Introduction
The Erie Canal, a manmade waterway, has played a significant role in shaping the United States. Two hundred years ago, it facilitated the movement of people, goods, and ideas across the nation. Today, it has evolved into a paddler’s paradise with over 700 miles of navigable waterways, attracting both history enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.
Experiencing the Erie Canal: A Modern Adventure
Inside Lock 11 on the Erie Canal in Amsterdam, New York, the sound of gears grinding signaled the closing of the gate behind us. Our group of teal kayaks lined up along the walls of the lock, resembling a curious gathering of aquatic explorers. As the water began to drain, a fellow paddler nervously asked, “Is it too late to go back?” Gripping the rope hanging beside her, she braced herself for the descent.
Ten participants had gathered on a sunny June morning for “On the Canals,” a state-funded recreational program along the Erie Canal. This historic waterway, which celebrates its bicentennial in 2025, remains a vital part of America’s infrastructure.
A voice from the front of the group started the popular folk tune: “Low bridge, everybody down / I’ve got a mule, and her name is Sal.” We enthusiastically joined in, singing “Fifteen miles on the Erie Canal!” As the front gates opened, we paddled against the current, excitedly embracing the experience. One paddler exclaimed, “I think that was the coolest thing I’ve ever done,” above the sound of rushing water.
The History and Impact of the Erie Canal
A Revolutionary Engineering Feat
When the Erie Canal opened in 1825, it was an engineering marvel, stretching 363 miles from Buffalo on Lake Erie to Albany on the Hudson River. This waterway connected the Great Lakes in the Midwest to New York City, revolutionizing the transportation of goods, ideas, and people across the country. It not only transformed New York City into the US’s primary seaport and industrial hub but also opened up the interior of the young nation to settlement.
Brad Utter, senior historian and curator at Albany’s New York State Museum, and author of Enterprising Waters: New York’s Erie Canal, emphasized its significance: “If not the most important manmade development of the 19th Century, this one set the stage.” He likened its impact to that of the internet today, highlighting how it drastically reduced travel and shipping times, thus shrinking time and space.
The Rise and Decline of Commercial Use
For much of the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Erie Canal was a crucial commercial artery. However, the advent of railroads eventually supplanted most of the shipping along the waterway. Despite this, the canal, designated the Erie Canalway Heritage Corridor in 2000, has experienced a renaissance as a recreational haven.
Rediscovering the Erie Canal
On the Canals: A State-Funded Initiative
In 2021, the New York Power Authority/Canal Corporation launched “On the Canals,” offering a series of free excursions for state residents. These activities included cycling along the newly completed Empire State Trail, paddling, hydro biking, and boating along the Erie Canal. The program has since expanded to include a variety of year-round activities for both residents and visitors, from historical boat cruises to plein air painting and full-moon “owl prowls.” This year’s emphasis is on accessibility through adaptive kayaking and highlighting the stories of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, whose members were displaced during the canal’s construction.
Exploring Historic Canal side Communities
“On the Canals” encourages exploration of more than 200 historic canal side communities. These range from the scenic town of Medina, 50 miles east of Buffalo, to Schenectady, home to the historic Stockade district with over 40 homes more than 200 years old. Each locale offers unique landscapes, from historic city centers to family farms and tranquil open fields. Some paddlers opt for camping, while others enjoy accommodations in hotels and B&Bs.
Personal Journeys and Connections
For many, paddling the Erie Canal is a way to connect with personal history. Paul Comstock, a Geneva, New York-born septuagenarian, embarked on a 21-day trip across the canal in 2013 to honor his grandfather who worked on the waterway. Comstock’s experience was so profound that he returns each summer to lead paddling tours.
Utter noted that the canal has always been a hub for big ideas, such as suffrage, abolition, temperance, and utopian religious communities. The canal’s ability to facilitate the rapid spread of these ideas remains a testament to its historical significance.
Planning Your Paddle: Tips and Recommendations
Navigating the Canal
The Erie Canal’s calm waters and straightforward route make it suitable for paddlers of all levels. Beth Walker and Sara Catalano, the mother-daughter team behind the Instagram account “Two Gals on the Canal,” successfully paddled the entire 363-mile length in segments over two years. They appreciated the canal’s predictable nature and the helpful advice from lock operators.
For planning, using tools like Google Maps to plot distances and identify public boat launches and pull-outs is highly recommended. Walker finds joy in planning each section, from deciding where to stay to discovering local restaurants.
Kayak Rentals and Highlights Along the Canal
Those without their own kayaks can rent from various locations along the canal. Genessee Waterways Center and Lock 32 on the western end offer kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs). In central New York, Anglers’ Bay provides rentals, and Upstate Kayak Rentals offers fully staffed locations and self-service kiosks.
Western Segment: Buffalo to Syracuse
The western segment features 15 historic lift bridges and the iconic Flight of Five in Lockport, a multi-stepped boat elevator built in 1862. In Rochester, paddlers can explore the Genesee Valley Park, an 800-acre green space designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the creator of Central Park.
Central Segment: Syracuse to Little Falls
In Syracuse, visitors can enjoy Armory Square, the city’s food and bar hotspot, and the Erie Canal Museum. The museum is housed in the historic Syracuse Weighlock, where canal boats were once weighed and charged tolls.
For a scenic paddle, head to the Finger Lakes via the Cayuga-Seneca Canal and explore the Montezuma Wildlife Refuge, home to millions of migratory and year-round birds.
Eastern Segment: Little Falls to Albany
Between Little Falls and Albany, the Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site features remnants of a 630-foot aqueduct. In Waterford, the Waterford Flight helps boats bypass Cohoes Falls, the second-highest waterfall in New York State. Paddlers can explore the underrated Peebles Island State Park or venture into the Hudson River to visit Troy and Albany, known for their historic architecture and burgeoning food and craft beverage scenes.
Conclusion
The Erie Canal’s transformation from a commercial waterway to a recreational paradise underscores its enduring significance. As the canal approaches its 200th anniversary, it continues to connect communities, foster personal journeys, and promote sustainable tourism. Whether you’re an avid paddler or a history enthusiast, the Erie Canal offers a unique blend of adventure, history, and personal discovery.
Paddling the Erie Canal is more than just covering miles; it’s about immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of history, engaging with local communities, and creating lasting memories. As Paul Comstock eloquently put it, “You can’t have that multi-dimensional experience of history, mileage, and people as you can on the Erie Canal.
