The Champlain Canal, part of the Lakes to Locks Passage, was opened to traffic in the spring of 1916. From its sea-level southern terminus at Troy, NY it rises 140’ to Port Edward, then drops back down to 96.8’ at Whitehall, NY where it enters Lake Champlain. The canal follows the original tow-path for barges carrying goods, mostly lumber, between Lake Champlain and the Hudson River.
The 12-lock long run takes the boater through countryside rich in the history of the American Revolution, including the Saratoga National Historical Park, known as the turning point when Burgoyne’s assault from three sides was thwarted.
Whitehall, at the northern end is the birthplace of the American Navy. It is also home to the excellent Lock 12 Marina where the owner/manager helps boaters prepare for the entrance to the lake. On the upper floor he operates an excellent restaurant complete with antique decor and outstanding food.
Finch & Chubb Restaurant & Inn / Lock 12 Marina
www.visitwhitehall.com
Across the canal corridor, dozens of historic sites, museums and community festivals in charming port towns and bustling cities invite visitors to step back in time and re-live the early canal days when “hoggees” guided mule-drawn packet boats along the narrow towpaths. Today, many of the towpaths have been transformed into Canalway Trail segments, extending over 220 miles for the enjoyment of outdoor enthusiasts from near and far who walk, bike and hike through scenic and historic canal areas.
The first choice would be to take your own, or a charter boat up the canal yourself. If that is impractical, there are several tour boats available.
If the history is of interest to you, try the American Revolutionary War Champlain Canal Boat Trip Cruise:
www.revolutionaryday.com/champlaincanal/
For general information, the following link is quite complete:
http://www.nyscanals.gov/cculture/history/finch/index.html
Comments
Looks like an interesting trip.
I hope we are near this on our trip this summer. Definitely something that sounds fun and educational.
Nice article Gail (do you want to mutually subscribe I wonder?) let's hope there are no airline scanners involved which would be a great blessing! Did you know there has now been outrage against them as some say they will increase child pornography, cherish the thought. I wrote about it here: www.examiner.com/examiner/x-29076-SF-World-Travel-Examiner~y2010m1d5-Travelers-learn-naked-airport-security-scanners-in-child-porn-uproar#
Hi Sheila - definitely will cross-subscribe! Is that a typo? cherish i/o perish? or did I miss some sarcasm? My brain is a little dull right now - switching from Windows to Mac is a challenge! But I WILL overcome.
The Champlain Canal is a lot of fun, beautiful and easy. A number of companies rent boats on all of the New York State Canal system, and the state's website has them listed (www.nyscanals.gov). Another good site to check once in awhile is privately owned, but with a great forum: www.nycanal.com/dcforum.
This is definitely New York State the way you've never seen New York State before!
Tom,
Redondo Beach
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