The Schenectady Wintersports Club, in partnership with Northern NY Paddlers, invites paddlers of all kinds to join the Seneca Chief Bicentennial Flotilla as it passes through Schenectady County. Together, we’ll paddle the Mohawk River from Lock 9 Park to Mohawk Harbor on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, celebrating both the Erie Canal’s 200th anniversary and our own club’s tradition of adventure on water and snow.  The calendar lists their arrival at Mohawk Harbor around 3pm and they seem to be on schedule.

This is more than a paddle — it’s a chance to strengthen our ties as a community of outdoor enthusiasts, connect SWC and NNYP members, and experience the river in a once-in-a-lifetime way.

Schenectady County paddle boat access to the Mohawk River ramps from west to east are:

• Lock 9 Park below Lock 9 at NYState Rte 103 --- arriving from Amsterdam and Montgomery County 
• Dave Bill's Meadow ramp enter @ 1398 Main St (AKA NYState 5S) Rotterdam Junction --- opposite Woestina Church nice ramp plenty of parking 
• Kiwanis Park NYState 5S at Plotterkill parking somewhat limited -- opposite the Hungry Chicken fast food facility 
• Gateway Landing --- near Schenectady County Community College-- lots of nearby parking

• Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2025

• Route: Lock 9 to Mohawk Harbor (Schenectady)

• Distance: Approx. 7 miles (depending on launch site)

• Pace: Slow and steady (max 5 mph) — welcoming to recreational paddlers

• Finish: Mohawk Harbor, 220 Harborside Dr., Schenectady

Important Notes:

• All vessels must follow Buffalo Maritime Center & NYS Canal Corporation flotilla safety guidelines.

• Paddlers line up behind official flotilla boats (no passing/approaching).

• Lock-through will occur after flotilla vessels; follow lock tender directions.

• Keep at least 20 feet between vessels, and carry all required safety gear (PFD required).

• Marine radio channel 13 will be used for communication.

Why Join?

• Celebrate history on the Mohawk during the Erie Canal Bicentennial.

• Paddle alongside the Seneca Chief as part of a regional flotilla.

• Strengthen connections between SWC and NNYP members.

• Share the water with friends, old and new.