The Mohawk River as it winds through New York's Capital District has much to offer the paddler: varying scenery, history, much diverse wildlife & geological interest. Humans have settled the Mohawk Valley as far back as 3,000 years ago - what I would give to go back just 500 years and paddle the river as it was then before the white man started making his mark. 150 miles long and the only natural passage west through the Appalachians the Mohawk River (and the Erie Canal) became an important trade route to the west. The old Erie Canal used to run alongside of the river but the modern Erie Canal is on the actual river and is part of the New York State Barge Canal system (www.canals.state.ny.us) - dams keep the water deep enough for motorboat travel and locks allow passage past the dams. Canoes and kayaks are allowed to go through the locks although it may be a good idea to notify the lockmaster of your intentions ahead of time. These days the river is a balance between industrialized civilization, recreation and nature yet has much to offer the kayaker or canoeist and fishermen are attracted by the smallmouth bass and tiger muskie populations. Water quality is class A - suitable for swimming and as a source of water for municipalities.
Please respect other users of the river. Steer clear of fishermen and don't forget that their lines go well out into the water. Stay close to shore when motorboats are out. The red and green buoys mark the deep water channel - stay between the buoys and shore to avoid potential collision.
Described below is the 27 mile section of the river from Lock 9 in Rotterdam Junction to Lock 6 in Waterford. Mileages are given from lock to lock going downstream. Right and left always refer to the shores when looking downstream - the south shore always being on the right and the north shore on the left.