The Best Travel Spots on the Erie Canal in Central New York – Our Top 5
The Erie Canal is one of the cultural and historic gems of our community. In fact, one could argue that cities like Utica, Rome and Little Falls owe their growth to the canal. Now used primarily for recreation rather than commerce, we take a look at the 5 best travel spots along the Erie Canal.
Erie Canal Village
Located in Rome on the banks of the Canal the Erie Canal Village is a living history park that includes many period buildings from the era when horse drawn barges plied the waters of the Erie.
Erie Canal Cruises
Departing from Herkimer and heading east through the hamlet of Jaksonburg and lock 18, the Erie Canal Cruise aboard the Lil' Diamond II gives you the opportunity to experience a leisurely afternoon on the canal plus the opportunity to rise and fall though one of the canal's locks.
Lock 20
Located on River Road in Marcy, Lock 20 features a summer concert series and year round amenities including camping.
The lock 20 site is located along a Canalway Trail segment near Utica. The site features potable water, toilets and picnic facilities. Support services such as restaurants and shops and are located nearby in the town of Marcy. The phone number at Lock 20 is 315-736-4617.
Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site
Located in the eastern Mohawk Valley in the Montgomery County town of Florida, the Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site features a 2-mile stretch of the original alignment of the Erie Canal and the ruins of Fort Hunter.
Little Falls Canal Village
The City of Little Falls has recently renovated the harbor district in town to feature parklands and a retail district. Little Falls also features the biggest elevation change on the canal system at Lock 17. At just over 40 feet, it's the tallest canal lock in New York State.