Waterford Flight of Locks
Experience the engineering marvel of the Waterford Flight of Locks, a historic series of five locks on the Erie Canal.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Witness lock operations
Waterford Flight of Locks
Best Time
Witness lock operations
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the engineering marvel of the Waterford Flight of Locks, a historic series of five locks on the Erie Canal.
"A fascinating visit, and so cool to get to explore a lock up close!"
🎯 Check Lock Schedules
Lock operations are seasonal. Always verify hours before your visit to avoid disappointment!
👟 Be Prepared for Stairs
Exploring the locks involves climbing. Wear comfortable shoes and be aware of your mobility needs.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Witness a Lock Demonstration
Erie Canal Lock #2
Experience the impressive engineering as water levels change, raising or lowering boats. A true marvel of the Erie Canal!
Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor
Peebles Island State Park
Discover historical exhibits and learn about the canal's vital role in shaping the region. A must-visit for history buffs!
Kayaking Through the Locks
Erie Canal
Paddle your way through the locks for a unique perspective on this historic waterway. Summer rentals offer an unforgettable adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Lock Operations
Accessibility and Stair Climbing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Lock Schedules
Lock operations are seasonal. Always verify hours before your visit to avoid disappointment!
👟 Be Prepared for Stairs
Exploring the locks involves climbing. Wear comfortable shoes and be aware of your mobility needs.
🚗 Parking Pointers
Ignore GPS for direct access. Use parking on South St or across the street for better access.
⚠️ Water Safety First
There are no fences near the water. Supervise children closely due to open access.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Lock Schedules
Lock operations are seasonal. Always verify hours before your visit to avoid disappointment!
👟 Be Prepared for Stairs
Exploring the locks involves climbing. Wear comfortable shoes and be aware of your mobility needs.
🚗 Parking Pointers
Ignore GPS for direct access. Use parking on South St or across the street for better access.
⚠️ Water Safety First
There are no fences near the water. Supervise children closely due to open access.
🛶 Summer Kayak Rentals
Experience the locks from water level! Rentals are available in summer for a unique perspective.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Waterford Flight of Locks a fascinating and worthwhile detour, praising the impressive engineering and the opportunity to witness lock operations up close. While parking and accessibility can be minor challenges, the historical significance and unique experience of the canal make it a memorable stop.
"Cool 5-10 minute detour on our trip. Parking is available in an unpaved lot nearby."
Joseph O
"A fascinating visit, and so cool to get to explore a lock up close!
Ignore Google Maps' instructions-- it told us to pull directly up to the bottom of the wooden staircase, but there's parking on the other side of South St next to the metal staircase as well as across the street.
You definitely need to be able to climb and descend stairs to really take advantage of what's there, but if you can't, there's still a good view of the lock from street level. We were there on a day when the lock was out of commission because of some work that was being done nearby, but the lock personnel were still so helpful and patiently answered all of my (many) questions.
If you're going with people who need to be supervised, be aware that there's open access to the water-- there's no fence that would keep someone from tumbling into the water."
AnnMarie Saunders
"On a blustery March Sunday, wandering through fragmented neighborhoods and over rivers, we stumbled upon Erie Canal Lock #2, its weathered gates of crosshatched steel protected nothing from the winds. Nearby, a narrow stone tunnel, just wide enough for a single lane, arched over the path like a forgotten relic. The gusts howled through the trees, while the canal’s waters moved sluggishly between ice flows encouraging the Peckinpaugh float yonder to Westchester County and be born again."
Thomas Miller
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Waterford Flight of Locks is accessible by car. While Google Maps might suggest direct access, it's recommended to use parking areas on South Street or across the street from Lock #2 for easier access.
Public transport options are limited in this area, so driving is generally the most convenient way to reach the site.Yes, parking is available. There's an unpaved lot nearby, and additional parking can be found on South Street next to the metal staircase, as well as across the street from the wooden staircase.
The parking lot can be small, so arriving during off-peak times is advisable.Absolutely! The Waterford Flight of Locks is an active part of the Erie Canal system. Boaters can transit through the locks, experiencing the significant water level changes.
For a comprehensive Erie Canal experience, consider visiting Peebles Island State Park, which is part of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.
Guided tours, like those offered by Explore Buffalo, can also provide historical context.Yes, the area offers several attractions. You can explore the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor at Peebles Island State Park,
and during certain times, you might catch events like the Tugboat Festival.🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, there is no admission fee to visit and view the Waterford Flight of Locks.
However, special events or guided tours might have associated costs. It's always a good idea to check for any event-specific ticketing information.The locks operate seasonally, typically from May through October. Specific daily hours vary and are subject to change due to maintenance or other operational needs. It's crucial to check the official Erie Canal schedule before your visit.
During operational hours, you can often get close to the lock chambers and observe the process. Lock personnel are usually available to answer questions.
For a truly immersive experience, consider kayaking through the locks during the summer months.While not always directly at the locks, guided tours focusing on the Erie Canal's history are available in nearby areas, such as Buffalo's Canalside.
For specific lock demonstrations, it's best to check local event listings.The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, including areas like Peebles Island State Park, is generally free to access.
Some specific exhibits or events within the corridor might have separate admission fees.🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Waterford Flight of Locks is a series of five locks on the Erie Canal that raise and lower boats a total of 40 feet. It's a remarkable feat of engineering and a key part of the canal's history.
You can witness lock demonstrations, explore the historic lock structures, and learn about the Erie Canal's significance.
In the summer, kayaking through the locks is a popular activity.Children can find the lock demonstrations fascinating. However, due to open access to the water, close supervision is essential.
The historical aspects might be more engaging for older children.The best views are often from the staircases that allow you to get close to the lock chambers.
Street-level views are also possible if climbing stairs is not an option.While the locks themselves are a historical exhibit, more in-depth historical information and artifacts can be found at places like the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the dramatic water level changes during a lock demonstration, the massive lock gates, and the surrounding historic canal architecture.
Sunrises and sunsets over the canal can also provide beautiful photographic moments.Drone usage is subject to regulations. Always check local drone laws and obtain necessary permissions before flying.
Some videos showcase aerial views, suggesting it's possible under certain conditions.Early morning or late afternoon light often provides the most dramatic and flattering illumination for photographing the locks and the canal.
Generally, photography is allowed, but be mindful of operational areas and any posted signage. Respect the privacy of any boat crews or workers.
Focus on the scale of the lock gates, the movement of water, and the boats transiting. Close-ups of the historic stonework and surrounding natural beauty can also be compelling.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more interactive experience, look for summer events that might offer kayaking through the locks, which can be a memorable adventure for older children. While there aren't extensive play areas, the sheer spectacle of the locks provides plenty of wonder. Visiting the nearby Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor can also offer more educational exhibits suitable for various ages.
🛶 Paddlers and Boaters
Kayakers can also participate, with rentals often available in the summer. Paddling through the locks offers an intimate and unique perspective on the canal's operation and history. It’s a chance to truly immerse yourself in the waterway and appreciate its engineering.
🏛️ History Buffs
To deepen your understanding, explore the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor for exhibits on the canal's construction and impact. Consider guided tours in nearby areas that focus on the canal's historical significance. The sheer scale and ingenuity of the locks themselves are a powerful testament to the past.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel of the Erie Canal Locks
Witnessing a lock demonstration is like stepping back in time. You can observe the intricate process of water being released or added to chambers, slowly raising or lowering boats. This mechanical ballet is not only functional but also visually captivating, showcasing the power and precision of the canal system. The sheer scale of the gates and the engineering required to operate them are awe-inspiring, making it a highlight for many visitors.
For those interested in the technical aspects, the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor offers exhibits that delve deeper into the innovations and challenges of building and maintaining this historic waterway. Understanding the history and engineering behind the locks enriches the experience, transforming a simple visit into an educational journey.
Experiencing the Erie Canal by Water
Boaters regularly transit the Waterford Flight, making it a dynamic part of the Great Lakes shipping routes. Seeing commercial vessels and pleasure craft navigate the locks provides a sense of the canal's ongoing importance. Whether you're in a kayak or a larger vessel, being part of the lock's operation is an unforgettable experience.
The Erie Canal itself has a certain mystique, often described as 'eerie' due to its dark and sometimes quiet nature. Paddling or boating through it offers a chance to connect with this historic waterway and imagine the countless journeys that have taken place here over the past two centuries.
The Erie Canal's Historical Significance
Visiting sites like the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor allows visitors to delve into this rich history. Exhibits often feature artifacts, films, and interactive displays that highlight the canal's construction, its impact on communities, and the lives of the people who built and operated it. The bicentennial celebrations further underscore the canal's enduring legacy and its importance to the region.
Understanding this historical context adds depth to any visit. It's not just about seeing locks; it's about appreciating a monumental achievement that shaped the nation. The canal's story is one of innovation, perseverance, and transformative impact, making it a compelling destination for history enthusiasts.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit