What to Expect

If you’re looking to venture outside during the winter in Montgomery County, the Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site is a perfect place for a day trip. It’s an ideal location for those looking to spend time outdoors. It’s suitable for those who prefer paths shorter in distance with minimal difficulty. Dogs are permitted. The site is only 5.2 miles from the Thruway.

If you’re from Upstate, you know the weather is unpredictable. Especially during the winter months. Boots and warm layers are recommended. When there’s enough of the white, fluffy stuff, you could also pack your cross country skis or snowshoes. Another thing to keep in mind for your day trip, is it’s a prime opportunity to bird watch! You can check out some of the species people have observed at the Schoharie Crossing on eBird.

Background

If it’s your first time visiting — the Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the Erie Canal as one of the 19th century’s greatest commercial and engineering projects. The Schoharie Crossing has a Visitor Center that exhibits traces of history of the Erie Canal and its impact on the growth of New York State and the nation. Currently, the Visitor Center is open by Reservation only – you can call to schedule a time to visit the Pathway to Empire Exhibit. The Visitor Center

will reopen for regular hours May 1. The site grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset. Stay updated by following the Schoharie Crossing on Facebook or Instagram.

Within the site’s boundaries are many structures dating from the three eras of the  canal’s development. As you walk behind the Visitor Center lies the ‘Woodchuck Walk’ – formerly the towpath of the original Erie Canal. Along this trail
are historical plaques providing history of the area that you’re walking through. The ‘Woodchuck Walk’ is about a one-half mile long hike out to an original Erie Canal Lock that lays adjacent to an Enlarged Era Canal Lock. There are two walking bridges across the lock. These allow you to stand in-between the old locks. Old locks create a story of what once was a bustling area with barges and other small boats bringing goods to and from the area in the 19th century.

Once you go across the two lock bridges, you can continue on the Towpath trail to the Yankee Hill lock, which is about two miles further or you can head back on the trail toward the Visitor Center. The Towpath Trail, which is a half of a mile, leads to the site’s largest structure the Schoharie Creek Aqueduct, which carried the water of the Enlarged Erie Canal over the Creek.

It’s a perfect place to take a picture before you end your walk.

If you are interested in more of a guided visit, Education Director at the Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site, David Brooks will be hosting a Winter Walk event on February 23 at 1 p.m., weathering permitting.

Dining

If you are looking to grab a bite to eat following your visit,  hop on Route 5S and head eastbound toward the South Side of Amsterdam.  There are a number of restaurants to choose from. Whether you grab takeout from DomAdi’s and a craft beer to bring home from Southside Beverage, or sit down at Evolve Eatery , Lorenzo’s Southside, Shorty’s Southside Tavern, Herk’s Tavern or Southside Slice, you really can’t go wrong!  A visit to the Schoharie Crossing is a day trip suitable for all four seasons. If you come back in the spring, Karen’s Produce & Ice Cream is a must visit.

Whenever you choose to be a Tourist in Your Own Town, or bring someone from outside the area to explore, Montgomery County will not disappoint.