be found at Rogers Island Visitors Center. Bikers along "Bike Route 9" and hikers will enjoy several trails along the Old Champlain Canal including the Glens Falls Feeder Canal, a 7 mile 10' linear path connecting the City of Glens Falls, Hudson Falls and Fort Edward.

The historic Village of Whitehall is the birthplace of the American Navy. The Village was founded in 1779 by British Captain Philip Skene. The Whitehall Urban Cultural Park Visitors' Center/Skenesborough museum displays ship models from 1776 and the War of 1812. This historic village features over 30 examples of 19th Century architecture, and serves as the gateway to Lake Champlain.

For more information contact:

New York State Canal System
1-800-4-CANAL-4
www.canals.state.ny.us

Washington County Tourism Office
888-203-8622
www.washingtoncounty.org

Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce
1-800-526-8970
www.saratoga.org

The New York Independence Waterways Trail

The New York Independence Trail invites you to explore the historic waterways of eastern New York. The strategic pulse of French and Indian and Revolutionary War-era America, New York's waterways linked colonies, transported troops and supplies, defined borders, and were pivotal in the successful British campaign against the French, and in the American victory in the Revolution.

Waterways were the natural superhighways of the late 18th century. From the St. Lawrence River to the shores of Lake Champlain, to the clear blue waters of Lake George, and the Mohawk River, to the mighty Hudson River, battles raged and sacrifices were made. Relive our legacy and travel along The New York Independence Waterways Trail.

The New York Independence Trail provides the road map for a self-guided tour of locations critical to the founding of America. The Trail can be accessed at virtually any point along the north-south route between the Canadian border and New York City, or traveled in its entirety for a complete heritage tourism experience. Embark on your historic trip today!

Many of the sites along the trail can be accessed by car, bicycle, foot, kayak, pleasure craft or tour boat. Some are large museums and restored forts; others are noted with simple signs and markers. All invite you to relive the Birth of Our Great Nation.

Cruise the Lake Champlain Canal to Whitehall, where Benedict Arnold oversaw the construction of America's first gunships, earning Whitehall the title, "Birthplace of the United States Navy."

Visit the site of the Battle of Valcour Island where an American fleet commanded by Arnold helped to foil the British plan to divide the colonies in 1776. One of Arnold's gunboats, scuttled during the night-time retreat, was discovered in Lake Champlain in 1997.

Hike the trails of Mount Independence, the site of an American Revolutionary War complex built to gurard against a British attack from Canada.

Dive the waters of Lake George for a first-hand look at the sunken 1758 Radeau Land Tortoise, the oldest intact warship in North America, deliberately scuttled, then discovered by underwater archaeologists in 1990.

Drop anchor and soak in the history of the islands of Lake George where soldiers camped, prisoners were held and battles were waged.

Climb to the top of Rogers Rock where Major Robert Rogers was chased by Indian and French soldiers.

Thrill in a living history tour of the reconstructed Fort William Henry where 2,200 colonial defenders valiantly repelled attacks from French troops until the siege by General Montcalm in 1757.

Picnic amidst the dramatic history of Lake George Battlefield Park, the site of military engagements during both the French and Indian and Revolutionary wars.

Not far from Cooper's Cave, visit the Historic Feeder Canal Park adjacent to the towpath that linked Glens Falls to the original Champlain Canal.

A short trip from the Hudson River, tour the site of the famed Battles of Saratoga - the turning point of the Revolution. The American victory over General John Burgoyne proved to the world that the American Continental Army was a force to be reckoned with and encouraged the European community to support the American cause.

Stop by Fort Hardy Park to see the commemorative "Surrender Tree" where Burgoyne admitted defeat and signed the Convention of Saratoga in 1777.

Dock in Fort Edward and visit the site of Jane McCrea's murder - an event that enraged and rallied American militia. Within walking distance are the Rogers Island Visitors Center and the Old Fort House Museum, the only surviving building that headquartered both British and American generals.

For more information call 1-866-OUR-TRAIL or visit www.independencetrail.org

New York State Bike Route 9
888-BIKENYS

Amtrak-Adirondack
1-800-USA-RAIL
www.amtrak.com/trains/adirondack.html

The Adirondack travels from New York City through the lush wine country of the Hudson Valley and transports you to numerous stops along Lakes to Locks Passage. For 50 miles or so, the train hugs the scenic western shoreline of Lake Champlain, a year-round fishing and boating paradise, and a particularly dramatic sight during fall foliage season. Connect to the Lake George Region at Fort Edward-Glens Falls via the Amtrak Train-Catcher Service ( www.agftc.org ) At the end of the line is Montreal - a distinctive, Parisian-style city that's yours to explore.

Slate Valley Tours

Driving Tour

A self-guided driving tour of sites related to the slate industry.  Slate has been used for many purposes in the Slate Valley over the last 150 years for roofs, sidewalks, cladding, sculping and landscaping.  This tour will point out some spectacular examples and takes approximately 2 hours, covering 30 miles.

Walking Tour

A self-guided walking tour of Granville showing the many distinctive, creative and unique uses of slate.  The tour takes approximately 1 hour, three-quarters of which is an easy walk on flat ground.  It takes you past homes, churches and other landmarks with notable uses of slate. Look everywhere, its all around.

For these brochures contact the Slate Valley Museum, 17 Water Street, Granville, NY  12832 (518) 642-1417  www.slatevalleymuseum.org