Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor
Overview
Experience the canal that transformed America! Explore the Erie Canal and discover the legendary waterway that put New York on the map as the Empire State and opened the nation.
Travel by boat, bike, car, or simply visit online. You'll find engineering marvels, historic vessels and canal sites, and lively Main Streets, along with great recreational opportunities and hundreds of festivals and events. More than 500 miles of navigable waterway and 200 distinctive communities stretching across the full expanse of upstate New York are here to explore.
The National Heritage Corridor extends from Albany to Buffalo along the Erie Canal and also includes the Champlain, Cayuga-Seneca, and Oswego Canals. In the Capital Region, start your visit at the Waterford Harbor Visitor Center at the eastern gateway to the Erie Canal and southern entryway to the Champlain Canal. There are numerous canal historic sites in the area, including the impressive Waterford Flight of locks, which lift boats 196 feet in less than one mile. Enjoy waterfront parks and viewing sites at each lock. Boat launch and kayak rentals are available at the Waterford Harbor. The 365-mile Erie Canalway Trail begins in Albany and extends west to Buffalo.
Amenities
- Open August
- Open July
- Open June
- Open May
- Open October
- Open September
- Public Restroom
- Self-Guided Tours
