New York State Canal System

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Photo Courtesy Richard D. Meade

General Description & Characteristics: In the early part of the 19th century the Erie Canal was an important part of America's transportation system. Using mostly existing lakes and rivers, building locks and dams, and excavating for the waterway where necessary, its builders linked Lake Erie to the Hudson River (and the rest of the world). Mule-drawn canal barges plied its waters, and their travails were the stuff of American legend. Unlike most historic canals in the US, the Erie Canal has been maintained, updated, enhanced, and developed. In many locations, the historic canal route was changed to accommodate larger vessels. When commercial traffic no longer justified the existence of this waterway, it the state of New York developed its potential as a recreational waterway. Today this canal system serves as a fabulous resource for cruising, hiking, biking, and general tourism. The New York State Canal System also includes several connecting canals. The Oswego connects the Erie Canal to Lake Ontario, The Cayuga-Seneca Canal connects it to the Finger Lakes, and the Champlain Canal connects the system to Lake Champlain. The system operates between May and November.

Location and Navigable Mileage: The Erie Canal runs east-west in New York, from the Hudson River near Cohoes to Lake Erie at Buffalo. The total mileage of the New York State Canal System is 524 miles, with most of that (over 300) being on the Erie Canal. A total of 60 locks operate on the system. In the east, the canal follows the course of the Mohawk River. The entire system is well documented and promoted by the New York State Canal System; most of the web links below are to their various pages detailing the canal system. Using these and their publications, one will find all the resources needed to plan a cruise on the Erie Canal.

Interesting Features: While the region of the Erie Canal certainly ranks high in scenic quality, the history and culture of this area provide exceptional enhancements to cruisers. Numerous such attractions are found along or near the canal, and the many towns along the way provide both aesthetic and practical amenities.

Mooring, Camping, Lodging, Services: Overnight docking can be accomplished at many marinas along the way. These are indicated on the various maps and cruising guides listed below. Additionally, some facilities accommodate camping, and many towns have lodging nearby.

Additional Information:

Navigation Information, Charts	On Line Map
Connecting Waterways	Hudson River (Also Lakes Ontario, Erie, Cayuga, Seneca and St. Lawrence River)
Boat Rental & Marinas	Marina Listing Mid-Lakes Navigation Company offers tours and boat rentals Gaines Marina (on Lake Champlain) Low Bridge Charters (Spencerport)
Towns, parks, attractions on/near the Waterway	Places to Go along the canals
Books	The Cruising Guide to the New York State Canal System Cruising Guide to New York Waterways and Lake Champlain A Cruising Guide to the Northeast's Inland Waterways - The Hudson River, New York State Canals, Lake Ontario, St. Lawrence Seaway, Lake Champlain River-Horse: A Voyage Across America (William Least Heat Moon) - The author of Blue Highways sets out to cross America by motorboat. A spellbinding, exciting, and informative tour of many of the waterways on this site, including the Erie Canal.
More Pictures	.
Environmental Issues/Organizations	.
Acknowledgments/Contributors	.
Miscellaneous	New York State Canal System home page Western New York Guide A Cruiser's Report