Waterford, NY - A Scenic Capital Region Town In Upstate NY
Scenic Waterford, NY is considered the Gateway to New York's Canals. Located just twelve miles north of Albany and the Capital Region, the Hudson and Mohawk rivers merge here, with the Erie Canal and the Champlain Canals both starting in the Village of Waterford. This is the home of the Waterford Flight of Locks, with the largest lift in the shortest distance of any lock system in the world!
Waterford typifies the image of a busy upstate New York village where many small businesses work side by side with large corporations. General Electric Silicone Products makes its home here, along with paper mills and several other corporations that are highly active in the international marketplace. Antique stores, pubs, shops and scenic waterfront settings provide a timeless backdrop that gives this town a distinctly old-fashioned character.
The Waterford Harbor Visitor Center provides 1,000 feet of docks for boaters to stop and visit, service their boats and visit area restaurants and shops. There are activities along the canals throughout the year, including an annual Steamboat Meet, Canal Fest and Tugboat Roundup. Summer also brings concerts in the park and many other special events and fests. Local attractions include fabulous views of the river and rapids at Peebles State Park, walking or picnicking at Sugarloaf Pond Park and the monument at Soldiers and Sailors Park.
Waterford is a small town that embraces its rural roots as well as the importance of economic growth. The Waterford-Halfmoon School District consists of just under 1000 students in elementary, middle and high school. Just a short drive to Albany or Saratoga Springs, it offers the best of small town life while providing easy access to museums, art galleries, historic sites and academic institutions of significant note.