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
T
he 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 Half-moon 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 weigh lock 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. The 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 Canal Fest and the Tugboat Roundup: to be held
this year on May 11 and September , 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 or on the web via this link.
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.
Re-printed with
permission from
and thanks to
Capt. John C. Callaghan
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