Eastern Erie Canal & Oswego Canals

The present-day canal is 340.7 miles long , running east to west from Waterford to Buffalo, spanning 34 locks. Construction of the original canal commenced in 1817 with completion in 1825. It connected the Hudson River with Lake Erie and other Great Lakes, opening up the center of the country for goods from all over.

Our travels will cover 22 locks on the Eastern section of the Canal from Waterford, just north of Albany NY to the junction of Three Rivers NY, where the Eastern section joins the Oswego Canal.

Eastern Erie Canal - Locks 02 - 23

Waterford NY

A choice of direction here. Left turn for the Erie Canal or right turn for the Champlain Canal.

Locks 1-8

After departing the Hudson River and entering the Erie Canal at Waterford, it was our intention to stop at Waterford and rest for a day or two before tackling the Erie locks. Like all well intentioned plans, they are subject to change. As we approached Waterford, we noticed that the dock was empty and notices indicated that much of the dock was closed off due to work being performed on the electrical pedestals. 

Given that it was only mid-morning, we decided to put the flight of five locks behind us. 

After departing Waterford our first encounter was the Waterford Flight. This is locks 2 through 6, which must be transited in one shot with no overnight stops. In less than two miles, these five locks will raise the boat 169 feet in elevation. 

Scotia Landing Park

Well 5 locks ended up being 7, and after a long day, completing 7 locks and covering 24 miles on the Erie, we stopped at Scotia Landing, a delightful quiet dock  and park. 

After a long day, we walked .4 mile to town and enjoyed a good meal, followed by an early night.

Lock 17 & Little Falls Harbor

Little Falls Lock is the largest single step lock on the Erie Canal at 40’.

This photo was taken of us in the Little Falls Lock by a fellow cruiser.

Following our transit through Lock, #17 at Little Falls we docked for the night on the wall of Little Falls Canal Harbor and Rotary Park. A delightful stop in a park setting with all the comforts cruisers require. 

We walked into the historic part of town for a bite to eat, but being Sunday, most restaurants were closed. We found a pizza place that was so-so and that was dinner.

Lock 20 Whitesboro

A peaceful night on the upper side of Lock 20.

Note all the fluff and pollen outside of the lock. It was everywhere!

Lock 21 - Our First Lock Going Down

Lock 21 at New London is our first lock heading down.

Sylvan Beach

Sylvan Beach is an old beach town, complete with permanent old-time carnival. 

We spent the night on the town wall, where we enjoyed docktails and good conversation with Jim & Mary aboard Legacy, and were ready for an early departure and crossing of Lake Oneida.

Travel across Oneida was benign. Once across, we tied up at the free dock at Brewerton City Park Lake Brewerton River Front Park wall. Even though the sign says no swimming, local kids and families came for a swim on this hot, humid evening. Several of the younger teenagers jumped into the river from the railway bridge. Clearly not their first time, but they made me nervous just watching.

Next morning we travelled less than a mile to Winter Harbor Marina, a great stop, catering to every thing a cruiser might need, including a courtesy car for grocery and provision runs, laundry and showers, ships store and repair facilities and great, friendly staff. They have a great boaters pavilion, complete with fire-pit and perfect for docktail get togethers.

One of Winter Harbor's Two Courtesy Cars

While opportunity presented itself, Knot Kaos spent a few days on the hard having a few minor tasks completed while the crew enjoyed a few days sampling some wines and hospitality in Finger Lakes area in Upper New York State.

Upon our return, we completed our Erie Canal travels after transiting lock 23 in Brewerton and commencing the Oswego Canal to Lake Ontario.