Well - Nancy and I finally made our first trip from Waterford on the Hudson River, up the Champlain Canal to Lake Champlain during the summer of 1998.
After exiting the last lock in the Waterford flight (lock
#2) you can tie up at the public docks on the north shore (power &
water) just prior to making your turn north and up the Hudson River.
(These facilities were still under construction during our trip, but should
be fully operational by the 99 boating season)
Approximately one half mile north of Waterford (on the
east shore) there is a small floating dock that allows the traveler access
to grocery stores and restaurants. 
This
dock should serve all but the largest of vessels well and we showed 10
to 12 ft. of water. However, beware of the usual debris associated
with grocery stores. We noticed several shopping carts and other
items in the water near the dock. Now, fully loaded up on provisions,
we head north.
Your trip north will take you through scenic river valleys, several locks and small towns with their welcome mats out for the traveler. Keep your camera handy.
From the junction to the Erie Canal, it is about 3 miles to Lock #1 of the Champlain Canal. Stay between the channel markers and watch your depth. The approach to the lock is a narrow channel running to the west of the main channel. Need fuel? Lock 1 Marina is just a short distance north of the lock (we didn't stop - but appears to be a full service marina).
It is a 4 mile trip from Champlain Lock #1 to Lock #2, and another 3 miles to Lock #3 at Mechanicville. Mechanicville, an inviting town for a short stop - or overnight stay. Located on the west shore, about 1 mile south of Lock #3, is the town wall. (Again, we did not stop here) There is a very large sign promoting free docking, power and water. Further investigation determined that stays are limited to 3 days, electric power is 110V, trash disposal, laundry, stores and restaurants within walking distance.. We have added this small city to our "Must Stop" list for our next trip.
Lock #4, located near Stillwater, is 2 miles north of Lock #3. We are sure what services are available here, check with the Lockmaster for information. We did notice a park at the Lock and Admiral's Marina & Bar just north of the Lock on the west shore. During the 14 mile journey from Lock #4 to Lock #5 at Schuylerville we noticed a sign for Coveville Marine up a channel on the west shore about 3 miles south of Schuylerville.
Schuylerville Yacht Basin, located one mile south of Lock #5, became our first overnight stop on this leg. It is a popular stop for vessels of most any size. A full service marina (electric, water, showers, laundry, gift shop, fuel, etc.), located near the Revolutionary War's Saratoga Battlefield and 10 miles east of Saratoga Springs. Operated by a very nice couple, this marina is a welcome rest stop mid-point between Waterford and Whitehall. Nancy and I made a point of stopping here on our way back home also.
Continuing north it is one mile to Lock #5. Exiting Lock #5, you will be in a man-made section of canal for 2 to 3 miles before re-entering the river, then another couple of miles to Lock #6 at Fort Miller. The countryside is dotted with history, with wonderful old homes visible from your boat. From Lock #6 to Lock #7 at Fort Edward is 7 miles. The first section, to just beyond Crocker's Reef Guard Gate is a man-made (dug) channel. West River Marina is located just south of Fort Edward on the west shore. At Fort Edward we bid farewell to the Hudson River as it turns west and we enter Lock #7 and continue north.
The next 24 miles, Lock #7 to Lock #12, is all man-made (dug) canal. Distances are: Lock #7 to Lock #8 -- 2 miles, Lock #8 to Lock #9 -- 6 miles, Lock #9 to Lock #11 -- 9 miles (there is no Lock 10) and Lock #11 to Lock #12 -- 7 miles.
Lock #12 at Whitehall is the northern end of the Champlain Canal, and the beginning of Lake Champlain. South of Lock #12 there is ample docking along the waterfront park on the west shore, sorry - no services. Across from the park you can dock at the Liberty Eatery, with some services for boaters. North of Lock #12 there are two full service marinas. On the west shore is Whitehall Marina, on the east shore is Lock 12 Marina & Chubb Restaurant and Inn (where we spent a couple of nights). Here we picked up the necessary charts to navigate the great expanse of Lake Champlain. Although we were excited to begin exploring - we refrained until the following day, to get some much needed rest.
Whitehall is very full of historical significance. This is where our colonial navy was first built to protect our northern territories from the British. The area abounds with buildings dating as far back as the Revolutionary War and before. Look around and take it all in. Take a closer look at the Lock 12 Marina building - this building was used to store naval ammunition during the war of 1812.
As
you cruise north from Whitehall you are actually on Lake Champlain, although
it looks like the continuation of the canal system. The south end
of the lake is narrow with shallow areas - did you pick up a good chart?
This long narrow stretch will take you through canyons, wetlands, under
rocky cliffs and past the the remains of old buildings. For the first-time
traveler (as we were), you may feel that you are getting nowhere real slow.
Enjoy the view and be consoled with the fact that by continuing north the
water will widen into the lake that you expect to see. The occasional
appearance of large channel markers are reminders of the fact that you
are not lost.
After entering wider sections of the lake, monitor your depth and keep track of the buoys. This end of the lake is quite shallow if you wander away from center channel. Remember those charts I mentioned? Now you will need them if you plan to navigate the length of the lake. They will become even more valuable if you plan to do any real exploring. We won't be get into a lot of detail on sightseeing and attractions on Lake Champlain at this time. The points of interest are much too numerous for me to list here. Anyway, Nancy and I only made it as far as Crown Point on this trip - time was beginning to run short. If you trip is to be centered on this lake I strongly recommend you do some research and plan your days. There is so much to see (I could have spent a full day at Fort Ticonderoga) and so little time. Some points of interest are not easily accessible from the water (like Fort Ticonderoga) but can be visited by dropping the 'ole hook and going in by dingy.
This is as far as we travel with you on this leg of the
journey. Over the next season Nancy and I plan to take a shot at
the St. Lawrence River, at least as far as Alexandria Bay. We will
let you know how that turns out. May all your journeys be safe, and
as enjoyable as ours!
Email Us - cloneranger@stny.rr.com