Page 24 - AAA Every Day – AAA Hudson Valley – March/April 2021

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Cohoes Falls / Falls View Park
231-341 North Mohawk Street, Cohoes www.friendsofcohoesfalls.org
The spectacular 75-foot Cohoes Falls on the Mohawk River is a must-see destination. Falls View Park has a large observation area, fishing access and picnic tables. Stairs and a hiking
path leading to the base of the falls are open in the summer (conditions dependent). Nearby Overlook Park on School Street is open year-round.
The Cohoes Falls were pivotal to the construction of the Erie Canal and the industrialization of America. During the 1820s, engineers constructed 18 locks on the Erie Canal threading through Cohoes to lift and lower boats around the falls, enabling boat traffic to press westward. The falls also supplied waterpower for Harmony Mills and other Cohoes textile companies that turned out millions of yards of cotton goods and fabrics. In 1915, the falls were harnessed for hydroelectric power at the School Street Hydroelectric Facility. Today, that facility is owned by Brookfield Renewable Energy; Harmony Mills have become luxury apartments; and the falls remain a powerful attraction for residents, visitors, industry and new investment.
Peebles Island State Park
One Delaware Avenue, Waterford 518-237-8643
parks.ny.gov
Across the bridge from Lock 2 in Waterford at the confluence of the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers is Peebles Island State Park. Hike the perimeter trail for beautiful views of the Mohawk River and surrounding rocky islands. The 190-acre park is
primarily upland oak forest,
with several small wetlands
and open grassland. Trails are
open for walking and jogging,
as well as cross-country skiing
and snowshoeing in winter.
Picnicking, fishing and canoe/
kayak access also are available.
Peebles Island is steeped in history. Its strategic location attracted Native Americans, Dutch traders, Continental
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Waterford Flight, Lock 2 and Old Champlain Canal
One Tugboat Alley, Waterford 518-233-9123
of the Waterford Flight composed the highest lift over
the shortest distance in the world, raising and lowering boats 169 feet in just more than 11⁄2 miles. Stroll alongside the canal and visit Lock 2 at the Waterford Harbor to watch boats passing through the lock. Consider driving up Flight Lock Road to see Locks 3 through 6. You’ll be rewarded with a lovely view east toward Troy from Lock
6. The Waterford Flight was designated a National Civil Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Civil Engineers in 2012.
Other nearby sites of interest include the Waterford Historical Museum and Cultural Center and two miles of the Old Champlain Canal and towpath, which is suitable for walking or cycling. Kayak rentals are available from Upstate Kayak Rentals at the top and bottom of the Waterford Flight. You can go through the five locks or simply paddle around Waterford Harbor.
soldiers during the Revolutionary War and, more recently, manufacturers who could import raw materials and export finished products by water and rail. From 1909
to 1972, miles of cotton fabric were bleached and dyed here, to be cut and sewn into “Arrow” shirts across the Hudson in Troy. Workers at Matton Shipyard on Van Schaick Island built tugboats, submarine chasers and other vessels from 1916 to 1983. Today, the bleachery
complex is home to the New York State Historic Preservation Office and the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.
How far? Sites are located within a six-mile radius of each other. Note, however, that cycling between them is tricky because of road crossings and traffic; use caution when cycling and see the Get Active! section for off-road cycling options. Map your journey using the New York State Canal Map: www.nycanalmap.com
The Erie Canal was enlarged and rerouted in 1915 and the locks around Cohoes Falls were replaced by the remarkable Waterford Flight. For more than 70 years, the five locks
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