5 Ways to Spend Your Time at Schoharie Crossing
Maybe you’ve been here
before, maybe you haven’t made it yet, or perhaps, you’ve never even heard of
Schoharie Crossing? Whatever the case
may be, we’d like to offer up…
5 Ways to Spend Your
Time at Schoharie Crossing
1. Exploring the History
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| Image by Bruce Harvey on behalf of the Preservation League of NYS |
There is so much history to
explore at Schoharie
Crossing! From the remains of the Erie Canal Aqueduct, to the footprint of
the colonial Fort Hunter Blockhouse, and just the Mohawk and Schoharie Valleys!
The site interprets the Erie Canal from concept to construction, enlargement,
improvement, then canalizing the Mohawk River and even the present-day usage. There is also interpretation on the British
Colonial Fort first constructed in 1712 and the Mohawk village that was here too!
The trails at the site have signage
to tell you more of the history and there is a great exhibit in the Visitor
Center called, “Pathway to Empire: How the Erie Canal Helped Build America.”
Group tours are available by reservation as well.
2. Fishing! Paddling!
Whether it is from along the
banks of the Schoharie Creek or the Mohawk River, or maybe from a canoe, kayak
or small motor watercraft, fishing from Schoharie Crossing is fun and easy! The
west end of the site contains the Aqueduct Boat Launch area just off NYS-Rt 5s
(Access across from Karen’s Ice Cream!) The launch has plenty of parting… also
grill stations, picnic tables and a small playground. The concrete ramp and floating dock make the
transition off or on the trailer a breeze.
Launching a kayak or canoe is
easy too! Either from the ramp, along the banks of the creek or perhaps another
part of the site – like the east end at the Yankee Hill Lock access point.
There is a floating dock and you can paddle out into the Erie Canal of today,
the Mohawk River. Explore Lock E12 -Tribes hill and Pepper &
Upper Pepper Islands just to the west, or head east past Robb Island toward Lock
E11 in Amsterdam.
If Paddling isn’t your thing,
parking at Yankee Hill, the Aqueduct Boat Launch, and even right by the Visitor
Center is easily accessible for cyclists wanting to ride the Erie Canalway Trail /
Empire State Trail.
3. Picnic Memories with Friends & Family
There are two great scenic spots
on site that also have picnic tables and grilling stations, why not come visit
with friends and family for a picnic!? Create memories that will last a
lifetime as you recreate or just enjoy the views of natural and manmade beauty! Take a stroll along the creek or river banks
and share the splendor with loved ones.
4. Tuning Into Nature – Walking the Trails
The site offers several nature
programs each year, but you don’t have to be a naturalist, bird, plant or
wildlife expert to enjoy being outside! Come take a walk, paddle, or bike ride
along the site and get tuned into the natural world around you. Schoharie Crossing features over 3 miles of
trails along old towpath routes from the Erie Canal, and the Friends of
Schoharie Crossing have adopted a trail along the Mohawk River that connects
Yankee Hill Lock to the Southside of Amsterdam – passing Lock E11 and onward to
the Mohawk
Valley Gateway Overlook Bridge.
Dozens of bird species, hundreds of varieties
of plants and trees, as well as other small animals are all right here to be
witnessed. Studies have proven that time
outdoors is good for the mind and the body! Get Your NatureRx Fix Right Here at
Schoharie Crossing! Click
here for a map of the site: Schoharie Crossing Map
Natures beauty in the Mohawk Valley
will be evident as you travel across the site or along the river. Dozens of bird species, hundreds of varieties
of plants and trees, as well as other small animals are all right here to be
witnessed. Studies have proven that time
outdoors is good for the mind and the body! Get Your NatureRx Fix Right Here at
Schoharie Crossing! Click
here for a map of the site: Schoharie Crossing Map
5. Events, Programs, Special Activities – site or your organization
Schoharie Crossing also offered
dozens of programs on site during the Visitor Season – from the end of April
until the beginning of November. There
is a lot to do at the site, with sponsored events and programs ranging from
storytelling for all ages (Not Just for Kids Storytelling series), live music
jams (Putman Porch Music), guided nature walks, tours of the historic features,
lecturers on various topics from history to nature to social interest stories,
and so much more! The site partners with
several organizations to bring programs to the site or locally – with such series
as the 15 Miles on the Erie Canal Paddle tours in Montgomery County, and outreach
programs to schools, libraries, and other cultural institutions. Find out more and to see a calendar of
events, visit the NYS Parks website or like
Schoharie Crossing on Facebook (Link Here!).
On site there are so many
programs, opportunities to volunteer, and ways that you can help create bonds,
memories, and a lasting impact for the future.
Groups, organizations, and families can also apply for special use
permits for such things as fishing tournaments, re-unions, activities and more!
To contact the site, visit the website:
HERE
We hope you visit Schoharie Crossing and tell us what your favorite
thing to do on site is! Leave comments below and let us know!
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