"The best canal history in the world is in Upstate New York.  The best of the best is in the Capital region.  Finding these historic sites is not easy; in fact it's something of a mystery.  This four page guide (click here) will help unlock some of the best secrets."  The guide is published by Louis Rossi, author of "Cycling Along the Canals of New York" and is written as a self guided bicycle tour of key sites in Cohoes and Waterford.  However, if you are willing to get out of your car occationally you can find many of the sites within a short walk of major streets and the Byway.  So print out the guide and start unlocking the mystery. 
Spindle City Historic Society has produced a self-guided walking tour of the Harmony Mills National Historic District.  The Mill District is an important monument to the industrial and social growth of the city.  The characteristic red brick structures were once the largest textile manufacturing complex in the nation.  Part of these structures are now being made available as loft apartments.  The Spindle City Historic Society (237-7999) is housed at the Visitor's Center in the historic Cohoes Music Hall building where copies of the self guided tour map and descriptive narration are available.
This self guided bicycle tour highlights historic points of interest between Vischer Ferry and Rexford.  Starting and finishing at the Vischer Ferry Fire House in the hamlet it makes a 15 mile loop.  This ride was designed for a National Trails Day celebration in Clifton Park.  The best time to make this ride is a weekend morning when traffic is light, or on a week day in mid morning.  Wear a helmet and be conscious of traffic around you.  Don't forget your tour map and narritive tour description.
Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway
Suggested Activities
This self guided bicycle tour highlights historic points of interest between Vischer Ferry and Rexford.  Starting and finishing at the Vischer Ferry Fire House in the hamlet it makes a 15 mile loop.  This ride was designed for a National Trails Day celebration in Clifton Park.  The best time to make this ride is a weekend morning when traffic is light, or on a week day in mid morning.  Wear a helmet and be conscious of traffic around you.  Don't forget your tour map and narritive tour description.
Historic Bike Tour
Walk into History
Spindle City Historic Society has produced a self-guided walking tour of the Harmony Mills National Historic District.  The Mill District is an important monument to the industrial and social growth of the city.  The characteristic red brick structures were once the largest textile manufacturing complex in the nation.  Part of these structures are now being made available as loft apartments.  The Spindle City Historic Society (237-7999) is housed at the Visitor's Center in the historic Cohoes Music Hall building where copies of the self guided tour map and descriptive narration are available.
History Mystery Tour
"The best canal history in the world is in Upstate New York.  The best of the best is in the Capital region.  Finding these historic sites is not easy; in fact it's something of a mystery.  This four page guide (click here) will help unlock some of the best secrets."  The guide is published by Louis Rossi, author of "Cycling Along the Canals of New York" and is written as a self guided bicycle tour of key sites in Cohoes and Waterford.  However, if you are willing to get out of your car occationally you can find many of the sites within a short walk of major streets and the Byway.  So print out the guide and start unlocking the mystery.