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Category: Outdoor Recreation

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A Cyclist’s Guide to Montgomery County

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There’s a nice rhythm to riding through Montgomery County. One minute you’re cruising along the Erie Canalway Trail with the Mohawk River nearby, and the next you’re pulling into a canal town for coffee, a museum stop or a meal that makes you want to linger a little longer. Along this roughly 40-mile section of the Empire State Trail (opens in a new tab) , the ride comes with American history, scenery and the kind of local stops that can turn a simple outing into a full day or even a weekend away.

Think of Montgomery County as a string of communities, each with its own personality. Start wherever it fits your day and let the trail connect the rest!

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St. Johnsville

At the western end of the county, St. Johnsville feels like a natural place to settle into the ride. The St. Johnsville Campgrounds and Municipal Marina make it easy to stay close to the trail, especially if you’re turning your cycling plans into an overnight. Before heading east, take a little time to enjoy the village’s historic character. The Saint Johnsville Community House, located in the Bates-Englehardt Mansion, adds a strong sense of place right from the start.

Fort Plain

Fort Plain is one of those communities that makes cyclists want to slow down. Highwheeler Coffee makes this an easy stop for coffee, breakfast or a quick pick-me-up before another stretch on the trail. Later in the day, Fiddlehead Craft Sandwich is a favorite spot for a bite and a pint. The Fort Plain Museum & Historical Park offers a deeper look at the region’s American Revolution-era story, while Erie Canal Distillers and Haslett House help make Fort Plain feel like more than just a quick stop between points A and B.

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Canajoharie

Canajoharie brings together art, food and outdoor beauty in a way that makes it especially appealing on a bike trip. The Arkell Museum is one of Montgomery County’s standout attractions and a great excuse to park the bike for a bit. Take a coffee break at Keep Right Café or grab lunch at Taco 29 is a solid lunch stop, and the village itself is easy to explore at a relaxed pace. If you want to add a little more nature to the day, Wintergreen Park and Gorge are close by and well worth the extra time.

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Along the Canal

Between the villages, the trail keeps reminding you how much history is packed into this part of New York. Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site is one of the best examples. It’s a scenic stop, but it also gives you a real feel for the canal’s legacy, with multiple phases of Erie Canal construction visible in one place, including locks and the remains of the Schoharie Creek Aqueduct. It’s the kind of stop that makes the ride feel richer without slowing the day down too much.

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Amsterdam

Amsterdam gives the eastern end of the ride a memorable finish. The Mohawk Valley Gateway Overlook (MVGO) is the head-turner, offering sweeping views over the river and a fresh perspective on the landscape you’ve just ridden through. Just below it, Riverlink Park adds even more reason to stay awhile. With walking and biking paths, docks, a playground, waterfront views and a full lineup of community events, it’s the kind of public space that makes Amsterdam feel welcoming the moment you arrive. If you’re ready to trade the bike for dinner, Lorenzo’s Southside is a natural next stop, and Amsterdam Castle makes it easy to stretch the ride into an overnight. Bike Barn Cycling and Fitness is here too for riders who need gear, service or some guidance on other popular cycling routes.

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That’s really the appeal of cycling in Montgomery County.You don’t have to plan every stop in advance or ride it in a perfectly linear way to enjoy it. Pick a community, follow the trail and see where the day takes you.

Before you roll out, consider bringing along the Cycling the Erie Canal TravelStorys tour. The audio experience follows roughly 35 miles of Montgomery County trail and brings the ride to life with stories about the towns, sites and landmarks you’ll pass along the way. It’s an easy way to add a little extra context without losing the relaxed feel of the trip.

Between canal views, local food, museums, parks and welcoming small towns, Erie Canalway section of the Empire State Trail makes it easy to build the kind of ride you’ll want to come back for.

Urban Exploration in the ‘Rug City’

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Take a walk along the Chuctanunda Creek Trail in Amsterdam, New York, and you’ll discover more than nature. History and natural beauty collide along this small waterway that had a huge impact on the industrial development of this city along the banks of the Erie Canal.

The Chuctanunda Trail runs through the city of Amsterdam, New York, and offers a glimpse of its industrial past. Photo credit: Historic Amsterdam League (opens in a new tab)
Aerial view of the Sanford Mills complex near Amsterdam, New York. Photo credit: Historic Amsterdam League (opens in a new tab)

“The Canal was a big feature, but probably the main reason that Amsterdam grew here like it did was the Chuctanunda Creek and that’s because of the water power,” said Jerry Snyder, co-founder of the Historic Amsterdam League. “That’s why Amsterdam was even here. That’s what started it all.

“On early maps, you can see it’s referred to as the never-failing stream,” he said.

Thanks to a gradual 300-foot drop from the foothills of the Adirondack mountains, the Chuctanunda powered early mills that eventually spawned a unique industrial legacy in what was once called the “Rug City.”

It was here that textile mills graduated to a core group of carpet manufacturers led by S. Sanford & Sons, which was established in 1838. Sanford grew quickly and other carpet manufacturers – namely Shuttleworth Brothers Company and McCleary, Wallin & Crouse – followed. At one point, the Sanford’s operations included about 40 buildings.

“The trail gives you the opportunity to see not only the natural beauty of the creek, but also some of the industrial buildings that are still left,” Snyder said. “We do still have most of the Sanford complex. That’s like walking through a time capsule because you can see the evolution all the way from the early limestone buildings to sort of modern-day factories.”

It’s a unique experience in a city that was once filled with an ecosystem of factories that grew with each other. From boxes to buttons to brooms, these once provided the heartbeat of this busy city.

Courtesy of the Historic Amsterdam League (opens in a new tab)

Inman Manufacturing/American Box Machine Co.

Founded by Horace Inman in 1874 to supply paperboard boxes to local industry, the Inman Manufacturing Co. pioneered the use of machinery to eliminate extensive handwork in box manufacture. Originally built only for in-house use, the equipment designed, patented and manufactured by Inman’s American Box Machine Co. quickly became the worldwide industry standard. Inman and his companies received medals for design and innovation at the 1893 Columbian Exposition.

Chalmers Knitting Co.

The Chalmers Knitting Co. was founded in 1901 on the use of “Porosknit,” a new locally developed breathable knit fabric, for the manufacture of men’s underwear. National advertising, including a landmark Times Square sign, spurred demand. At its peak, 600 mill employees produced 1,300 dozen garments there daily. The company passed from local ownership in 1945, with the Chalmers brand name continuing until 1957.

Courtesy of the Historic Amsterdam League (opens in a new tab)
Courtesy of the Historic Amsterdam League (opens in a new tab)

Coleco Industries

Founded in 1932, Coleco arrived in Amsterdam in 1964 for the production of recreational equipment such as backyard pools. Successful expansion into the electronic game field in 1976 was accompanied by expansion of the company’s local presence and workforce, peaking at over 4,000 in the early 1980s. Despite the enormous popularity of their Cabbage Patch Dolls, Coleco’s financial decline led by the ill-fated Adam home computer resulted in their 1988 bankruptcy.

Amsterdam Broom Co.

Founded in 1884 and destroyed by fire in 1909, the original mill was replaced by a larger structure, increasing the annual production capacity of 4 million brooms. At one time the largest independent broom manufacturer in the world, production in the city ended in 1966.

Courtesy of the Historic Amsterdam League (opens in a new tab)
Courtesy of the Historic Amsterdam League (opens in a new tab)

Hampshire Pearl Button Co.

Harvey Chalmers & Son Hampshire Pearl Button Co. began operation near the mouth of the Chuctanunda Creek in 1898. The first pearl button maker to advertise to consumers, Hampshire grew to become the world’s largest pearl button producer, only to see its market lost to zippers and plastics. Closed in 1964, the mills were razed in 1966.

While these mighty industries may have faded from the landscape, there are still many historical structures to explore in Amsterdam.

“We do have 13 properties on the historic registry and that makes an interesting little tour in and of itself,” Snyder said. “We do have very diverse architecture in the city. We have houses all the way from the early 1800s up through the modern day.”

And then there’s that Chuctanunda Creek Trail, which starts at the foot of the spectacular Mohawk Valley Gateway Overlook (MVGO) and winds its way through the city and along the water. The four-mile journey featuring waterfalls, bridges and dams gives a glimpse of the glorious past and modern charm of Amsterdam, which remains one of the historic jewels of Montgomery County.

The Mohawk Valley Gateway Overlook (MVGO) offers magnificent views of the Mohawk River in a park-like setting.

Hit the Trails: Winter Fun in Montgomery County

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Getting outdoors and enjoying Montgomery County’s picturesque scenery doesn’t need to stop just because the snow has started to fly. While many love to hit the trails on their snowmobiles, and there are miles of trails to explore, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are two other great family-friendly ways to enjoy a winter day.

A man and a woman snowshoe at Schoharie Crossings State Historic Site.

Whether you’re exploring Wintergreen Falls, Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site or one of our many other parks and hiking trails, there’s plenty of places to discover. 

If you haven’t tried it before, snowshoeing is a great way to exercise and spend time with friends and loved-ones during the colder months. While many winter sports can be intimidating to take up, snowshoeing can be enjoyed by people of all ages and athletic abilities. All you need to start is a pair of snowshoes and some warm clothes. 

Once you’ve decided to get outdoors, here are some helpful tips to make sure you enjoy the experience.

  • Start Small and Work Toward Bigger Hikes – If it’s your first time snowshoeing make it a manageable activity. You don’t want to start with a long up-and-down mountain trail if it’s your first time strapping on your snowshoes. Start at your local park or ball fields. Explore flat ground where you can reasonably walk before moving on to more difficult trails. 
  • Bring a Friend or Loved-One – Nothing is more fun than spending time with someone whose company you enjoy. Snowshoeing is no different. Bring a loved-one or a friend whose skill level matches yours, so that both of you enjoy the activity. 
  • Dress According to the Conditions – Snowshoeing can be an invigorating activity with positive health benefits, but you have to be prepared. As with other winter activities, it’s important to dress for the weather with warm boots, hats, gloves and proper outerwear. Remember, conditions in the winter can change fast, so be sure to check the weather before you set out and layer cold weather clothing accordingly to ensure you are prepared. When in doubt, remember the Boy Scout motto, “Be Prepared.”
  • Don’t Forget the Essentials – Yes, you need winter clothing and snowshoes, but with all winter sports it’s important to remember the other essentials. Water, sun protection and a healthy snack will make your hike more enjoyable and have you ready to go back out again.

Snowshoeing isn’t the only outdoor activity that’s great family fun. The Erie Canalway Trail offers miles of perfect conditions for cross country skiing enthusiasts. Set out from one of the many public parking areas along the trail and enjoy historic sites, scenic vistas and more. You can also find prime conditions at many of the same parks and historic sites enjoyed by snowshoers.