Three important construction phases of the Erie Canal can be seen at Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site. Anyone interested in the history of this waterway will find further historic sites, museums, and trails in Montgomery County that reveal different sides of the region.
Erie Canal and Mohawk River
The Mohawk River runs through all of Montgomery County and offers opportunities for recreation. The county is also home to a section of the Mohawk-Hudson Bikeway: The trail is 60 miles long in total and runs along the Erie Canal and the Mohawk River between St. Johnsville and Waterford. Many sections of the bikeway were built along the former route of the 19th-century towpath beside the Erie Canal. So, in addition to the river and canal, cycling the trail also brings you into contact with traces of the canal’s former use.
Approximately 15 miles of multi-use trails also run through Montgomery County. The Erie Canalway Trail is suitable for walking, cycling, inline skating, and cross-country skiing. These options complement the trails at Schoharie Crossing, where activities range from strolling and hiking to horseback riding.
Historic Sites and Museums
The Fort Plain Museum’s exhibits span the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Its grounds include a park of approximately 75 acres. Other historic buildings take center stage at Fort Klock Historic Restoration: The site is a National Historic Landmark and includes a Dutch barn dating from the 1790s, a blacksmith shop, and an 1825 schoolhouse. Their different dates make these buildings tangible points of connection to local history.
The 1747 Nellis Tavern, Homestead and Store reflects the culture of the Palatine Germans. Two 18th-century churches stand side by side in Stone Arabia. Colonel Brown’s Cemetery is also located there, an 18th-century burial ground for Colonel Brown and others who died in the Battle of Stone Arabia during the American Revolutionary War.
Art and religious history are also among the discoveries: The Arkell Museum displays paintings by American artists such as Winslow Homer and John Singer Sargent. The National Shrine of Kateri Tekakwitha includes a rustic chapel in an 18th-century Dutch barn. Artifacts from the only fully excavated Mohawk village of its time are also displayed there.
Trails, Views, and Paddling
At Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site, marked trails are available for walking, cycling, hiking, horseback riding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Winter activities are seasonal. Kayak and canoe paddlers can use the Yankee Hill Kayak Launch and the Aqueduct Picnic Area Boat Launch; access to both launch sites is also seasonal. In Montgomery County, kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards can be used on the Mohawk River or Schoharie Creek without a permit.
Another walk leads through the Thomas H. Burbine Memorial Forest: Its maintained trail is about a mile long, forms a loop, and is marked with signs. A 30-foot-long bridge crosses the pond overflow. The forest is also home to Montgomery County’s first disc golf course. The Mohawk Valley Gateway Overlook offers another perspective on the river. It spans 511 feet across the Mohawk River, between its north and south banks. At either end, there are twelve stopping points with symbols and explanatory text about the history of the valley.
Racing and Seasonal Experiences
Stock car racing has been held at Fonda Speedway since 1953. The speedway hosts Saturday-night races on a half-mile dirt track. This offers a different focus from the historic sites and trails: Here, motorsports take center stage.
Seasonal offerings and local products also shape the visitor experience. In summer and fall, Sand Flats Orchard offers walks through the orchard and the chance to hand-pick ingredients. Alpacas at Clear View Farm offers free tours by appointment. The Amsterdam Saturday Farmers/Crafters Market brings together regional produce, food, and offerings from local craftspeople.
Discover more destinations: Amsterdam, Palatine Bridge, Fultonville, St. Lawrence, Niagara County, Otsego, Greene, Yates County.
For the main travel overview: New York.
