Free Excursion Opportunities and Important Maintenance Work Along New York’s Canals and Canalway Trails this Winter.
Throughout the winter season as the temperatures get colder and snow begins to blanket Upstate New York, many find warmth inside cuddled under a fuzzy blanket near a crackling fireplace while sipping hot chocolate. As much as we all love those at-home moments, the New York State Canal Corporation is again offering free outdoor activities that will be sure to keep you warm through exercise and exploration along New York’s Canals and Canalway Trails this winter!
“On the Canals” from Schuylerville to Brockport…
Winter hikes with Adirondack Ultra Cycle – offered on six occasions throughout January and February, including on New Year’s Day as part of New York State’s First Day Hike initiative – take in the scenic and historic landscapes along the Champlain Canalway Trail throughout the Schuylerville area. While trekking on the trail, observe winter wildlife and history as you pass by Champlain Canal Lock C-5, the Schuyler House and/or Victory Woods and/or the Saratoga Battlefield (along the remnants of the original Champlain Canal)! Each tour is fully guided with light snacks, drinks, and hiking poles provided.
Guided birding and wildlife hikes with the crew from the Montezuma Audubon Center in Savannah – see bald eagles, golden-crowned kinglets, and brown creeper soar though the winter sky while coyotes, mink, red foxes, and muskrats make a path along a carpet of snow. Participants five-years-old and up can take part in the one-mile hike each Saturday from January 6 through February 24. Binoculars and snowshoes will be available, or hikers can bring their own.
Experience the wildlife and history of New York’s Finger Lakes Region with Canal Side Experiences in Waterloo. A total of 16 hikes will be offered throughout the winter season. Space is limited so be sure to sign-up early!
Captain LJ–Tomboy Adventures of Macedon is offering a variety of snowshoeing or winter walk outings, including two First Day Hike opportunities. In addition, participants may choose a three-mile hike from Macedon Canal Park (Lock E-30) to Old Lock 60 on January 7, February 10, and February 24. Two sessions will be offered on each of those days. Moonlight walks are also available at Macedon’s Canal Park on January 22 and 23.
Along the Genesee River spur of the Erie Canal in Rochester, Stony Point Art Studio is offering intuitive painting sessions. Painting will occur outdoors, weather permitting, or inside Corn Hill Navigation’s Welcome Center. Six adult and three kid sessions will be available for participants to choose from.
The Village of Brockport along the western Erie Canal will offer snowshoeing and hiking on the Erie Canalway Trail. In addition to a First Day Hike, the village is planning to host five sessions during January and February.
More details for each excursion may be found at www.onthecanals.com
Maintenance and construction work underway…
As the fun and adventures occur “On the Canals” this winter, the Canal Corporation is working to ensure the Canals and adjoining trails remain safe and operational for decades to come. Throughout the non-navigation months, the Canal Corporation will be conducting maintenance pump outs at the following locations: Champlain Canal Lock C-8 (Fort Edward), Erie Canal Locks E-3 and E-4 (Waterford), E-10 (Cranesville, E-17 (Little Falls), E-28B (Newark), E-32 (Pittsford), and E-34/35 (Lockport), as well as at Oswego Canal Lock O-1 (Phoenix).
The maintenance pump outs allow the Canal Corporation workforce the opportunity to rehabilitate and refurbish the working parts of the locks that are typically under water during the navigation season. At each location, staff will isolate the lock with coffer dams, pump out the chamber, and repair the miter gates, valves, trash racks, quoin wood, etc. With 57 locks along the Canal system, each lock is rehabilitated on average once every 10 years.
In addition to the routine maintenance work at the nine locks, the Canal Corporation is completing a first of its kind construction project along the Erie Canal in Royalton, Niagara County. To address persistent seepage through the canal’s earthen embankment at this location, the Canal Corporation and its contractors are installing a soil-bentonite slurry wall along a one-half mile stretch of the embankment underneath the centerline of the Erie Canalway Trail between Wruck Road and Peet Steet. Once cured, the soil-bentonite cut-off wall will provide a permanent underground wall or barrier to water.
Throughout the duration of the project, the Erie Canalway Trail and Empire State Trail will be detoured in this area. Long-distance cyclists should follow the posted detour route along local roads. The trail is expected to reopen in the spring of 2024 after the trail surface is fully restored.
See all trail closures at www.ptny.org/cycle-the-erie-canal/the-trail/trail-closures
Canalway Trail Times 