Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site
Today’s post moves down into the Mohawk Valley to Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site. It is a remarkable piece of history, preserving remnants of the original Erie Canal alongside the Enlarged Erie Canal. One of the most striking features on the grounds is the Schoharie Aqueduct, which carried the enlarged canal right across the waters of Schoharie Creek. The grounds are scenic and deeply historic, with plenty to explore. The visitor center is currently by appointment only*, and without one scheduled in advance, stepping inside will have to wait for the next trip—especially since my cousin is the site’s education director, and catching up with him is long overdue.
By the time I arrived at the park, the sun was already well up and bearing down at full strength. While the direct warmth felt great on a crisp late-autumn morning, it brought hard, unforgiving contrast for landscape work. But that, too, is November: brisk, dry, bluebird days with sharp light are just as much a part of the season’s character as moody overcast. Here is a taste of that bright November flavor.
* 2026 update: The visitor center is open set hours, in season May 1st to October 31st.