Paddle the Canals: Mohawk River Expedition
Paddle the scenic Mohawk River in celebration of 200 years of the Erie Canal. Three days, two overnights and 40 miles on this guided trip.
Date and time
Location
Riverfront Park
143 Church Street Canajoharie, NY 13317Refund Policy
About this event
- 2 days 8 hours
Paddle through history on the scenic Mohawk River and celebrate 200 years of the Erie Canal!
Join us for an unforgettable 3-day, 2-night exploration of the Erie Canal from Canajoharie to Schenectady. Experience the region's natural beauty and enjoy an outdoor adventure on this professionally guided and supported trip for experienced paddlers.
We will paddle between 8-15 miles per day for a total of 40 miles, travel through six locks, camp at two historic sites, learn about the region's history, and celebrate 200 years of the Erie Canal. The trip will be guided by St. Regis Canoe Outfitters.
Registration includes camping, meals, gear transport, and interpretive sessions.
The Mohawk River Expedition will navigate a variety of landscapes through changing conditions. Wind, waves, and long miles are likely on this adventure. To ensure a positive experience for all, we have outlined a few requirements below. Please feel free to reach out with any questions.
Paddlecraft
Paddlers should bring craft that fit the following guidelines. Please reach out if you are unsure whether your boat meets our recommendations.
- Kayaks must be at least 14 feet.
- Kayaks should have two hatches, or a single hatch and a front float bag. Boats without flotation can’t be used.
- Tandem canoes must be at least 15.5 feet.
- Tandem canoes should have enclosed flotation in the bow and stern, or float bags.
- Solo canoes will be considered based on model type and experience, however most pack boats are likely unsuitable due to wind.
- SUPs are not permitted to lock through the NYS Canal System.
Boat Gear
- Personal Flotation Device (PFD) is required to be worn during all times on the water. There are no exceptions.
- Whistle or horn is required.
- White light is required.
Experience
In addition to the American Canoe Associations Essential Eligibility Criteria https://americancanoe.org/eec/, paddlers should be able to perform all of the following. Not sure if this is the right program for you? Give us a call.
- Paddle at least 10 miles per day.
- Sit in their craft for 2-3 hours or more at a time.
- Be proficient and experienced in their boat, including the ability to paddle forward, backward, turn, and wet-exit.
- Overnight camping experience is not required. In fact, if you don’t have any camping experience, this is a great way to get started!
DAILY ITINERARY
DAY 1
TOTAL MILEAGE: 15 miles
Arrival, Registration & Check-in: 7am at Mohawk Harbor, Schenectady
Load up gear, safety talk, transport to Riverfront Park, Canajoharie
Launch: 9am at Riverfront Park, Canajoharie
Paddle to Lock E13 (7 miles), break for lunch
Paddle to Schoharie Crossing (8 miles), aqueduct remains walking and paddling tour
Finish: 5pm at Schoharie Crossing Yankee Hill, Amsterdam.
Overnight: Dinner and Camping at Schoharie Crossing Yankee Hill
DAY 2
TOTAL MILEAGE: 13 miles
Start: 7am for breakfast, gear check, itinerary review
Launch: 9am from Schoharie Crossing Yankee Hill, Amsterdam
Paddle to Lock E10 (6 miles), break for lunch at Lock E10
Paddle to Mabee Farm (7 miles)
Finish: 4pm with tour/interpretive session at Mabee Farm, Rotterdam Junction
Overnight: Dinner and Camping at Mabee Farm
DAY 3
TOTAL MILEAGE: 8 miles
Start: 7am for breakfast, gear chck, itinerary review
Launch: 9am from Mabee Farm
Paddle to Freeman's Bridge Boat Launch (8 miles)
Take out at Freeman's Bridge Boat Launch, transport to Mohawk Harbor
Finish: Lunch at Mohawk Harbor, sign-out, unload gear, pack up at Mohawk Harbor, Schenectady
Depart: Mohawk Harbor
Preview highlights from Erie Canalway's paddling event on the Erie Canal/Mohawk River in 2021.
® I LOVE NEW YORK is a registered trademark and service mark of the New York State Department of Economic Development; used with permission.
Frequently asked questions
We will provide fresh and delicious breakfasts and dinners. Lunch stops will be catered by local food trucks. Please let us know in advance of any food restrictions and/or food allergies so we can accommodate everyone's needs. You may bring your own food, but you must supply your own cooler/storage.
We will be camping along the Mohawk River. You must supply your own tent. If needed, tent rentals may be arranged in advance through St. Regis Canoe Outfitters. A central tent will be used for common space, meals, socializing, and announcements. Camps will have access to restrooms and showers.
Participants should plan to pack and separate gear as follows: Overnight Gear in a duffel bag; Day Excursion Gear; and Paddling Gear. We will carry your overnight gear (duffle, tent, cot/mat) with the land crew. All boats and gear will be secured overnight. See the Packing List on eriecanalway.org.
We recommend keeping non-essential valuables at home. Wallets, phones, and other essentials should be securely packed in dry bags when on the water and kept in your possession. Erie Canalway and St. Regis will not be responsible for personal items other than security for your boat, gear and luggage.
We'll conduct the trip rain or shine. In cases of thunder, lightning or other challenging weather, we will delay or pause paddling until it's safe to continue. The water temperature may be in the 60s-low 70s. We recommend moisture wicking layers and sun protection during the day and layers at night.
A level of stamina will be required to complete the journey. We will be averaging 12 miles of paddling per day over approximately 5-6 hours. The first day requires 15+ miles of paddling. If you are capable of a few hours of moderate exercise each day we expect you will be fine.
Cancellations more than 30 days prior to the departure date will receive a full refund. Cancellations less than 30 days before the departure date will not be refunded. If for any reason a participant fails to arrive prior to the departure time, there will be no refund.
Each participant will be required to wear their personal flotation device while on the water at all times. There are no exceptions. You will not be permitted to participate if you are unable to abide by this rule.
All participants are required to complete and submit a survey, health form, and waiver by Tuesday, May 28 at 4pm. Each person in your party should submit individual forms. A mandatory virtual orientation will be conducted on Wednesday, May 29 at 6pm. All participants are required to attend.
1)Condition early, paddle often. Build up distance over time. Consistency is key. 2)Mobility prevents injury. Paddlers are often prone to injury getting in and out of the boat, so stretching upper and lower body routinely helps with long days. 3)Test out your gear. Try doing test trips in your boat.