Eagle Trail Update

Eagle Trail Update: by John Naple

The almost three mile Eagle Trail is now walkable again. Since July 2nd, many blown down trees have made hiking on the trail from Yankee Hill Lock to Amsterdam difficult if not impossible. The trail     section between the Putman Store and the point across from St. Mary’s hospital was the hardest hit. The Eagle Trail is a forested footpath along the    Mohawk River from the Schoharie Crossing New York State Historic Site to Amsterdam. The trail is a continuation of the towpath trail and is parallel to the Empire State Bike Trail.

   On the evening of July 1st a severe thunderstorm warning was posted. Winds of 60 mph were predicted. The National Weather Service revised that to 70-80 mph after viewing the damage. The short lived downburst moved down the river from Fort Hunter to Amsterdam. The collapsing air spread out on both sides of the river causing severe damage. Many trees were toppled in St. Mary’s and Fairfield Cemeteries on the north side of the river and along the bike trail and the Eagle Trail on the south side. Damage like a tornado resulted.  

   The Montgomery County Soil and Water Service helped clear the damage. The Schoharie Crossing crew helped clear the half mile section near the park. The Friends of Schoharie Crossing also helped clear, A few large logs still remain, but can be climbed over or ducked under. The Friends of the Schoharie Crossing have an agreement to help maintain the trail with the land owner, The Canal Corporation through the Parks and Trails New York. 

   The Eagle Trail passes through two large horsetail (Equisetum) groves. These fern relatives are found in coal deposits. Horsetails are also called scouring rushes and are used to clean dirty pots. Giant Cottonwood Trees can be seen in several places. Cottonwoods are very fast growers that live near  rivers. They can grow to 150 feet tall. In June they make it snow with cottonwood seed pods. The Eagle Trail is always just beside the Mohawk River or  Modern Erie Canal. Immediately south of the trail, is the remains of the enlarged Erie Canal from the nineteenth century. It is a nature trail and a historic trail. The beautiful Lock 11 of the modern Erie Canal is two miles from Schoharie Crossing and one mile from the Amsterdam start. The State has announced plans to make a pedestrian bridge and hospitality site at Lock 11. 

  All are welcome to join the Friends of Schoharie Crossing, but you don’t have to be a member to enjoy the Eagle Trail!