Champlain Canal

Today, it is mostly used by recreational boaters as part of the New York State Canal System and Lakes to Locks Passage.

An early proposal made in the 1790s by Marc Isambard Brunel for a Hudson River–Lake Champlain canal was not approved.

By 1818, 12 miles (19 km) were completed, and in 1819 the canal was opened from Fort Edward to Lake Champlain.

The elevation on the Hudson River portion increases from 15 feet (4.6 m) above sea level at the southern end, on the northern end of the locks at the Troy Federal Dam, to about 130 feet (40 m) above sea level at lock C-7, where the canal leaves the Hudson River.

[6][7][8] Overall sidewall height will vary by lock, ranging between 28 and 61 feet (8.5 and 18.6 m) depending on the lift and navigable stages.

[6] The Champlain Canal officially begins at the confluence of the Hudson and Mohawk rivers at Waterford, New York.

Perspective map of Mechanicville from the late 19th century by L.R. Burleigh showing the Champlain Canal and Hudson River
Tug and barge on the Champlain Canal during the 1980s
Second-generation water supply locks known as "The Combines". They supply water from the Hudson River to the Champlain Canal via the Glens Falls Feeder Canal running from Glens Falls to Fort Edward . They were formerly also utilized as secondary locks to navigate from Glen's Falls to the Champlain Canal.