This Upstate New York Scenic Byway Is The Road Trip Of A Lifetime

At just over 26 miles in length, the Mohawk Towpath Byway traces a historic corridor that follows the route of the original Erie Canal between Waterford and Schenectady in upstate New York. This stretch once carried cargo boats pulled by teams of mules along narrow towpaths, linking the Hudson River with the expanding communities of the Mohawk Valley.

Today, this scenic route preserves that story of early American transportation, showcasing remnants of locks, canal walls, and other waterfront structures of interest that helped shape New York’s explosive growth in the 19th century. It now runs through a nice mix of small villages, medium-sized cities, wooded parklands, and peaceful riverside sections that mirror the kinds of landscapes travelers would have seen two centuries ago.

Paralleling both the Mohawk River and the Erie Canal (which is now primarily used for tourism, with the St. Lawrence Seaway being the main path for commercial shipping in the state currently), this wonderful little drive can be done in a single day, offering a number of viewpoints over the water, around rolling terrain, and past old-timey landmarks. There are also several amenities along the way, from mom and pop restaurants to hotels and conveniently placed gas stations. However you choose to travel the Mohawk Towpath Byway, here are some stops that we highly recommend.

Waterford

Assuming you're coming up from New York City, you'll probably be heading west along the byway. If this is the case, Waterford will be your entrance point, as it's at the eastern gateway of the Mohawk Towpath Byway, where the Erie Canal meets the Hudson River.

As one of the oldest incorporated villages in the entire country, it grew around the shipyards, mills, and heavy canal traffic that molded its early identity as a truly blue-collar town. Today, Waterford holds onto a part of that heritage through a collection of well-preserved waterfront landmarks and interpretive spaces that explain the region’s role in jump-starting American commerce.

The Waterford Harbor Visitors Center is the best starting point, and from there, you can walk to Lock E-2, the first lock of the Erie Canal’s Flight of Five, to watch vessels rise and descend through massive concrete chambers. Moreover, Peebles Island State Park, just across the bridge, hosts its own riverside trails, wildlife viewing areas, and wide overlooks where the Mohawk and Hudson converge.

In the village center, lots of small eateries and shops can offer a quick break before continuing west along the byway. Definitely give the local favorite, Don & Paul’s Coffee Shop, a try for a morning pick-me-up.

Falls View Park

Some maps of the Mohawk Towpath pass north of the Mohawk River, while others outline a route that scoops south of the river before crossing into the community of Crescent. Should you take the southern route, Falls View Park along the way in Cohoes offers a direct overlook of the powerful Cohoes Falls, one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi by volume.

This park’s elevated platforms give clear, close-up views of the broad, horseshoe-shaped cascade as it drops into a rocky gorge. Furthermore, a network of short walkways leads to additional viewpoints, educational panels that explain the falls’ industrial and Indigenous history, and benches that provide a more comfortable place to take in the constant spray and sound of the fast-moving water.

Vischer Ferry Nature & Historic Preserve

Vischer Ferry Nature & Historic Preserve houses a pleasant landscape full of wetlands, forest, and more locations to learn about the canal's history. It’s one of the byways’ strongest examples of natural and historical heritage blending seamlessly in one accessible stop.

Here, you are free to walk the former Erie Canal towpath, where forest-lined routes follow surviving stonework and lock structures. The restored Whipple Bridge serves as perhaps the main scenic entry point, leading to several more miles of trails popular for bird-watching, where open marshes attract herons, raptors, and migrating waterfowl. Be on the lookout for interpretive signage on these paths, too, which further describe early operations within the park and the area’s continuing ecological importance.

The Historic Grooms Tavern

A short detour off of Riverview Road (in which the bulk of the byway follows), the Grooms Tavern near Clifton Park opens a window into early community life in upstate New York. This nicely restored building once served travelers, merchants, and local residents, and today it functions as a cute, must-see museum.

Inside, various exhibits highlight the tavern’s role in the region's original settlement, and contemporary visitors can tour period-accurate rooms, view a rotating selection of displays, and attend occasional programs hosted by the town’s historians. The surrounding grounds also include informative historic markers, a garden, and a handful of other original structures.

Overall, this is a perfect, quick stop for history buffs who want to learn how this crossroads shaped the development of the Mohawk Valley.

Schenectady

Schenectady forms the western end of this scenic drive, boasting many attractions/comforts typical of a bigger city. Be sure to park at the Stockade Historic District, which houses an impressive collection of homes dating back to the 1700s and a riverside pathway that makes for a pleasant stroll.

Along the waterfront, you may also come across the Mohawk Harbor, which features more footpaths, public art installations, and direct access to the river if you want to park your boat. Adjacent to the harbor is the Druthers Brewing Company, an ideal stop to grab a bite and a refreshing drink after a day of driving. Further inland, Central Park is another urban green space to go for a short walk, this time among a densely wooded parkland that is home to other amenities like a public pool, an outdoor stage, and even a fishing pond.

For more to do, the Schenectady County Historical Society is a small museum that better explains the city's longstanding story, from past to present. You can also try to catch a show at the Proctors Theatre, a gorgeous performing arts venue that has since done much help revive the downtown core.

To get back to New York City, you can either retrace the road back along the Towpath Byway to the Hudson Valley or head directly south from Schenectady to Albany via Interstate 90 or Highway 5.