Welcome to the Colonie Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Path
The Town of Colonie includes 10.2 miles of riverfront along the Mohawk River and Erie Canal. The bike-hike trail which parallels the river and canal is part of the 359 mile NYS Canalway Trail stretching from Buffalo to Albany. Points of interest include Colonie Mohawk River Park, the Shaker Creek, Delphus Kill, and the locations of Dunsbach and Fort’s Ferries. A stockade fort, built in the 1600’s was located at Mohawk View near the bridge over the Shaker Creek. In 1918, the Erie Canal was replaced by the larger New York State Erie Barge Canal, which utilized the river rather than a dug canal; the enlargment submerged the site of the fort.Inset lower left: The bike-hike path provides access to the Colonie Mohawk River Park, 150 acres with hiking trails, picnic areas, ball fields, swimming pool , and a boat launch. In this view from the middle of the Mohawk River, the dock and boat launch are visible on the shore beyond the kayakers.
The Schenectady and Troy Railroad began operations in 1841. It was constructed by the City of Troy and incorporated into the New York Central railroad in 1853. In 1913, four passengers trains were
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Inset right: The Shakers. The trail crosses Shakers Creek which was named after the communal Religious society established in the area in 1776. The Shakers used the creek for power and and built first a gristmill (1846) and then a sawmill (1883). Shakers invented the flat broom we all use today. They grew broomcorn in the river lowlands and sold their brooms to vendors along the Erie Canal.
Erected by New York State Canals.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Railroads & Streetcars • Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 42° 46.457′ N, 73° 48.985′ W. Marker is in Niskayuna, New York, in Schenectady County. Marker can be reached from Old River Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Schenectady NY 12309, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Matthew Winne Jr. (approx. 0.4 miles away); Lock 19 (approx. 0.8 miles away); Fox Preserve (approx. 1.1 miles away); Van Vranken Farm (approx. 1.2 miles away); Van Vranken Home, 1847 (approx. 1.2 miles away); The Ferry Road Bridge & Its Surroundings… A Brief History
More about this marker. The marker is located at the point where the trail from the Mohawk Riverside Landing Park, about 500 feet away, intersects with this trail.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 4, 2018. It was originally submitted on December 2, 2018, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. This page has been viewed 244 times since then and 44 times this year. Last updated on December 3, 2018, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on December 2, 2018, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
