Great Loop: Erie Canal, Amsterdam to Little Falls

The Little Falls City Dock

June 15th-19th, 2022

Our mini convoy of 6 boats departed Amsterdam early in the morning to pass through 7 locks and arrive in Little Falls close to 5pm.  We did not have time to explore Amsterdam.  They did have a nice city dock with clean restrooms and showers. There was plenty of room for the six boats in our groups and still space for additional vessels.  One of the enduring memories of Amsterdam, will be the constant presence of trains.  The Mohawk Valley corridor is very active.  During peak parts of the day, which is most of the day, trains can be expected every 10 minutes as they transport passengers and goods inland.  This in no way interfered with our sleep.  From the time our heads hit our pillows, until we woke up, our sleep was un-interrupted.

Our trip from Amsterdam to Little Falls was very scenic.  The Mohawk River Valley is green and lush.  Large and small farms are located adjacent to the waterway.  For most of the day, we had the river to ourselves.  It felt a little surprising to be passed by two boats.  An odd reaction, as we have been in the busy waters for the bulk of the trip.  I think we had drifted into a reverie of our own bucolic bubble.

We transited the lock, #17, and arrived in Little Falls in time for docktails.  Weather was on the way.  Boaters were seeking a secure location to await its passing.  We docked at the city docks, some might say overwhelmed them.  13 boats tied up to the wall.  We even made the local news site!  It was the first time they ever had boats triple rafted at their wall

The next morning, Beth and I started walking to town.  Two older ladies stopped and asked where we were going and if we would like a ride.  We responded we needed some exercise. Respecting our decision, they gave us directions to town and wished us a good day.  How sweet was that!  Local residents have been so helpful.  

The local Police Chief lives two doors down from the city dock.  He saw long distance bikers and kayakers were camping here at the city dock.  He stopped by to see if they needed anything, and said if they did, just come on down to his house and ask.

We ventured out to the Canal Side Inn for my birthday dinner.  Had a wonderful dinner.  The Chef and the owner both stopped by our table to talk with us.  As we were leaving to walk back to the boat, the Chef came out the door too, had to run an errand for his wife.  He asked if we needed a ride.  We declined but he persisted, so we accepted.  We got in his bright red, Dodge Charger, and RACED back to the Marina.  We made it in record time. Thanked him for a great evening, and met other Loopers in the boaters lounge for birthday cake and conversation.

little Falls was a wonderful place to stop. We lingered for 4 days exploring  and enjoying the town and surrounding areas.  Looping brings you in contact with so many fun people. Active people, who all have a story to tell.  Just trying to do their best in life.  America is such an amazing place with such strength if we don't let the silliness we see online and the news everyday build walls between us and we instead focus on doing the right thing and engage with those around us.  We need to end the branding, labelling and other divisive mechanisms and just enjoy each others company.  We have a lot in common. 

Amy Marie headed upstream on the Mohawk River

The green traffic light above Amy Marie signals that we can occupy the lock chamber

This lock had well kept buildings and a nice lawn area, which the Canadian Geese enjoyed

The good ship "Dog House" was one of our travelling companions

Each lock is placarded with pertinent information

Our little convoy has been lifted and we are waiting for the gates to open

A Jib Boom Crane to lift heavy loads on or off barges

Dog House follows us upstream to Little Falls

Tom, a retired fire fighter, gives us a wave from "Fire Escape"

Stewart signals all is good from Dog House

Cathy has all under control on C-Marie

Here is the in-famous Lock #17.

The guillotine door has a bad habit of mal-functioning

I'm always a bit nervous when I pass under this type of gate.

It quit working the next morning and boats stacked up for a day until operation was restored

Due to water flow patterns in the lock, we could only tie to the port side wall.

As we exited the Lock, we saw rock climbers on the adjacent rock formations

Looper Boats at the Little Falls City Dock on the Erie Canal

The Little Falls City Dock

Excellent facility and close to town

Beth and I walked into town

You can see possible destinations are well marked

The Mohawk River drops 41 feet as it passes through Little Falls

We discovered the Canal Side Inn

One of the best restaurants in towns

Old factory buildings are being repurposed

This is a former Woolen Mill

It manufactured woolen uniforms for the Union Army during the Civil War

Along the Mohawk River

A church just above the canal

There is a bike path alongside the Erie Canal

The ditch which is the original canal is in the bushes on the right side of the picture

This is the Little Falls Boaters Lounge

Very comfy!

Across the street from the city dock was a tasty Mexican food truck

They also offered soft serve ice ice cream

We returned to the Canal Side Inn for my birthday dinner

The chef stopped by to see how we liked the food

When we returned to the marina, we had chocolate cake with other boaters

Here's the gang that enjoyed birthday cake

Always good to celebrate with friends

Berthing Information

• Little Falls City Dock
• Excellent Facility: Power, water, showers, laundry, boaters lounge, wonderful staff
• Food Truck across the street
• Farmers Market downtown on Saturdays
• Good restaurants downtown, easy walk
• Erie Canal Bike Path nearby

Trip Log