Last summer, we embarked on an unforgettable adventure exploring the Erie Canal. Our previous visit to the Finger Lakes region of New York had left us so enchanted that a return trip was inevitable. There are so many attractions in this beautiful region, but this time we couldn’t wait to discover the myriad wonders of the famous Erie Canal.
Nestled in the heart of New York state, the Erie Canal stretches 363 miles from Albany on the Hudson River to Buffalo at Lake Erie. This historic waterway is a testament to human ingenuity and an enduring symbol of America’s industrial heritage. Exploring the Erie Canal offers visitors a chance to see the area’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and fascinating history.
Erie Canal History
Constructed between 1817 and 1825, the Erie Canal was a monumental engineering feat of its time. It created an inexpensive way to transport goods and people between the East Coast and the growing Midwest, ushering in a new era of national commerce and urban growth.
The construction of the Erie Canal was spearheaded by Governor DeWitt Clinton, who faced considerable skepticism and opposition. Despite the challenges, the canal was completed ahead of schedule and within budget, a remarkable achievement for the era. The canal’s opening was celebrated with great fanfare, including the symbolic “Wedding of the Waters” ceremony, where Clinton poured a keg of fresh water from Lake Erie into the salt water of the Atlantic Ocean.
Erie Canal Facts
At 363 miles, the Erie Canal became the second longest canal in the world. The design incorporated 83 locks to allow boats to bypass numerous falls and to navigate an amazing 675 feet uphill elevation change along the route. Addtionally, the engineering of 18 stone aqueducts made it possible for the canal and its towpath to cross rivers and ravines.
Once built, it took hundreds of hardworking men and women to operate the canal. Boat owners and their families, crew members, animal drivers, lock tenders, toll collectors, repair crews, and boat builders were among those who formed a “canaller” community. Towns such as Syracuse, Rochester, Buffalo, and Albany (just to name a few) owe their beginnings and growth to the canal, its workers, and the commercial traffic that flowed through the “nation’s first superhighway.”
Because it led to the development of so many towns, cities, and villages along its route from east to west, the Erie Canal is also known as the “Mother of Cities.” Other areas to the north and south soon demanded to be connected to the incredible flow of people, goods, and services. This resulted in the system of 4 canals that are present today: the Erie, Oswego, Champlain, and Cayuga-Seneca.
The original canal was 4 feet deep and 40 feet wide. Its success prompted several expansions over the years, but eventually it couldn’t keep up with transportation advancements. By the mid-20th century, commercial traffic declined due to competition with the railroads, construction of the interstate highway system, and the completion of the St Lawrence Seaway.
Exploring the Erie Canal Today
Today, the Erie Canal is no longer a major commercial artery, but it remains a beloved recreational destination. We enjoyed exploring the canal by boat, on bikes, on foot, and even by car. It was fun taking in the scenic vistas, walking through the charming towns, and learning about the historic landmarks along the way.
Boating on the Canal
One of the best ways to experience the Erie Canal is by boat. The canal is open to motorboats, sailboats, and even kayaks and canoes. Several companies offer boat rentals and guided tours, providing opportunities to hear interesting facts about the canal while enjoying a leisurely cruise. As the captain navigates the calm waters, you’ll pass through one of the locks that raise and lower boats to different elevations.
We enjoyed a 90-minute journey with Erie Canal Cruises along the beautiful Mohawk Valley. The boat enters Lock 18 at Jacksonburg, which is one of the last remaining locks operating with all of the original 100+ year old equipment. It was so interesting to experience the lock operation and learn about the valves that pass water into and out of the locked chamber. Our boat entered the chamber, lowered 20 feet, and then exited at the lower level of the river to continue going downstream. On the return trip we again entered the lock to be raised back up to travel upstream.
We were also lucky enough to have friends with their own boat. They spend part of the year living and traveling in their boat similar to our lifestyle in the RV. We joined them for a leisurely lunch and cruise from the quaint town of Pittsford. It was fun to experience a different part of the Erie Canal by water and to pass through a second lock.
Biking and Hiking Along the Canal
For those who prefer to stay on land, the Erie Canalway Trail offers over 360 miles of scenic pathways perfect for biking and hiking. The trail follows the canal’s route, providing a continuous pathway from Albany to Buffalo. Along the way, you’ll encounter picturesque villages, lush parks, and historic sites. The trail is well-maintained and accessible to all skill levels, making it an ideal choice for a family outing or a solo adventure.
We didn’t bike the whole length of the Erie Canal, but we did bike along several sections of the canal trail, including the Empire State Trail and the Caguya-Seneca Trail.
Driving Along the Canal
One thing that amazed me was seeing so many of the locks as we traveled through the countryside. As we drove through many small towns, we stopped to take a closer look at some of the key features. Almost all locks have white buildings that house equipment used to generate electricity to power the lock gates and valves. The blue building is a gate cabinet which displays the lock number and holds the motors and gearing that open and close the lock gates and valves.
Another interesting site we came across as we drove was the Medina Culvert. Culverts were built throughout the Erie Canal system to channel streams and stormwater under the canal and into the river to avoid flooding its banks. The Medina Culvert holds the distinction of being the first and only road culvert ever built under the canal. Cars and small trucks (clearance is only 7’6”) continue to use it today.
Erie Canal Museum
One of our favorite stops was the Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse. Housed in the 1850 Weighlock Building, the museum features interactive exhibits and a full-size replica of a canal boat. It was so interesting to learn about the canal’s history and impact on our nation. We enjoyed looking at the many photos, maps, and artifacts from both the building phase and canal operations
Enjoy the Erie Canal Experience
Visiting the Erie Canal is like stepping back in time to an era of innovation and adventure. Today, although the canal is primarily used for recreation, it remains a source of pride for New Yorkers as it did almost 200 years ago. As the longest artificial waterway in North America, the Erie Canal gets over 1.5 million visitors every year who find excitement in cruising the waterway, pedaling along the trail, or exploring cultural attractions. Whether you get to see the whole canal route or just a few areas, you’re sure to create lasting memories on the historic Erie Canal!
Always love your stories and adventures. Can’t wait for us to do the great loop and see the canal from a boat.
We met a couple who actually did the great loop! It sounded like quite the adventure and took many months. We enjoyed our time on the Erie Canal and learning about all of its history.😊
That was very interesting and informative. I did not know any of this about the Erie Canal. What an experience and great photographs too. Thanks for sharing 🙂
It was so informative for us too! The chance to explore it in person was very cool😊