Follow America's Destiny

Follow America's Destiny

Explore the interconnected waterways that shaped North America’s destiny. From the Revolutionary War and pivotal Battles of Saratoga to the canal heydays of the 1800s, the Champlain Canal Region will connect you with people, places and events that fueled the nation’s growth. Start your adventure at Saratoga Battlefield, then head to the Champlain Canal to round out your trip. Add optional paddling, cycling, or hiking to make your visit even more active and memorable. Kayak rentals are available but if you choose to cycle, we recommend bringing your own bike.


TOTAL DAYS: 2
CANAL: Champlain Canal

Trip Highlights

  • Stand on the Saratoga Battlefield, where the 1777 victory marked a turning point in the American Revolution.
  • Take in sweeping views of the Hudson River and Champlain Canal from the Saratoga Battlefield overlook and Hudson Crossing Park.
  • Experience the waterway on a narrated boat tour.
  • Walk in the shoes of Freedom Seekers who followed the "Champlain Line" of the Underground Railroad.
  • Savor the region’s agricultural traditions with waterfront dining, farm‑fresh produce, locally made ice cream, and craft brews.

ACCESSIBILITY: This itinerary includes self-guided tours that require walking, as well as optional cycling and paddling excursions. Modify recommendations based on your specific needs. See additional notes about accessibility and adaptive accommodations under each daily outline.

TOTAL DAYS: 2
CANAL: Champlain Canal
Saratoga National Historical Park  
Saratoga National Historical Park
Cycling the Canalway Trail  
Cycling the Canalway Trail
Lock C5 and Hudson Crossing Park  
Lock C5 and Hudson Crossing Park
Saratoga National Historical Park  
Saratoga National Historical Park
Cycling the Canalway Trail  
Cycling the Canalway Trail
Lock C5 and Hudson Crossing Park  
Lock C5 and Hudson Crossing Park
Daily Outline:
DAY 1:Victory & Vistas: Saratoga and the Champlain Canal
Segment 1
Saratoga National Historical Park

Website; 648 Route 32, Stillwater

Walk, drive or bicycle pastoral lands where in 1777 Americans fought overwhelming odds to win a key Revolutionary War victory against the British. Known as one of the most important battles in the last millennium, the victory drew international allies to win America’s War for Independence and spread the ideals of independence and liberty around the world.

Start at the visitor center to get oriented, see the film and museum exhibits, and then head out into the park. You can drive the battlefield’s scenic 10-mile tour road or hike historic trails. Special events are offered year-round. If you are traveling with kids, be sure to pick up a Junior Ranger Activity book. Plan to spend a full morning at the park.

Cycling Option: Ride out and back from the visitor center to the vista at the American River Fortification (Stop #3 on the Park Tour Map) for a leisurely five-mile round trip ride. More adventurous cyclists can tackle the park’s full 10‑mile tour loop road. A steep ascent toward the end adds a bit of challenge. A dedicated cycling/walking lane is available most of the way.

Hiking Option- Choose from several short or longer hikes that wind through the park’s woodlands and meadows while bringing Revolutionary War history to life. Trails include the popular 4.2‑mile Wilkinson Trail, with access from the Visitor Center or from trailheads at numbered stops along the tour road.

Click for Accessibility Note

The park visitor center is accessible. Accessible parking is available behind the visitor center via "Roosevelt Road." Follow signs at the entrance for parking. The Tour Road and walkways at all Wayside Stops are paved, but accessibility varies at each stop based on the steepness of the terrain. Printed transcripts for audio tours are available. Find details on the park's website: https://www.nps.gov/sara/planyourvisit/physical-mobility.htm

Website; 648 Route 32, Stillwater

Walk, drive or bicycle pastoral lands where in 1777 Americans fought overwhelming odds to win a key Revolutionary War victory against the British. Known as one of the most important battles in the last millennium, the victory drew international allies to win America’s War for Independence and spread the ideals of independence and liberty around the world.

Start at the visitor center to get oriented, see the film and museum exhibits, and then head out into the park. You can drive the battlefield’s scenic 10-mile tour road or hike historic trails. Special events are offered year-round. If you are traveling with kids, be sure to pick up a Junior Ranger Activity book. Plan to spend a full morning at the park.

Cycling Option: Ride out and back from the visitor center to the vista at the American River Fortification (Stop #3 on the Park Tour Map) for a leisurely five-mile round trip ride. More adventurous cyclists can tackle the park’s full 10‑mile tour loop road. A steep ascent toward the end adds a bit of challenge. A dedicated cycling/walking lane is available most of the way.

Hiking Option- Choose from several short or longer hikes that wind through the park’s woodlands and meadows while bringing Revolutionary War history to life. Trails include the popular 4.2‑mile Wilkinson Trail, with access from the Visitor Center or from trailheads at numbered stops along the tour road.

Click for Accessibility Note

The park visitor center is accessible. Accessible parking is available behind the visitor center via "Roosevelt Road." Follow signs at the entrance for parking. The Tour Road and walkways at all Wayside Stops are paved, but accessibility varies at each stop based on the steepness of the terrain. Printed transcripts for audio tours are available. Find details on the park's website: https://www.nps.gov/sara/planyourvisit/physical-mobility.htm

Saratoga National Historical Park
Segment 2
Village of Schuylerville and the Champlain Canal Region Gateway Visitor’s Center

Website; 30 Ferry Street, Schuylerville
Located on the west bank of the Hudson River, Schuylerville—also known as Old Saratoga—was the site of the surrender of General John Burgoyne and the British Army following the Battles of Saratoga, the turning point of the American Revolution. Stop at the Visitor Center for an excellent orientation to the area.

Choose from several lunch options close by, including Kick Start Coffee, Mama Bear’s Diner, Old Saratoga Eatery, or Schuylerville Pizza and Pasta.

Cycling Option: The Champlain Canal once ran parallel to the Hudson River in a separate dug channel. You can walk or cycle along the old towpath. The path runs from the Visitor Center 0.3 miles south to the Schuyler Estate, or 1 mile north to Hudson Crossing Park.

Paddling Option: Rent a kayak, canoe, or SUP at the Schuyler Yacht Basin and explore by water. The Champlain Canal today follows the Hudson River channel.

Website; 30 Ferry Street, Schuylerville
Located on the west bank of the Hudson River, Schuylerville—also known as Old Saratoga—was the site of the surrender of General John Burgoyne and the British Army following the Battles of Saratoga, the turning point of the American Revolution. Stop at the Visitor Center for an excellent orientation to the area.

Choose from several lunch options close by, including Kick Start Coffee, Mama Bear’s Diner, Old Saratoga Eatery, or Schuylerville Pizza and Pasta.

Cycling Option: The Champlain Canal once ran parallel to the Hudson River in a separate dug channel. You can walk or cycle along the old towpath. The path runs from the Visitor Center 0.3 miles south to the Schuyler Estate, or 1 mile north to Hudson Crossing Park.

Paddling Option: Rent a kayak, canoe, or SUP at the Schuyler Yacht Basin and explore by water. The Champlain Canal today follows the Hudson River channel.

Village of Schuylerville and the Champlain Canal Region Gateway Visitor’s Center
Segment 3
Hudson Crossing Park and Champlain Lock 5

Website; Lock C5 Island, Schuylerville

Hudson Crossing Park sits on an island created by Champlain Canal Lock 5 and is the perfect place to get outside and explore. Wander more than two miles of waterfront trails or let kids discover the park’s imaginative play garden. Two miles of walking paths are mostly flat and well maintained. Try the Riverwalk Sensory Trail, a shady path along the water with informative signs to educate you about the area.

Don’t miss Champlain Canal Lock 5. Compare the modern lock, built in 1915, with the original 1800s towpath-era canal right beside it. Ask the lock keeper for a peek inside the lock’s historic hydroelectric powerhouse.

Click for Accessibility Note

Hudson Crossing Park is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all visitors. The Sensory Trail is wheelchair accessible and features wooden planks on either side of each turn-off, signaling to visitors with visual impairments that there is a change in the path. QR codes on interpretive signs provide audio descriptions. An accessible port-a-potty, equipped with large self-closing doors, flat floors for easy access, and stainless-steel grab handles, is located just to the side of the parking lot. An accessible kayak launch is coming in 2026. The park's website has additional information.

 

Website; Lock C5 Island, Schuylerville

Hudson Crossing Park sits on an island created by Champlain Canal Lock 5 and is the perfect place to get outside and explore. Wander more than two miles of waterfront trails or let kids discover the park’s imaginative play garden. Two miles of walking paths are mostly flat and well maintained. Try the Riverwalk Sensory Trail, a shady path along the water with informative signs to educate you about the area.

Don’t miss Champlain Canal Lock 5. Compare the modern lock, built in 1915, with the original 1800s towpath-era canal right beside it. Ask the lock keeper for a peek inside the lock’s historic hydroelectric powerhouse.

Click for Accessibility Note

Hudson Crossing Park is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all visitors. The Sensory Trail is wheelchair accessible and features wooden planks on either side of each turn-off, signaling to visitors with visual impairments that there is a change in the path. QR codes on interpretive signs provide audio descriptions. An accessible port-a-potty, equipped with large self-closing doors, flat floors for easy access, and stainless-steel grab handles, is located just to the side of the parking lot. An accessible kayak launch is coming in 2026. The park's website has additional information.

 

Hudson Crossing Park and Champlain Lock 5
Segment 4
Get on the Water

You’ll have a whole new perspective when you experience the canal and view surrounding landscapes from the water.


Paddling Option- Launch your kayak or canoe or rent one at the Upstate Kayak's self-serve rental station at Hudson Crossing Park to explore the canal and Hudson River. The current runs north to south, so we recommend going upstream first and gliding back with the current. A new adaptive kayak launch makes getting in and out of the water possible for people with mobility challenges.

Boat Tour Option- Relax on the water for a narrated tour aboard a pontoon boat from Mohawk Maiden Cruise. Tours launch from Lock C5. Call ahead or visit the website to schedule your cruise.

You’ll have a whole new perspective when you experience the canal and view surrounding landscapes from the water.


Paddling Option- Launch your kayak or canoe or rent one at the Upstate Kayak's self-serve rental station at Hudson Crossing Park to explore the canal and Hudson River. The current runs north to south, so we recommend going upstream first and gliding back with the current. A new adaptive kayak launch makes getting in and out of the water possible for people with mobility challenges.

Boat Tour Option- Relax on the water for a narrated tour aboard a pontoon boat from Mohawk Maiden Cruise. Tours launch from Lock C5. Call ahead or visit the website to schedule your cruise.

Get on the Water
Segment 5
Dinner with a View

Return to Schuylerville to enjoy dinner on the water at Bound by Fate Farm Brewery & Taproom. Amigos Cantina is highly recommended for Mexican food lovers. Both are located on Ferry Street.

Return to Schuylerville to enjoy dinner on the water at Bound by Fate Farm Brewery & Taproom. Amigos Cantina is highly recommended for Mexican food lovers. Both are located on Ferry Street.

DAY 2:Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness
Segment 1
Underground Railroad Walking Tour

Website, Village of Greenwich

The promise of liberty, hard fought and won during the American Revolution, was not extended to all. It would take another 89 years and the Civil War to end slavery nationwide in 1865. African Americans seeking freedom followed the Hudson River and Champlain Canal as a route to freedom in Canada.

Extend your Revolutionary Experience in the charming Village of Greenwich, where a self-guided walking tour will take you to safe houses and other Underground Railroad stops. Plan to explore local shops and enjoy coffee or a snack while on your tour.

Click for Accessibility Note

The walking tour will involve uneven sidewalks and street crossings.

Website, Village of Greenwich

The promise of liberty, hard fought and won during the American Revolution, was not extended to all. It would take another 89 years and the Civil War to end slavery nationwide in 1865. African Americans seeking freedom followed the Hudson River and Champlain Canal as a route to freedom in Canada.

Extend your Revolutionary Experience in the charming Village of Greenwich, where a self-guided walking tour will take you to safe houses and other Underground Railroad stops. Plan to explore local shops and enjoy coffee or a snack while on your tour.

Click for Accessibility Note

The walking tour will involve uneven sidewalks and street crossings.

Underground Railroad Walking Tour
Segment 2
Fun on the Farm

Here's to the pursuit of happiness with farm fresh produce, ice cream, cider donuts, and more! Explore the region’s rich agricultural heritage as you enjoy these top picks:

  • Hand Melon Farm, 533 Wilbur Ave, Greenwich- Pick your own berries or pick up fresh fruit and vegetables, produce, dry goods, fresh baked items, eggs, milk, meat, flowers and more at the farm store.
  • Saratoga Apple, 1174 RT 29, Schuylerville- You-pick apples in late-summer and fall, and a year-round farm store, a hard cider tasting room, and fresh baked goods—including apple cider donuts.
  • King Brothers Dairy, 329 King Rd, Schuylerville- This full service on-farm ice cream parlor features over 80 rotating homemade hard ice cream flavors and homemade soft serve vanilla & chocolate. You’ll also find award-winning milk, beef, local goods and an assortment of gift items in the farm store.

Here's to the pursuit of happiness with farm fresh produce, ice cream, cider donuts, and more! Explore the region’s rich agricultural heritage as you enjoy these top picks:

  • Hand Melon Farm, 533 Wilbur Ave, Greenwich- Pick your own berries or pick up fresh fruit and vegetables, produce, dry goods, fresh baked items, eggs, milk, meat, flowers and more at the farm store.
  • Saratoga Apple, 1174 RT 29, Schuylerville- You-pick apples in late-summer and fall, and a year-round farm store, a hard cider tasting room, and fresh baked goods—including apple cider donuts.
  • King Brothers Dairy, 329 King Rd, Schuylerville- This full service on-farm ice cream parlor features over 80 rotating homemade hard ice cream flavors and homemade soft serve vanilla & chocolate. You’ll also find award-winning milk, beef, local goods and an assortment of gift items in the farm store.

Fun on the Farm
Segment 3
More to Explore

Choose your interest to experience more of what the area offers. For Revolutionary War: Saratoga National Historical Park includes additional sites at Victory Woods, Saratoga Monument, and Schuyler Estate in Schuylerville. Further north in Fort Edward, the Rogers Island Visitor Center and Old Fort House Museum will broaden the story.

For canal and cycling enthusiasts: Head to the Glens Falls Feeder Canal to walk or cycle along the nine-mile towpath, where you'll see stone locks from the 1800s (pictured).

Or enjoy an afternoon of world-class art at the Hyde Collection in Glens Falls. 

Choose your interest to experience more of what the area offers. For Revolutionary War: Saratoga National Historical Park includes additional sites at Victory Woods, Saratoga Monument, and Schuyler Estate in Schuylerville. Further north in Fort Edward, the Rogers Island Visitor Center and Old Fort House Museum will broaden the story.

For canal and cycling enthusiasts: Head to the Glens Falls Feeder Canal to walk or cycle along the nine-mile towpath, where you'll see stone locks from the 1800s (pictured).

Or enjoy an afternoon of world-class art at the Hyde Collection in Glens Falls. 

More to Explore

This itinerary requires a car to travel between destinations. North-south routes to reach Saratoga National Historical Park and other tour stops include I87 and Rte.4, which parallels the Hudson River/Champlain Canal.

Touring cyclists can reach most of the sites listed here from the Empire State Trail. Caution is strongly advised for farm excursions listed on Day 2.

Schuylerville

  • Schuyler Yacht Basin offers shipping container cabins and RV sites for overnight and weekly rental.
  • The Dovegate Inn in the heart of the village is conveniently located to all of the stops in this itinerary.

Saratoga Springs

  • Find a variety of hotels, inns, and B&Bs located 12 miles / 20 minutes from Schuylerville.

Greenwich

Extend your stay to explore more of this scenic and historic region.

  • Washington County Tourism will help you find a fantastic array of activities, tours, and events on the east side of the Hudson River/Champlain Canal.
  • Saratoga Springs, just 12 miles west of Schuylerville, is a go-to place for summer visitors. Find information on attractions, events, restaurants, and accommodations.

Adirondack Ultra Cycling Bike Shop, 160 Broad Street, Schuylerville

Upstate Kayak Rentals, offers self-serve kayak rentals at Hudson Crossing Park

Getting Here

This itinerary requires a car to travel between destinations. North-south routes to reach Saratoga National Historical Park and other tour stops include I87 and Rte.4, which parallels the Hudson River/Champlain Canal.

Touring cyclists can reach most of the sites listed here from the Empire State Trail. Caution is strongly advised for farm excursions listed on Day 2.

Accommodations

Schuylerville

  • Schuyler Yacht Basin offers shipping container cabins and RV sites for overnight and weekly rental.
  • The Dovegate Inn in the heart of the village is conveniently located to all of the stops in this itinerary.

Saratoga Springs

  • Find a variety of hotels, inns, and B&Bs located 12 miles / 20 minutes from Schuylerville.

Greenwich

More To Explore

Extend your stay to explore more of this scenic and historic region.

  • Washington County Tourism will help you find a fantastic array of activities, tours, and events on the east side of the Hudson River/Champlain Canal.
  • Saratoga Springs, just 12 miles west of Schuylerville, is a go-to place for summer visitors. Find information on attractions, events, restaurants, and accommodations.
Bike/Paddle Shops

Adirondack Ultra Cycling Bike Shop, 160 Broad Street, Schuylerville

Upstate Kayak Rentals, offers self-serve kayak rentals at Hudson Crossing Park


Additional Trip Planning Resources



ilny.png
Discover Albany logo

® I LOVE NEW YORK is a registered trademark and service mark of the New York State Department of Economic Development; used with permission.

We are grateful to Discover Albany and the Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau Foundation for funding support for the Hudson-Mohawk Sampler.