Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site

Discover the engineering marvels of the Erie Canal at Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site, a sprawling and picturesque landscape where history meets the outdoors. This unique site is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the canal's pivotal role in 19th-century American development, offering visitors a tangible connection to a transformative era. It's one of the only places where the three distinct phases of the Erie Canal—the original "Clinton's Ditch," the Enlarged Erie Canal, and the modern Erie (Barge) Canal—can be explored in one location.

Explore significant remnants of canal history, including the impressive ruins of the Schoharie Creek Aqueduct, a 624-foot long structure that once carried the Enlarged Erie Canal over the Schoharie Creek. Wander along a two-mile segment of the original "Clinton's Ditch" Erie Canal, and observe the Old Erie Canal Guard Lock, the only surviving guard lock from the canal's earliest days. The site also features the preserved Old Erie Canal 'Empire' Lock No. 20, and double locks from the Enlarged era like 'Empire' Lock No. 29 and 'Yankee Hill' Lock 28, alongside the historical Putman's Canal Store.

Schoharie Crossing is more than just a historical landmark; it's an immersive experience for all ages, offering miles of trails for walking, biking, and even winter activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. With a visitor center featuring engaging exhibits on the Erie Canal and the earlier Fort Hunter, it provides both educational insights and abundant recreational opportunities. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an outdoor adventurer, or simply seeking a scenic escape, Schoharie Crossing offers a memorable journey through a crucial part of American heritage. Don't forget to bring the Snappit nature identification app along to scan local species.