Erie Canal Locks: The 35-Step Staircase of Water

What They Are

35 navigable locks (originally 83; consolidated in 1918 Barge Canal enlargement) that lift/lower vessels 565 ft (172 m) between Hudson River (tidewater) and Lake Erie.

How a Lock Works

1. Boat enters chamber (300 ft × 43.5 ft × 14 ft depth – current dimensions).
2. Gates close; valves open.
3. Upstream: Water fills from upper level → boat rises.
4. Downstream: Water drains to lower level → boat lowers.
5. Gates open; boat exits. Cycle: ~10–15 min.

Key Locks & Locations

• Lock E-2 to E-6 – Waterford Flight (5 locks, 169 ft lift in 1.5 mi – world's steepest).
• Lock E-17 – Little Falls (historic 1825 chamber preserved).
• Lock E-33 – Rochester (downtown, visible from Main St).
• Lock E-35 – Lockport (original "Flight of Five" restored beside modern locks).

Engineering Legacy

• 1825: Stone chambers, manual gates, mule-powered.
• 1918: Concrete, electric motors, 2,000-ton barges.
• Today: Recreational boats (kayaks to 60-ft cruisers); operated by NYS Canal Corp.

Visitor Experience

Lockside parks, viewing platforms, bike trail (Erie Canalway Trail), lock-through tours (Erie Canal Cruises, Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises).