Trail Description: Known as the “Great Carrying Place”, Fort Edward is steeped in rich history and heritage having played a major role in the French and Indian Wars and the American Revolution. Fort Edward has the advantage of being located at the entrance of the Hudson River and Champlain Canal, being located near Highway I-87 and having major railroad access while retaining the historic and country charm of a rural community. The CCT will take advantage of this strategic location by highlighting Hudson River views and access points in its southern approach from the Town of Greenwich. As the trail continues into the Village of Fort Edward it will move onto the Old Champlain Canalway route which becomes the critical connector to the Feeder Canal and the Upper Hudson River. This route conveys an entire interpretive story can be from the Old Junction Lock to the Five Combines Park area.
Empire State Trail: The EST will exist entirely on Route 4 as an on-road shoulder route throughout the Town of Fort Edward. It will follow the CCT route throughout the Village of Fort Edward and to its border with Kingsbury. NYSDOT will be responsible for roadside signage, striping and wayfinding enhancements. Route 4 will continue to serve as an on-road bicycle route.
Hudson River/Champlain Canal Access Points: Lock C-6 Fort Miller; Lock C-7 Fort Edward; Lock C-8 Fort Edward; Bradley Beach Kayak Launch; Fort Edward Yacht Basin Terminal Wall; and Public Docks at the Route 4 Bridge.
Public Facilities:Old Fort House Museum; Rogers Island Visitor Center; Canal Street Market; Mullen Park & Walking-Fitness Trail; Washington County Historical Society; Fort Edward D&H Railway Depot (Amtrak Station); Moses Kill Aqueduct; Fort Edward Junction Lock; Washington County Grasslands Important Bird Area; and Fort Edward Yacht Basin and Terminal Wall.
Public Events: Annual Locktoberfest; Fort Edward Heritage Days; Annual Country Fair and Antiques Auction; Rogers Island French & Indian War Encampment; and Community Fall Festival.
Connector Trails:
Grasslands Loop Trail: This loop connects to the Washington County State Wildlife Management Area and Solomon Viewing Area
Feeder Canal Trail: This trail is a stone surfaced outdoor walking/bike trail that runs along the shores of the Feeder Canal from the official starting point on the Hudson River Overlook Park in Queensbury to Five Combines Park and Mullen Park in Fort Edward.
Rogers Island Trail: This is a future trail loop currently in the planning and design stage.
Planning Support:
- U.S. Route 4 Corridor Plan (2005)
- Rogers Island Visioning Plan (2007)
- Hudson River and Champlain Feeder Canal Intermunicipal LWRP (2008)
- Pre-Nomination Study Northeast Industrial Development and Reuse Strategy (2014)
Implementation Strategy: There are several substantial areas that could serve as an off-road trail on Route 4. Although challenging for design and construction, these areas should be studied for feasibility and the best available route outlined.