Hudson-Mohawk Sampler

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Hudson-Mohawk Sampler

Head to the water and discover how two mighty rivers shaped a region and opened a nation. This three-day trip includes New York’s second largest waterfall and a closeup look at the engineering genius that unlocked waterway travel. Along the way, soak up the Capital Region’s culture, natural beauty, rich history, and recreation, then sample from a growing craft beverage scene.


TOTAL DAYS: 3
CANAL: Erie Canal and Hudson River
LOCATION: Albany and Capital Region
CYCLING MILES: 5 to 16-mile options
PADDLING MILES: 1.5 miles (optional)

Trip Highlights

  • Explore Albany, New York’s capital and its many arts, culture, and history offerings
  • Cycle New York State’s new Empire State Trail
  • Climb aboard the Dutch Apple and cruise the Hudson River
  • Paddle around Waterford Harbor, exploring the Erie Canal’s eastern gateway
  • Visit Cohoes, home to the second largest waterfall in New York State
  • Sample local craft beverages

ACCESSIBILITY: This itinerary includes self-guided museum tours and city explorations, along with cycling and paddling excursions. Modify recommendations based on your specific needs. See additional notes about accessibility under each daily outline. Those places assessed for physical accessibility and programmatic inclusion are linked to the Inclusive Recreation Resource Center’s (IRRC) national database. This includes more detailed information about a site’s adaptive features to help decide whether it meets your specific needs.

TOTAL DAYS: 3
CANAL: Erie Canal and Hudson River
LOCATION: Albany and Capital Region
CYCLING MILES: 5 to 16-mile options
PADDLING MILES: 1.5 miles (optional)
Albany  
Albany
Waterford  
Waterford
Troy  
Troy
Albany  
Albany
Waterford  
Waterford
Troy  
Troy
Daily Outline:
DAY 1:In and Around Albany
Segment 1
Albany Walking Tours

Over the past four centuries, Albany has grown from a small Dutch settlement into New York State's Capital City. The Erie Canal originally began here and ran north to Cohoes before turning west through the Mohawk Valley. Discover Albany offers several excellent self-guided walking tours to acquaint you with the city. Stop in the Visitor Center at 25 Quackenbush Square or download an audio tour or brochure. Downtown has lots of good lunch options, including restaurants, breweries, and many food trucks that line up near the State Capitol each day.

Over the past four centuries, Albany has grown from a small Dutch settlement into New York State's Capital City. The Erie Canal originally began here and ran north to Cohoes before turning west through the Mohawk Valley. Discover Albany offers several excellent self-guided walking tours to acquaint you with the city. Stop in the Visitor Center at 25 Quackenbush Square or download an audio tour or brochure. Downtown has lots of good lunch options, including restaurants, breweries, and many food trucks that line up near the State Capitol each day.

Albany Walking Tours
Segment 2
Arts and Culture

Visit the New York State Museum and Empire State Plaza for engaging exhibits about the state’s history, culture, nature, and geology. Best part? It’s free of charge! Check out the powerful 9/11 exhibit, then hop on the historic carousel. Afterwards, stroll through the Plaza, both above and underground, for renowned works of American Modern Art.

Click for Accessibility Note

The New York State Museum is fully accessible.

The Empire State Plaza and Concourse are handicapped accessible except for the State Street Capitol entrance and the Concourse tunnel to the Swan Street Building. For more information, please contact the Plaza Manager's Office at 518-474-8860 or visit the website's disability page for details.

Visit the New York State Museum and Empire State Plaza for engaging exhibits about the state’s history, culture, nature, and geology. Best part? It’s free of charge! Check out the powerful 9/11 exhibit, then hop on the historic carousel. Afterwards, stroll through the Plaza, both above and underground, for renowned works of American Modern Art.

Click for Accessibility Note

The New York State Museum is fully accessible.

The Empire State Plaza and Concourse are handicapped accessible except for the State Street Capitol entrance and the Concourse tunnel to the Swan Street Building. For more information, please contact the Plaza Manager's Office at 518-474-8860 or visit the website's disability page for details.

Arts and Culture
Segment 3
Brew Time

Albany’s growing craft beverage scene offers a variety of dinner options. Choose from C H Evans Brewing Co. at the Albany Pump Station, in Quackenbush Square; The Albany Distilling Company Bar and Bottle Shop on Livingston Ave; or Fort Orange Brewing on North Pearl St. Both Nine-Pin Cider Works and Druthers Brewing Company are on Broadway, in Albany's former canalside lumber district. Follow the Capital Craft Beverage Trail to more craft and farm-based beverage producers in the region.

Albany’s growing craft beverage scene offers a variety of dinner options. Choose from C H Evans Brewing Co. at the Albany Pump Station, in Quackenbush Square; The Albany Distilling Company Bar and Bottle Shop on Livingston Ave; or Fort Orange Brewing on North Pearl St. Both Nine-Pin Cider Works and Druthers Brewing Company are on Broadway, in Albany's former canalside lumber district. Follow the Capital Craft Beverage Trail to more craft and farm-based beverage producers in the region.

Brew Time
DAY 2:Along the Hudson River
Segment 1
Corning Preserve

From downtown Albany, head to the Corning Preserve, along the Hudson River. Rent a bike from CDPHP Cycle! and head north for an off-road ride along the Hudson River, following New York’s Empire State Trail. You'll be headed out and back, so pick a spot to turn around or try this longer trip:

  • Cycle to Troy (16 miles round trip): This scenic ride takes you to the heart of downtown Troy, where there are plenty of local food options and fun shops. This ride is best for experienced cyclists with their own bikes and helmets. Head north along the trail for 5 miles to Watervliet. Follow Empire State Trail (EST) signs to a dedicated bike lane as you continue north. Be careful along the short road stretch with no dedicated bike lane as you reach Green Island. Follow EST signs, turning right at the Green Island Bridge to cross the Hudson River. Turn right again on River Street and head downtown. With delightful Victorian architecture and an excellent farmer’s market on Saturday mornings, plan to lock your bike and spend some time wandering the winding streets before heading back to Albany.

Click for Accessibility Note

The Canalway Trail/Empire State Trail is accessible for walking, cycling, and wheelchairs. All types of bikes, including recumbents and hand cycles, are welcome. The trail is accessible to people with mobility challenges and meets Americans with Disabilities (ADA) standards. Off-road Empire State Trail sections are 10-12 feet wide; this section has a paved asphalt surface.

From downtown Albany, head to the Corning Preserve, along the Hudson River. Rent a bike from CDPHP Cycle! and head north for an off-road ride along the Hudson River, following New York’s Empire State Trail. You'll be headed out and back, so pick a spot to turn around or try this longer trip:

  • Cycle to Troy (16 miles round trip): This scenic ride takes you to the heart of downtown Troy, where there are plenty of local food options and fun shops. This ride is best for experienced cyclists with their own bikes and helmets. Head north along the trail for 5 miles to Watervliet. Follow Empire State Trail (EST) signs to a dedicated bike lane as you continue north. Be careful along the short road stretch with no dedicated bike lane as you reach Green Island. Follow EST signs, turning right at the Green Island Bridge to cross the Hudson River. Turn right again on River Street and head downtown. With delightful Victorian architecture and an excellent farmer’s market on Saturday mornings, plan to lock your bike and spend some time wandering the winding streets before heading back to Albany.

Click for Accessibility Note

The Canalway Trail/Empire State Trail is accessible for walking, cycling, and wheelchairs. All types of bikes, including recumbents and hand cycles, are welcome. The trail is accessible to people with mobility challenges and meets Americans with Disabilities (ADA) standards. Off-road Empire State Trail sections are 10-12 feet wide; this section has a paved asphalt surface.

Corning Preserve
Segment 2
Albany's Rich History and Culture

Spend the afternoon at The Albany Institute of History and Art, famous for significant Hudson River School paintings; Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site, home to Philip J. Schuyler, the renowned Revolutionary War general, US Senator, and early canal advocate; or the USS Slater, the only remaining WWII Destroyer Escort in the country, now docked on the Hudson River.

Click for Accessibility Note

Albany Institute (IRRC) is accessible for people with mobility challenges.

Schuyler Mansion's (IRRC) visitor center and first floor of the house are accessible for people with mobility challenges. Stairs to the second floor are shallow; stairs have a hand rail and there is bench seat available for resting halfway to the second floor. Some exhibits in the visitor center have visual and auditory components.

USS Slater has original decking and tours involve climbing ladders to reach various compartments. The vessel is not wheelchair accessible.

Spend the afternoon at The Albany Institute of History and Art, famous for significant Hudson River School paintings; Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site, home to Philip J. Schuyler, the renowned Revolutionary War general, US Senator, and early canal advocate; or the USS Slater, the only remaining WWII Destroyer Escort in the country, now docked on the Hudson River.

Click for Accessibility Note

Albany Institute (IRRC) is accessible for people with mobility challenges.

Schuyler Mansion's (IRRC) visitor center and first floor of the house are accessible for people with mobility challenges. Stairs to the second floor are shallow; stairs have a hand rail and there is bench seat available for resting halfway to the second floor. Some exhibits in the visitor center have visual and auditory components.

USS Slater has original decking and tours involve climbing ladders to reach various compartments. The vessel is not wheelchair accessible.

Albany's Rich History and Culture
Segment 3
Cruise the Hudson River

Spend the evening aboard Albany's riverboat, the Dutch Apple, for an unforgettable view of the Albany skyline.

Spend the evening aboard Albany's riverboat, the Dutch Apple, for an unforgettable view of the Albany skyline.

Cruise the Hudson River
DAY 3:Discover the Erie Canal
Segment 1
Waterford Paddle

Drive north to Waterford to paddle the Waterford Harbor, at the junction of the Erie Canal and Hudson River/Champlain Canal. Rent from Upstate Kayak Rentals at the Waterford Point Boat Ramp. You can also paddle around parts of Peebles Island State Park. Be on the lookout for bald eagles, osprey, ravens, and deer.

More adventurous paddlers can tackle the Waterford Flight of Locks. Rent from Upstate Kayak Rentals at Alcathy's Boat Launch, located above Lock 6 and paddle with the current through narrow rock cut channels and wide water passages. Enjoy outstanding views as you descend through the five locks of the Waterford Flight. This 1.5-mile trip takes about 2.5 hours and is suitable for all skill levels. Lock tenders will instruct you on safe passage through the locks, and you can return your kayak at the Waterford Point Boat Ramp. You will need a second car or an Uber/Lyft to return to your original parking area. Check out the paddling section of our website for tips, safety information, and resources.


Restrooms and showers are available at the Waterford Harbor Visitor Center, located a short walk from the takeout location. Enjoy lunch at McGreivey's Restaurant on Broad Street in Waterford.

Click for Accessibility Note

Paddling access here is not suited to those needing adaptive equipment. The launch site is a concrete ramp.

For a good alternative to paddling, visit the canal front promenade at the Waterford Harbor Visitor Center to see the locks and watch boats traveling through, then visit Peebles Island State Park and Cohoes Falls.

Drive north to Waterford to paddle the Waterford Harbor, at the junction of the Erie Canal and Hudson River/Champlain Canal. Rent from Upstate Kayak Rentals at the Waterford Point Boat Ramp. You can also paddle around parts of Peebles Island State Park. Be on the lookout for bald eagles, osprey, ravens, and deer.

More adventurous paddlers can tackle the Waterford Flight of Locks. Rent from Upstate Kayak Rentals at Alcathy's Boat Launch, located above Lock 6 and paddle with the current through narrow rock cut channels and wide water passages. Enjoy outstanding views as you descend through the five locks of the Waterford Flight. This 1.5-mile trip takes about 2.5 hours and is suitable for all skill levels. Lock tenders will instruct you on safe passage through the locks, and you can return your kayak at the Waterford Point Boat Ramp. You will need a second car or an Uber/Lyft to return to your original parking area. Check out the paddling section of our website for tips, safety information, and resources.


Restrooms and showers are available at the Waterford Harbor Visitor Center, located a short walk from the takeout location. Enjoy lunch at McGreivey's Restaurant on Broad Street in Waterford.

Click for Accessibility Note

Paddling access here is not suited to those needing adaptive equipment. The launch site is a concrete ramp.

For a good alternative to paddling, visit the canal front promenade at the Waterford Harbor Visitor Center to see the locks and watch boats traveling through, then visit Peebles Island State Park and Cohoes Falls.

Waterford Paddle
Segment 2
Cohoes Falls

Drive to Cohoes to see the spectacular 75-foot Cohoes Falls at Falls View Park on the Mohawk River. During the 1820s, canal engineers constructed an astounding 18 locks, threading through Cohoes, to lift and lower boats around the falls. A key source of hydropower for Harmony Mills and other Cohoes textile companies, the falls helped factories turn out millions of yards of cotton goods and fabrics. Falls View Park includes a large observation area, fishing access, and picnic tables.

Click for Accessibility Note

This park is wheelchair accessible with a marked crosswalk for the two lane road from the parking lot to the park entrance.

Drive to Cohoes to see the spectacular 75-foot Cohoes Falls at Falls View Park on the Mohawk River. During the 1820s, canal engineers constructed an astounding 18 locks, threading through Cohoes, to lift and lower boats around the falls. A key source of hydropower for Harmony Mills and other Cohoes textile companies, the falls helped factories turn out millions of yards of cotton goods and fabrics. Falls View Park includes a large observation area, fishing access, and picnic tables.

Click for Accessibility Note

This park is wheelchair accessible with a marked crosswalk for the two lane road from the parking lot to the park entrance.

Cohoes Falls
Segment 3
Peebles Island State Park

Want more to explore? Return to Peebles Island State Park for a hike. The perimeter trail is a 1.84-mile loop around the island, offering excellent views. Several connector trails cut through the island interior for a shorter hike.


Return to Troy for dinner at Brown's Brewing, Dinosaur BBQ, Testo's Restaurant and Pizza or Plumb Oyster Bar.

Click for Accessibility Note

Peebles Island State Park (IRRC): Major trails around the island include rocky sections and modest grade changes. The facilities and walkways to a Hudson River overlook platform are wheelchair accessible. A paved section of the Empire State Trail runs through the park, providing a good alternative for those choosing not to paddle.

Want more to explore? Return to Peebles Island State Park for a hike. The perimeter trail is a 1.84-mile loop around the island, offering excellent views. Several connector trails cut through the island interior for a shorter hike.


Return to Troy for dinner at Brown's Brewing, Dinosaur BBQ, Testo's Restaurant and Pizza or Plumb Oyster Bar.

Click for Accessibility Note

Peebles Island State Park (IRRC): Major trails around the island include rocky sections and modest grade changes. The facilities and walkways to a Hudson River overlook platform are wheelchair accessible. A paved section of the Empire State Trail runs through the park, providing a good alternative for those choosing not to paddle.

Peebles Island State Park

This itinerary requires car transportation to daily destinations.

  • BY AIR: Albany International Airport; car rentals available here.
  • BY RAIL: Amtrak provides service from points south, north, east, and west to the Albany-Rensselaer rail station, located across the Hudson River from Albany at 525 East Street, Rensselaer. If you are cycling, cross the Dunn Memorial Bridge to reach the train station. Reservations are required to carry your bike on the train.
  • BY CAR: Reach the Capital Region from the NYS Thruway I90 (exit 23) and I87 and 787.

Staying in one location as your base is recommended for the experiences in this itinerary. Discover Albany has a complete listing of accommodations in downtown Albany that are centrally located to the activities listed.

Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve

Enjoy excellent hiking, walking, or cycling on trails along the Enlarged Erie Canal. The 740-acre preserve includes extensive wetlands for premier birdwatching during spring migration. (19 miles from downtown Albany)

Schenectady

Visit this city on the shores of the Mohawk River to find a former industrial city that has reinvented itself with a lively downtown, thriving local businesses, unique shops, tasty restaurants, and River's Casino for those who like to press their luck. Visit Mohawk Harbor for the casino, a waterfront walk, or a pint at Druthers Brewing Company. Stroll downtown through Jay Street, a pedestrian only side street packed with local favorite shops and restaurants. If the timing is right, Proctor’s Theater hosts off-Broadway shows, stand-up comedians, and concerts.

Getting Here

This itinerary requires car transportation to daily destinations.

  • BY AIR: Albany International Airport; car rentals available here.
  • BY RAIL: Amtrak provides service from points south, north, east, and west to the Albany-Rensselaer rail station, located across the Hudson River from Albany at 525 East Street, Rensselaer. If you are cycling, cross the Dunn Memorial Bridge to reach the train station. Reservations are required to carry your bike on the train.
  • BY CAR: Reach the Capital Region from the NYS Thruway I90 (exit 23) and I87 and 787.
Accommodations

Staying in one location as your base is recommended for the experiences in this itinerary. Discover Albany has a complete listing of accommodations in downtown Albany that are centrally located to the activities listed.

More To Explore

Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve

Enjoy excellent hiking, walking, or cycling on trails along the Enlarged Erie Canal. The 740-acre preserve includes extensive wetlands for premier birdwatching during spring migration. (19 miles from downtown Albany)

Schenectady

Visit this city on the shores of the Mohawk River to find a former industrial city that has reinvented itself with a lively downtown, thriving local businesses, unique shops, tasty restaurants, and River's Casino for those who like to press their luck. Visit Mohawk Harbor for the casino, a waterfront walk, or a pint at Druthers Brewing Company. Stroll downtown through Jay Street, a pedestrian only side street packed with local favorite shops and restaurants. If the timing is right, Proctor’s Theater hosts off-Broadway shows, stand-up comedians, and concerts.

Sample Local Flavor

Additional Trip Planning Resources

Paddling
Resources
Cycling
Resources
New York
Canal Map
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Canalway Challenge


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Erie Canalway itineraries are funded in part by a grant from Market New York through I LOVE NY, New York State's Division of Tourism, as part of the State's Regional Economic Development Council awards.
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We are grateful to Discover Albany and the Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau Foundation for funding support for the Hudson-Mohawk Sampler.