Champlain Canal Lock C5

The island that Hudson Crossing Park is centered on is created by the Hudson River and Champlain Canal. As you enter the park you drive past Champlain Canal Lock 5, where, if you're lucky enough to see it in use, boats are lifted 19 feet up to the elevation of the Hudson River in an artificial channel. This is also the site of a historic junction lock, which, while no longer in operation, is still a very interesting peek into the history of the Champlain Canal. 

Just north of the lock on the west side of the channel are floating docks which give access to Hudson Crossing, and long distance boaters are invited to dock for up to 48 hours and explore the park as well as our local communities. For those who are on a shorter journey, take advantage of the dock to get off the water and stretch your legs a bit by exploring the trail that leads along the canal to Eagle Point, or simply explore the many amenities that Hudson Crossing Park has to offer. 

The Champlain Canal is used today by recreational and commercial boaters, both motorized and paddlers. For more information on how to travel the canal system and Lock 5, visit The New York State Canals website. The lock master can be reached on VHF channel 13 or via phone at (518) 695-3919. Lock C6 is located 4 miles to the north.

2023 marks the bicentennial of the Champlain Canal. Learn more about the construction, history, and importance of the canal by scrolling down, and join us all year long for events, programs, and festivities celebrating this important anniversary!

Two Canada Geese looking at the old canal along the towpath

The Old Towpath 

Visitors who have visited the Canal and lock system simply need to cross the road to explore what is locally known as "The Old Towpath". The original path that mules walked to haul barges and boats along the original Champlain Canal, today the towpath is a multi-use recreational path that serves as a connector between Hudson Crossing Park and the Village of Schuylerville. Continue across Ferry Street and onto the path beyond the post office, and you will find yourself  at the back door of General Schuyler's House! 

 
Children gathering to learn about the old buoy boat along the Canalway Trail

The Champlain Canalway Trail

Hudson Crossing Park is proud to be the mid-point along the Champlain Canalway Trail, a regional trail network that leads from Waterford to Whitehall for bikers, walkers, and snowmobilers. Part of the larger Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, this trailway connects communities up and down the canal and encourages people to be active and explore the historic and recreational resources that are available in our region. 

 
Canalway Challenge Logo

Are You Up For The Challenge?

Get ready for fun, fitness, and adventure on the NYS Canalway System and Canalway Trail! The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is launching the Canalway Challenge this spring to help you achieve your personal fitness goals while walking, running, cycling, or paddling on the Canalway Trail and NYS Canal System. The free program includes a range of mileage options-- 15 miles, 90 miles, 180 miles, and 360 miles—so that you can choose a mileage goal that suits your ability and experience the Erie Canalway’s many treasures. Click below to learn more!

 
A 1910 photo of the old Champlain Canal lock 10, its lock tender shanty, and lock tender. The background shows a large icehouse and its conveyor from the riverbank to the upper floors.

Tragedy at the Saratoga Falls

The history of the Champlain Canal is long and varied, and while the details of many aspects may have been lost or confused over the decades, the stories still remain. Thanks to the research of Hudson Crossing Park volunteers and board members, the story of the heroism of Lock 10 locktender and the "Tragedy at the Saratoga Falls" will not be forgotten.

 

The History of Champlain Canal Lock C5

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Champlain Canal Lock 5
Champlain Canal Lock 5

The lock was built between 1908 and 1911 and lifts boats 18 feet. The original Champlain Canal was completed in 1823 and was a great impetus to the growth and development of the town of Saratoga and villages of Schuylerville and Victory. A large basin was located in Schuylerville and was the nucleus of commercial activity, with many warehouses and related businesses being built in the area. As the canal boats became larger, the canal was moved from the old hand-dug channel to the Hudson River, with a series of new, larger locks that could accommodate bigger boats and raise and lower them greater heights. (Courtesy author's collection.) 

Under Construction
Under Construction

A construction site of Lock 5 is pictured with the new Champlain Canal just north of the village of Schuylerville. The Liberty Wallpaper Mill can be seen in the background. (Courtesy Tim and Deb Lagoe collection.) 

The construction for Lock 5 along the expanded barge canal cost approximately $1,000,000. That amount is roughly equivalent to about $31,000,000 today. (Courtesy of Tim and Deb Lagoe collection.)

The construction for Lock 5 along the expanded barge canal cost approximately $1,000,000. That amount is roughly equivalent to about $31,000,000 today. (Courtesy of Tim and Deb Lagoe collection.)

Building Bigger and Better
Building Bigger and Better

The walls of the new canal at Lock 5 are partially completed in this c. 1910 image. (Courtesy Tim and Deb Lagoe collection.) 

Generating Power
Generating Power

This view shows the generators in the Lock 5 powerhouse. The plant had the capability of generating all of the power needed to operate the lock. (Courtesy Tim and Deb Lagoe collection.) 

Know Your Canal!

Try your hand at this fun game of Champlain Canal trivia, and see how much you know about your canal!