– By Nancy Papish with photographs by Jeff Slater

Adaptive access to paddling facilities are currently available at 26 locations along the Erie, Champlain, and Cayuga – Seneca canals. Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor has a listing of locations. Each layout is somewhat different depending on shoreline and land approach. All have a ramp on land, wide enough for a wheelchair. Parallel docks wide enough for a wheelchair are separated by a water slot wide enough for a kayak or canoe. The ramp in the water slot may have rollers or a simple, smooth slide. Either hinged or stationary at a slant, the water-side end is in the water. A variety of sidebars enables paddlers to pull a boat along the ramp into or out of the water. Overhead bars enable paddlers to lift themselves into a boat from the wide, side docks, or out of a boat back onto the docks or into a wheelchair. All docks are FREE.

Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway is fortunate to have an adaptive access launch at Crescent Park, Terminal Road, Halfmoon (photo here). This is also an Erie Canal Water Trail site. There’s also an adaptive launch on Freeman’s Bridge Road next to the NYSDEC boat and fishing access immediately across the Mohawk River at the junction of Erie Boulevard in Maxon Road Extension. The launch at Kiwanis Park on route 5S in Lower Rotterdam is not on Erie Canalway list yet, but is complete. Anyone may use these lunch sites. Check out one of these docks before they are removed for winter.

The Mohawk Watershed Symposium provides an annual opportunity to network with other interests, movers and shakers within the watershed, learn about issues, and research, practical solutions, and progress to address those issues.

The important point in Eric Hamilton’s was or new approach outlined in our updated Corridor Management Plan. He shared a quote by Dr, Maree Forbes Gaughan from the National Travel center, “Well promoted Byways that feature heritage and cultural locations along the roadway giving visitors plenty of place to visit and spend money, complemented with destination distinctive accommodations and local cuisine, can feasibly generate between a quarter million dollars and a half million dollars per mile, per year in visitor spending.”   Apply this to the 26 mile Mohawk Towpath Byway we realize we can deliver between 7 and 12 million dollars to our local economy each year.

One of the more popular pieces of information on the table was the brochure that included and map of the Byway and introduces the self-guided tour available by cell phone by dialing 518-649-9990. Get out on the Byway and discover something new this spring!

Friends of the Mohawk Towpath is hosting its first ever Sprint Into History on Saturday, July 12, 2025, along the nationally designated Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway (MTSB) to raise funds for preservation of the historic route as well as securing donations of non-perishable food items for the Northeast Regional Food Bank to feed children in the summer months when school lunches are not available. The Towpath will be partnering with area Rotary Clubs, Car Clubs, Event Sponsors and others to deliver a very energetic and successful event.

Part Byway tour, part scavenger hunt, this unique sprint encourages getting out of the house to experience the serene nature that parallels MTSB and to enjoy the day, the camaraderie, and the fun! Whether by car, motorcycle, or bicycle participants can use whatever mode of transportation they choose and discover clues related to the unique history of the Byway. Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners.

This unique sprint facilitates learning firsthand about the unique history and heritage along this very special route honoring the 200 year history and legacy of the Eric Canal as well as helping kids in the summer will be a win-win for all. Supporting preservation of the route is important, because there is no re-manufacturing of a historic route. Once they are gone, they are gone. And no one wants children to be hungry in the summer when they are off school.

Save the date, plan to participant! To register for the event go to https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Waterford/SprintIntoHistory. If you would like more information now, please email eric.hamilton@mohawktowpath.com or call 518-371-7548.

The Riverview Road Bridge over I-87 Northway is open to one lane traffic. Traffic flow is regulated with a three direction traffic light. Two of the traffic lights are on Clamsteam Road: one immediately north of the intersection with Riverview Road and another immediately south of the intersection. A third light faces eastbound traffic in Riverview Road east of the Boyack Road intersection. All three lights seem to be controlled by cameras that detect a waiting vehicle in any one of the lanes approaching the one lane bridge. Be patient as you approach the bridge, because it takes time to cycle through a sequence of light changes.

On the brighter side construction of a new bridge is expected to be complete by mid-August 2026!