The Erie Canal operates for navigation from early May to late November. There are a number of marinas and boat launches in Montgomery County, including the St. Johnsville Municipal Marina, Canajoharie Pavilion Landing, Schoharie Crossing, Amsterdam’s South Side boat launch, and Riverlink Park, Amsterdam. There are seven locks on the Montgomery County portion of the Erie Canal, each with a park and picnic area. For more information about traveling by water, contact the New York State Canal Corporation toll-free at 1-800-4CANAL4.
- Lock 10 Cranesville
- Lock 11 Amsterdam
- Lock 12 Tribes Hill
- Lock 13 Randall
- Lock 14 Canajoharie
- Lock 15 Fort Plain
- Lock 16 St. Johnsville
The Canalway Water Trail is geared toward small boaters along the 524-mile New York State Canal System. The Water Trail contains access points (launches and landings), campsites and day use sites (attractions) along the Canal System. The Canalway Water Trail is designed for both the 'day user' looking to spend a few hours on the Canal and the long distance traveler who wants to traverse the entire length of the Canal.
The Greater Amsterdam Riverlink Park is the home of an elevated walkway with breathtaking views linking downtown Amsterdam to a riverside plaza area with open-air stage, children’s playground, visitor’s center, gardens and 600 feet of transient boat docking. Free concerts are held during July and August. On site laundry, shower facilities, and power hookups are a few of the amenities offered. Also dine at the Riverlink Café serving a light menu.
Schoharie Crossing State Historic site marks the confluence of the Mohawk River and the Schoharie Creek; there are remnants of the original Erie Canal (1825) and the Enlarged Erie Canal (1841), with its impressive stone aqueduct remains. Dedicated to preservation and interpretation of the Erie Canal, the site gives a real touch of life on the canal with a restored canal store and a historic lock from the 1850s.
The Village of St. Johnsville maintains a beautiful municipal park and marina, one of several in the county. River travelers can stop at the boat launch, fill up, have a picnic, and be treated to a summer’s evening concert. If you dock, camping is nearby, along with a secluded romantic treasure of a bed and breakfast.
