Town of Waterford

Waterford is located where the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers meet, connected by five lift locks that raise and lower boats between the waterways. The town serves as a critical junction for vessels traveling New York's canal system.

The town was established in 1816 after separating from Halfmoon and grew into a manufacturing center due to its location at the crossroads of rivers and rail lines. This position made it a key hub for regional commerce and industry.

The annual Dragon Boat Festival draws teams to the harbor, where competitive racing supports breast cancer awareness and brings the community together for a shared cause.

The Harbor Visitor Center offers docking facilities with water and electrical hookups for boats using New York's canal system. Visitors planning to arrive by boat should check water levels and seasonal conditions beforehand.

The lock system raises vessels through five consecutive locks, creating a dramatic water staircase between the two rivers. This engineering feat remains one of North America's most impressive examples of canal technology and continues to operate much as it did over 100 years ago.

Location: Saratoga County

GPS coordinates: 42.79258,-73.68123

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:42