Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway
The Mohawk Towpath Byway is a series of local, county and state highways that follow the historic route of the Erie Canal between Schenectady and Waterford/Cohoes in upstate New York. As one travels the Byway you unlock the story of the Mohawk River, Erie Canal, the waterway west and the part our communities played in the westward expansion of the country and the Industrial Revolution.
Travel Conditions: Excellent!
What to experience…
- Check out the flow over Cohoes Falls from recent spring rains;
- The Flight of Locks is closed to navigation, but this is a great time to explore the engineering as the lots are prepared for the navigation season;
- The Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve as the new growth comes in; and
- Look for some bird species only seen at this time of year as they migrate to their northern breeding areas.
Byway Tours
There are stops along the Mohawk Towpath Byway where you will discover our local communities and the role they played in the westward expansion of the country and in the Industrial Revolution. The communities include the villages, hamlets and neighborhoods within the Cities of Cohoes and Schenectady, and the Towns of Clifton Park, Colonie, Glenville, Halfmoon, Niskayuna, and Waterford.
“A short Byway with a long history”
– Brad Cownover, Scenic America
