Contributed by Mary Ward, Champlain Canalway Trail Working Group
The end of the year 2023 is a time to give thanks, reflect, and plan ahead. We are thankful that back in 1823, the Champlain Canal was opened, connecting the Hudson River with Lake Champlain growing the economy of our State and region. In those days, goods and agricultural products of the Northeast found a vibrant market. Today, recreational trails, both water and land, on the entire New York State Canal system continue to be a large contributor to the economy of the State. We are thankful for 200 years of improvements to the canal system creating the basis for these trails; thankful for the folks with the vision to conceive of such projects and making sure they came to fruition.
Today the entire canal system is a vital economic driver in the outdoor recreation component of tourism in our region. Bicyclists, as well as hikers, paddlers, and pleasure crafters, bring business. The Champlain Canalway Trail alone sees an estimated 180,000 visits per year, providing recreational opportunities for residents and drawing in new visitors to explore the historic waterway, scenic landscapes, and charming communities (Parks & Trails New York, 2023).
The Champlain Canalway Trail Working Group is also thankful for a grant from Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and the New York Power Authority that enabled us to fit dozens of children with new bike helmets replacing their old or ill fitting (outgrown) helmets. We were able to host guided bike rides with historians who filled us in on the history of the Champlain Canal. Also at these events we were able to talk to lots of folks about the trail. The questions we answered the most was “Is it off-road?”, “Do you have maps?” and “Where are the signs?”
Looking Ahead
In the coming year, the Champlain Canalway Trail Working Group (CCTWG), a collection of volunteers dedicated to promoting the Champlain Canalway Trail (CCT) both within the region and beyond, is seeking ways to encourage communities to strengthen their readiness to serve visitors to the area and to develop ways to monitor the trail to keep it clean and safe. We believe the trail serves as a vital resource for residents of and visitors to the communities along the trail and can boost local economies as people come here to use the trail. We welcome interested parties to join the Working Group (WG) to help make decisions, serve as a liaison between WG and your community or organization, help with guided rides, organize an steward/adopt a trail program in your community, maintain and improve our website to name a few ways folks can help.
Contact us at ChamplainCanalwayTrail@gmail.com to volunteer.
