Hudson River

Book 2 · Chapter 12

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Hudson River

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This chapter describes the Hudson River from New York City to Troy, NY, and includes the principal cities of Yonkers, Newburgh, Poughkeepsie, Kingston and Albany.

Mileages shown in this chapter for the Hudson River as Mile 0.9E, Mile 12W, etc., are the nautical miles above The Battery; the letters N, S, E, and W denote by compass points the side of the river where each feature is located. Mile 0.0 is a point at the mouth of the Hudson River in The mileages given are approximations.

 Hudson River

Hudson River, sometimes called North River in New York City, has its source in the Adirondack Mountains, about 275 miles along its course from a junction with East River at The Battery, NY, and flows in a general southerly direction into New York Upper Bay. Troy Lock and Dam, 134 miles above The Battery, permits vessels to pass from tidewater to the upper river and the New York State Canal System. The river water is usually fresh as far south as Poughkeepsie, halfway from Troy Lock and Dam to The Battery.

New York City extends along the eastern bank of Hudson River for a distance of about 14 miles above The Battery. For about 5 miles northward from The Battery, the New York waterfront is an almost continuous line of wharves and piers, some of which can accommodate the largest transatlantic liners.

On the opposite side of Hudson River from New York City are Jersey City, Hoboken, Weehawken, West New York, Guttenberg, Edgewater, Fort Lee and Englewood Cliffs. The shoreline from Jersey City to Edgewater is lined with ruined piers and piling fields. Mariners must check with local authorities and property owners for approval prior to mooring.

 Channels

The lower Hudson River has depths of 43 feet or more in midchannel from deep water in Upper New York Bay off Ellis Island to the upper limit of New York City’s major wharves at 59th Street, about 5.3 miles above the entrance. Above this point, the federal project depth is 32 feet to Albany. For detailed channel information and minimum depths as reported by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), use NOAA Electronic Navigational Charts. Surveys and channel condition reports are available through the USACE hydrographic survey website listed in Appendix A.

 Seasonal buoyage

The lighted buoys marking the Hudson River channel are replaced during the winter by smaller lighted ice buoys or unlighted buoys.

 Anchorages

General anchorages begin 5 miles above The Battery and extend upriver for about 10 miles—see 33 CFR 110.1 and 110.155, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.

Vessels proceeding from New York to Albany occasionally anchor overnight in the vicinity of Kingston, 79 miles above The Battery and 47 miles below Albany, to await daylight hours for passing through the constricted part of the river.

A buoyed anchorage, 400 feet wide and 2,400 feet long, is on the east side of the channel just above Stuyvesant (), about 15 miles below Albany.

 Dangers

Navigation of the river is easy as far north as Kingston, but above Kingston it is more difficult because of the numerous steep-to shoals and middle grounds. In general tows are apt to follow the shoreline that is most favorable as regards wind and current; with a strong northwest wind, tows will follow the west shore regardless of the direction in which they are traveling.

 Regulated navigation area

The Coast Guard established a regulated navigation area on the navigable waters of the Hudson River south of the Troy Locks, effective during certain ice conditions—see 33 CFR 165.165, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.

 Recreational boaters navigating near commercial shipping channels

Large commercial vessels and tugs with tows are often restricted in their ability to maneuver—as defined in Rule 3 of the Inland Navigation Rules—and therefore have the right of way over all recreational boats including sailboats. In accordance with Rule 9 of the Inland Navigation Rules, vessels less than 20 meters in length shall not cross ahead or otherwise impede the passage of any vessel that can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway. Accordingly, recreational vessels should avoid commercial shipping channels and whenever possible transit them as near to the outer limit of the channel or fairway that lies on the vessel’s starboard as is safe and practical. If it becomes necessary to cross a channel, check for other vessels and pass astern of oncoming vessels. Be aware that tugs often tow barges and other objects on long submerged towlines that are difficult to see and should never cross between a tug and its tow. Additional information is available at www.uscgboating.org.

 Speed and Wake Damage

Speed and wake damage complaints are an ongoing issue due to the increasing usage by both commercial and recreational users. While there are no federal regulations that address vessel speed limits outside of federal anchorage grounds, all vessel operators are expected to operate at a safe speed and in a manner that does not put others at risk. Licensed commercial mariners are further expected to be familiar with ongoing evolutions within the port and honor the requests of other waterway users as a professional courtesy. This information is published at https://homeport.uscg.mil and in the weekly Local Notice to Mariners at www.navcen.uscg.gov or by Safety Radio Broadcasts (See chapter 1—Navigation Warnings, Information and Weather). Title 46 Part 185.304 of the Code of Federal Regulations, states: “The operator of a vessel should pay special attention in regards to the potential caused by their wake.” The operation of a vessel in a negligent manner is a violation of federal law that may carry a monetary penalty. In addition, vessel operators may incur civil liability for the damage caused to other persons or property. Parties alleging the creation of an excessive wake may document their concerns via videotape or pictures. This type of documentation could be the basis for opening a civil penalty case.

 No-Discharge Zone

The State of New York, with the approval of the Environmental Protection Agency, has established a No-Discharge Zone in the waters of the Hudson River. The zone extends from the Battery in Manhattan, New York, to the federal dam at Troy, New York. Within the zone, discharge of sewage, whether treated or untreated, from all vessels is prohibited. Outside the zone, discharge of sewage is regulated by 40 CFR 140—see chapter 2.

 Tides

The tides in Hudson River are affected by freshets, winds and droughts. Because of these variables the predictions given for points above George Washington Bridge are based upon averages for the 6-month period, May to October, when the freshwater discharge is at a minimum. See the tide prediction service at tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov for specific information about times, directions, and velocities of thetide at numerous locations throughout the area. Links to a user guide for this service can be found in chapter 1 of this book.

 Current

The currents in Hudson River are influenced by the same variables that affect the tides. The times of slack water and the velocities and durations of flood and ebb are subject to extensive changes; the times of strengths are less likely to be affected. The currents usually set fair with the channels except in the vicinities of bends and wharves.

Velocities of currents are 1.4 knots flood and 1.4 knots ebb northwest of The Battery, 1.6 and 2.2 knots at George Washington Bridge, 0.9 and 1.1 knots at Newburgh, 1.1 and 1.2 knots at Poughkeepsie, 1.3 and 1.6 knots at Kingston and 0.3 knot flood and 0.8 knot ebb at Albany. Near Troy Lock and Dam, the current does not flood and the ebb has a velocity of 0.7 knot. These values are for the summer when the freshwater discharge is at a minimum.

Daily current predictions for The Narrows, New York Harbor, are available from the Tidal Current prediction service at tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov. Links to a user guide for this service can be found in chapter 1 of this book. Predictions for places along Hudson River may be obtained by applying the differences and ratios listed for these places in the tidal current predicition tables.

During the summer of 2004, tidal observations were made in the Hudson River near Haverstraw and it was found that there were significant differences in the timing of the tidal current phases as compared with the predicted tidal current phases. The greatest time difference was observed in the slack before ebb, which on average may occur one hour later than the predictions given in the 2005 Tidal Current Tables. NOAA’s Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services issued special daily tidal current predictions for the Hudson River at eight locations, where data were collected during 2005. Mariners should exercise caution when interpreting tidal predictions for these areas. See the Tidal Current prediction service at tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov for specific information about times, directions, and velocities of the current at numerous locations throughout the area. Links to a user guide for this service can be found in chapter 1 of this book.

 Ice

In even extremely severe winters, Coast Guard icebreakers and continuous river traffic maintain an open channel to Albany. The ice season usually starts in early January and ends in mid-March. Normally shipping is affected most seriously in the Hudson River between Tappan Zee and Albany. Modern vessels experience little difficulty maneuvering through the ice but may be slowed by other river traffic. In addition to the problem of getting through the ice, aids to navigation are covered or dragged off station by moving ice.

 Freshets

During March, April and May, freshets have reached heights above normal high water of as much as 18 feet at Albany and 25 feet at Troy Lock and Dam. At the time of the larger freshets the tide may be completely masked, the water continuing to rise and fall for a period of several days without any tidal oscillation. At the time of smaller freshets the range of tide is greatly diminished and the times of high and low waters are somewhat delayed.

During the smaller freshets, the flood current disappears and the ebb current has a velocity of about 1.5 knots. The larger freshets produce an ebb current that varies from 1.5 to nearly 5 knots depending on the size of the freshet and the stage of the tide.

 Pilotage, Hudson River

Pilotage is compulsory on the Hudson River for foreign vessels and U.S. vessels under register. Pilotage north of Yonkers is available from Hudson River Pilots Association, 201 Edgewater Street, Staten Island, NY 10305, telephone 718–815–4316, FAX 718–876–8055. The pilot boat, JOHN E. FLYNN, is 40 feet with a black hull, white superstructure, and the word PILOT in red letters, each side. The boat berths at Yonkers and when underway monitors VHF-FM channel 13 and works channels 13 or 18A. The pilot boat meets vessels in midriver () off Yonkers. Arrangements for pilot services are made in advance through ships’ agents; at least 24-hour advance notice is requested.

Vessels transiting between New York Harbor and Yonkers or between Long Island Sound and Yonkers are serviced by United New York New Jersey Sandy Hook Pilot Association.

U.S. enrolled vessels in the coastwise trade transiting between New York Harbor and Yonkers or between Long Island Sound and Yonkers are also served by Interport Pilots Agency, Inc.

On the Hudson River, pilots maintain bridge-to-bridge communication on channel 13.

Vessels transiting the river to destinations beyond the city of Kingston, NY, will be required to embark another pilot at the Hyde Park Pilot Station () located on the eastern shore of Hudson River in Mills-Norrie State Park. For vessels awaiting daylight transits north of Kingston, a federal anchorage is located just south of the pilot station. The pilot station is manned only while boarding ships in transit and maintains a watch on VHF-FM channel 13 an hour prior to ETA for Norrie Point. The Hudson River Pilot office may be reached at 718–448–3900.

 Towage

Tugs are available in New York Harbor and at Albany—see chapter 11, and Albany later in this chapter.

 Quarantine, customs and immigration

Matters pertaining to these services for places along Hudson River are handled at the Port of New York or at Albany—see chapter 11, New York Harbor, and Albany later in this chapter.

Hudson River averages about 0.6 mile in width along this 5-mile stretch above The Battery. The chart covers most of the principal wharves on the New York City side and those of Jersey City, Hoboken, and Weehawken on the west, or New Jersey, side. New York Harbor is a commercial/recreational waterway. This section of the Hudson River is used by commercial shipping, tugs and barges, sightseeing vessels, dinner boats, commuter ferries and recreational vessels including hand-powered vessels. Cruise ships operate from the NYC Passenger Ship Terminal Piers 86-92. NYC Department of Sanitation vessels operate from Piers 97 and 99. Con Edison receives fuel shipments at Pier 98.

Morris Canal Basin is located across the Hudson River, opposite The Battery, on the New Jersey side. Two marinas, two commuter ferries, one sailing school, one yacht club and various charter boats operate from the basin. Commercial operators occupy the northwest corner of the basin while tour boats operate from the Central Railroad of New Jersey Pier at the southeast entrance to the basin.

 Anchorages

There are no special anchorages or commercial anchorage grounds in this part of the Hudson River. Vessels anchoring inside of the pierhead line shall be lighted in accordance with the Inland Navigation Rules and should check with local authorities for any additional requirements. Hudson River Park extends from Battery Park City to 59th Street. They provide mooring facilities south of Pier 40. The Hudson River Park dockmaster may be contacted at 212–627–2020 for availability.

 Small-craft facilities

Facilities at Manhattan are located at North Cove Yacht Harbor and Pier 59. Facilities in New Jersey are located in Morris Canal Basin, Jersey City, Hoboken and Weehawken. Sailing schools are in Jersey City, Hoboken and Manhattan.

 Caution

Commuter ferries operate between several sites in New Jersey and Manhattan. Extra caution should be used while transiting during the morning and evening rush hours. Hand-powered vessels operate from the New Jersey and New York shores of the Hudson River. Several swimming events are held along the Manhattan shoreline throughout the summer.

On the New York side of the river, use caution in the vicinity of Pier 66 due to the Hudson Tunnel Project; a temporary safety zone has been established around the construction activities. (See 33 CFR 165.20, 165.23, and 165.T01-0336, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.)

On the New Jersey side of the river are , Mile 5.5W; , Mile 7.5W; and , Mile 9.5W. Small-craft facilities at Edgewater can provide berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, limited marine supplies, storage and hull and engine repairs. The largest mobile hoist can handle craft up to 25 tons. Commuter ferries operate between Edgewater and Pier 79 in Manhattan.

The New York side of the river is mostly parkway for the length of the chart. The 79th Street Boat Basin, at Mile 5.5E, opposite Guttenberg, can provide berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies and minor engine repairs.

, Mile 6.2E, is a prominent landmark at 89th Street and Riverside Drive, Manhattan.

General Grants Tomb, Mile 7.7E, is prominent at 123rd Street and Riverside Drive, Manhattan.

George Washington Bridge, Mile 10, crosses Hudson River from Fort Lee, NJ, to , New York City. The suspension span is nearly 0.6 mile long from shore to shore with a least clearance of 195 feet—see Structures across Hudson River at the beginning of this chapter. The tops of the towers are about 600 feet above the water. When the traveler platform is in use, the bridge clearance is reduced to 180 feet.

 Anchorages

Three anchorage areas are south of the George Washington Bridge—see 33 CFR 110.1, 110.155(c)(1), and 110.155(c)(5), chapter 2, for limits and regulations. A special anchorage is on the north side of George Washington Bridge at North Manhattan—see 33 CFR 110.1 and 110.60, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.

From Fort Lee, NJ, the rocky cliffs of Palisades State Park and adjoining Tallman Mountain State Park extend up the west side of the river for about 12 miles to Piermont, NY. The Palisades are 300 to 500 feet high and in places are thickly wooded with scrub.

, entered at Mile 12E, is marked by the railroad swing bridge over the mouth. The creek is the Hudson River entrance to Harlem River, which is described in chapter 9. Currents are swift and erratic around the mouth of the creek.

 Small-craft facilities

Englewood Boat Basin, on the New Jersey side opposite Spuyten Duyvil Creek, can accommodate craft to 50 feet long; berths, gasoline, diesel fuel and water are available. Alpine Boat Basin is located at about A boat launching ramp for registered, trailer-towed boats under 24 feet in length, jet skis and car-top boats (canoes and kayaks) is available at Hazard’s Launching Ramp south of the George Washington Bridge. On the New York side, Dykman Marina is located at Tubby Hook. The Riverdale Yacht Club and the Yonkers Paddling and Rowing Club are about 200 yards north of the Yonkers Municipal Pier. Commuter ferries operate between the Yonkers Municipal Pier and Battery Park in Manhattan.

, Mile 16E, adjoins the north side of New York City. Waterborne commerce is in petroleum products, sugar and syrup products, cement, sand and other building materials.

A sugar refining plant () has a 400-foot marginal wharf with depths of 30 to 32 feet alongside and a deck height of 10 feet. The plant has 20,000 tons of covered storage and is served by a conveyor system with two 20-ton hoppers for the receipt of raw sugar. Vessels berth outboard of two floating cranes moored at the face of the wharf.

Several other private facilities at Yonkers, used mainly by barges, have reported depths of 12 to 30 feet alongside.

Alpine is a prominent landing at Mile 16W. A boat basin here, operated by the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, affords shelter for numerous small craft; berths, gasoline, electricity and water are available. In 2013, 4 feet was reported in the basin.

 Anchorages

A special anchorage adjoins a yacht club on the Yonkers side of the Hudson River, 17 miles above The Battery; another special anchorage is about 0.5 mile to the northward. (See 33 CFR 110.1 and 110.60, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.)

Several private boat clubs are at , just north of Yonkers; guest moorings are available.

Hastings-on-Hudson, Mile 19E, has a prominent water tank at its waterfront. A yacht club, north of the waterfront, is adjoined by a special anchorage. (See 33 CFR 110.1 and 110.60, Chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) Limited guest berths are available. In 1981, a reported depth of 4 feet could be carried to the fuel dock.

The boundary line between the States of New Jersey and New York extends northwestward from a point on the west side of Hudson River at Mile 19. The river is 0.8 mile wide at this point.

is a town at Mile 20.5E. A stack on the waterfront and several cupolas are prominent.

, Mile 22E, has a small private wharf at the northern end of the waterfront; guest moorings are available.

At Piermont, Mile 22W, an earthen embankment extends 0.8 mile channelward from the shore to . There is a Class I railroad terminus at the inner end of the embankment; several buildings in Piermont are prominent. A T-head pier, used by Columbia University to moor its geological research vessels, extends from the outer end of Piermont Pier; depths of about 16 feet are reported alongside the face. The ruins of a former ferry slip and other piers, as well as several visible wrecks and an obstruction covered 2 feet, are on the south side of Piermont Pier.

A foul area extends about 300 yards northward from the outer end of Piermont Pier. A sunken wreck is in this area about 200 yards northward from the end of the pier; caution is advised.

In 1981, shoaling to an unknown extent was reported in the area from the outer end of Piermont Pier north to , Mile 24.6W; caution is advised.

 Small-craft facilities

Several small-craft facilities are just northward of Piermont Pier. Berths, electricity, water, ice, storage, marine supplies, mobile hoists up to 10 tons and hull and engine repairs are available. In 1981, reported depths of 4 feet could be carried to the facilities. A scuba diving team of the Piermont Volunteer Fire Department is available for underwater search and rescue work. They can be contacted through the Piermont Police Department; telephone 914–359–0240.

is the 2-mile-wide part of Hudson River between Piermont and Croton Point, 8 miles to the northward.

Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, Mile 23.5, crosses Tappan Zee from Nyack to Tarrytown. A racon is atop the center of the main channel span of the southernmost bridge.

, Mile 24E, has about 1 mile of developed waterfront, part of which has been improved by dredging. Tarrytown Light (), 54 feet above the water, is shown from a white cast iron and concrete tower.

A federal project provides for depths of 12 feet in both the northwest and southwest connecting channels in Tarrytown Harbor and also in the waterfront channel. (See Notice to Mariners and latest edition of the chart for controlling depths.) An obstruction, consisting of rocks, is on the east edge of the waterfront channel in about Both access channels are buoyed.

Tarrytown Harbor usually is open to navigation throughout the year, but in severe winters ice floes from the upper river may temporarily block the channels.

 Anchorages

A special anchorage is at Tarrytown. (See 33 CFR 110.1 and 110.60, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.)

Several waterfront terminals, with depths of 10 feet alongside, are available at Tarrytown, and there are rail connections nearby. The wharves are used mostly for the receipt of petroleum products, sand, gravel and crushed rock.

A marina is southward of the principal wharves; berths, gasoline, diesel fuel, electricity, water, ice, marine supplies and a 15-ton mobile hoist are available. Two private boat clubs are southward of the marina; a launching ramp is available.

is on the west side of Tappan Zee at Mile 25W. Small-craft facilities at Nyack include a boat club on the north side of the waterfront that can provide guest moorings and a municipal marina that does not accommodate transient boaters.

In 1981, shoaling to an unknown extent was reported in the area from Lower Nyack Landing south to the outer end of Piermont Pier, Mile 22W.

 Anchorages

A special anchorage is at Nyack. (See 33 CFR 110.1 and 110.60, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.)

is about 0.6 mile north of Nyack. A boatyard here has a 60-ton mobile boat lift and a 15-ton mobile crane for hauling out small craft. The boatyard has 80 feet of berthing space with a deck height of 8 feet and depths of 6 feet at the face. A basin here has limited space for berthing small craft. Complete engine and hull repairs can be made.

, 730 feet high, is on the west side of Tappan Zee at Mile 27W. The summit is only 0.3 mile inland and is very prominent from the river.

is on the east side of Tappan Zee at Mile 29E. In 1981, depths of 5 to 6 feet were reported on the flats off the oil storage receiving facility piers at Ossining. , a state penitentiary, is on the low flat shore on the south side of Ossining. Two water towers near the prison are prominent. A marina at the north end of town can handle craft to 15 tons for hull and engine repairs; marine supplies are available. There are also two boat clubs and a yacht club at Ossining; gasoline, water, ice and guest berths are available. In 1981, a reported depth of 4 feet could be carried to the yacht club gasoline dock.

From Hook Mountain, Mile 27W, northward to Haverstraw, Mile 33W, the west bank of the Hudson River rises precipitously to heights of more than 800 feet.

, Mile 30E, is a long peninsula that extends 1.5 miles channelward from the main shore. Croton Point Park is on the southwest part of the peninsula. There are several prominent brick buildings at , near the inner end of Croton Point.

Haverstraw Bay is the wide stretch of Hudson River between Croton Point and Stony Point, 5 miles to the northward; the greatest width is about 2.5 miles. The extensive flats in the eastern half of the bay have depths of 5 to 9 feet. The dredged channel through Haverstraw Bay is marked by seasonal lighted buoys and two lighted ranges.

, on the east side of Haverstraw Bay at Mile 31.5E, has a yacht club.

High Tor, 820 feet high, is on the west side of Haverstraw Bay at Mile 32W.

Haverstraw is on the west side of Haverstraw Bay at Mile 33W. The stacks and large rectangular buildings of a power plant are prominent, back of Bowline Point. A T-shaped pier, operated by the power plant and marked by private lights, extends off Bowline Point.

A wharf, used to ship crushed rock by barge, is about 1 mile southward of Bowline Point. The wharf has 580 feet of berthing space with a deck height of 5 feet and 14 feet alongside. A small private boat club is in a cove about 0.5 mile south of Bowline Point.

 Anchorages

A special anchorage is at Haverstraw. (See 33 CFR 110.1 and 110.60, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.)

is on the west side of Haverstraw Bay at Mile 34W. A pier, used for receiving gypsum rock, is on the south side of the point. The pier has 500 feet of berthing space with a deck height of 8 feet and 31 feet alongside.

Numerous small-craft facilities are north and south of Grassy Point. Berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, storage, marine supplies, a pump-out facility, lifts to 40 tons and engine and hull repairs are available. In 2001, a reported depth of 17 feet could be carried into the cove south of the point.

, Mile 35W, is marked at the outer end by a light.

, Mile 35.5E, is marked on its northwestern side by prominent gray eroded banks of tailings from a trap-rock plant. Small-craft facilities on the point can provide berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, storage and limited marine supplies; lifts to 30 tons are available for hull and engine repairs.

, on the east side of Hudson River, 1.7 miles northward of Verplanck Point, is the site of a nuclear power station. A tall white stack is prominent, lighted on top, and two large domes are conspicuous on the point. A safety and security zone has been established in the waters of the Hudson River surrounding the station. (See 33 CFR 165.1 through 165.40 and 165.169, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.)

, a town at Mile 36W, has a large stone quarry, a rock crusher and a trap-rock plant. The wharf, connected to storage bins by a conveyor system, has 700 feet of berthing space with a deck height of 9 feet and depth of 15 to 20 feet alongside. The wharf is used to ship sand and crushed rock by barge. Numerous beached barges south of the pier are prominent. Northward of the wharf, there are electrical towers, a steel conveyer belt and a large concrete building in ruins, remnants of a power plant.

is at the head of a shallow bight at Mile 38E. A dredged U-shaped channel extends northeastward from deep water in the Hudson River to the wharf area and thence northwestward back to deep water. The southern channel is marked by buoys and a light. Caution—In 1985, it was reported that the channel on the north side of Peekskill Bay was obstructed by a sewer outfall extending across from the entrance to Annsville Creek; caution is advised. A yacht club at Peekskill can provide guest berths, electricity, water, ice and engine repairs.

Annsville Creek is a very shallow creek on the north side of Peekskill. The railroad bridge over the entrance has a bascule span with a clearance of 3½ feet. The bridge is maintained in the closed position. The highway bridge about 0.2 mile above the railroad bridge has a fixed span with a clearance of 19 feet.

A wharf, used for receiving petroleum products by barge, is at , northwest of Peekskill. The wharf has 150 feet of berthing space with a deck height of 8 feet and 14 feet alongside.

, 1,110 feet high, is a densely wooded mountain at Mile 38W. The mountain slopes eastward to , which is low and flat.

The river becomes much narrower at Jones Point and has an average width of 0.3 mile for the next 8 miles between the bases of the highlands on both sides. When approaching the sharp turns in this reach, caution should be exercised and a warning signal should be given.

, formerly a naval depot at Mile 40W, is controlled by the Palisades Interstate Park Commission. A light, shown from a skeleton tower on the north side of the island, is conspicuous.

A rock, with a depth of 10 feet over it and marked by a lighted buoy, is 0.2 mile north-northwestward of the northernmost point of Iona Island. When descending the river, particularly with a strong fair current, a careful watch should be maintained to avoid being set on this rock.

Bear Mountain, Mile 40.3W, is 1,305 feet high and has its summit about 1 mile inland. There are wharves at the state park on the riverbank at the foot of the mountain.

, 900 feet high, is a steep, thickly wooded hill at Mile 40.5E.

Bear Mountain Bridge, Mile 40.6 crosses the Hudson River from Bear Mountain to Anthonys Nose. The suspension span has a clearance of 155 feet.

, a small island at Mile 43W, is marked on its channel side by a light. A rock, with a depth of 7 feet over it and marked by a lighted buoy, is about 0.3 mile southward of Con Hook. When descending the river, particularly with a fair current, there is a tendency to set toward the rock; caution is advised. The area 800 yards north of Con Hook and along the western shoreline is extremely shallow and dangerous and should be avoided due to a large shoal. When southbound on the Hudson River approaching Con Hook, mariners must take care not to confuse the lights on navigation aids with the lights from the railroad track on the west bank, the lights from bridge in the distance, and other background lighting in general to avoid vessel grounding.

A tower at , Mile 44W, is prominent. There are a couple of buildings down next to the railroad tracks and there is an old boat ramp at the north end.

A yacht club at , Mile 45E, has depths of about 20 feet alongside its fuel dock. Craft up to 60 feet in length can be accommodated at the slips; gasoline, water, electricity and some marine supplies are available.

, Mile 45W, is the site of the U.S. Military Academy. The academy is easily recognized from the prominence of the buildings and the road leading up the hillside from the railroad station and wharfs on the riverbank.

 Anchorages

A special anchorage is at West Point. (See 33 CFR 110.1 and 110.60, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.)

The northeastern extremity of West Point descends to , a rocky feature that is marked by a light. About 0.2 mile south of Gees Point, another light marks the outer edge of a rocky shallow area along the west bank.

, a sharp bend in the Hudson River at Mile 46, has depths of more than 100 feet. Extreme caution should be exercised when passing through Worlds End; the view is obstructed and vessels should reduce speed and sound a warning signal.

is on the upper side of Worlds End at Mile 46.5E. , on the channel side of the island, is marked by a light.

, Mile 47W, is 1,403 feet high and prominent. A boat club is at , Mile 47.3E.

, Mile 48E, is the site of a rock quarry.

Storm King Mountain, 1,355 feet high, is prominent at Mile 49W.

, on the opposite side of Hudson River from Storm King Mountain, is marked by one highway tunnel and two railroad tunnels; the lights are prominent at night. Behind Breakneck Point is , 1,196 feet high.

Cornwall-on-Hudson is at Mile 50W. The wharf at Cornwall is in ruins. A boat club and a yacht club, about 0.6 mile southeastward of the wharf in ruins, can provide gasoline, water and ice; guest moorings and a launching ramp are available. In 1981, the reported depths were 10 feet at the gasoline dock and 3 feet in the basin.

Pollepel Island, Mile 50E, is a private estate with buildings that resemble a medieval castle. A light is shown from a skeleton tower 0.1 mile off the west side of the island.

Newburgh, Mile 53W, is a major petroleum distribution center. Most of the piers of the major oil companies are at the southern end of the 2-mile waterfront between Newburgh and Plum Point. Depths at the piers are reported to range from about 14 feet at the northern end to 35 feet at the southern end of the waterfront.

The yacht club landing near the north end of the Newburgh waterfront has reported depths of about 10 feet alongside. The marine railways here can handle craft up to 46 feet for minor engine and hull repairs; berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, launching ramps and marine supplies are available. A shipbuilding company at Newburgh can make emergency repairs to commercial vessels. A marine railway at the yard can handle vessels to 140 feet, and cranes to 150 tons are available.

Beacon, on the east bank of the Hudson River opposite Newburgh, has some manufacturing facilities. A seasonal swimming area in the river at Beacon is marked by private buoys. The Newburgh-Beacon Bridges, two spanned fixed highway bridges, with a clearance of 147 feet for a middle 760-foot width and 172 feet at the center, cross the river between Beacon and Newburgh. A private sound signal is at the bridge, and a racon is atop the center of the main channel span of the southernmost bridge.

Two submerged obstructions are reported about 150 yards south of Hudson River Lighted Buoy 52, Mile 55. A submerged obstruction, covered ½ foot, is reported about 700 yards west of Buoy 52.

Chelsea, Mile 56.5E, has a boatyard and yacht club; berths, electricity, gasoline, water, ice, marine supplies and complete hull and engine repairs are available. A 12-ton mobile crane is available for do-it-yourself repairs.

Danskammer Point, Mile 58W, is marked by a conspicuous power plant with two large buildings, four stacks, a radio tower and an oil receiving pier.

is entered at Mile 58.5E through a channel that leads to just below , 1.6 miles above the entrance. In 1977, it was reported that the creek had silted in and was no longer navigable.

, with a depth of 5 feet over it and marked by a seasonal lighted buoy, lies in about the middle of Hudson River 0.2 mile above the entrance to Wappinger Creek. Between Diamond Reef and Poughkeepsie the west side of the river should be favored to avoid two 18-foot spots that are buoyed.

A marina at , just north of the entrance to Wappinger Creek, has berths, electricity, gasoline, water, ice, a 12-ton lift and marine supplies; hull and engine repairs can be made. In 2017, depths between 4 and 8 feet were found alongside the edge of the marina.

A boat club at , Mile 59.7W, can provide gasoline and water. Along the east side of the river, one mile north of Marlboro at Clinton Point, is a quarry and wharf used for shipping dolomite by barge. The wharf has 2,025 feet of berthing space with a deck height of 12 feet and a depth of 10 to 11 feet alongside. The wharf is served by a belt conveyor that extends to a processing plant near the quarry.

, Mile 66E, is an important industrial center specializing in manufactured goods, oil and lumber.

Mid Hudson Bridge (U.S. 44), a fixed span with a clearance of 134 feet, and a fixed railroad bridge with a clearance of 167 feet; 0.5 mile northward, cross the river at Poughkeepsie; both bridges are well lighted at night. The Mid Hudson Bridge is equipped with a private sound signal and a racon in the middle of the span.

A wharf that receives petroleum products by barge is one mile south of the Mid Hudson Highway Bridge. The wharf has 460 feet of berthing space with a deck height of 10 feet and a depth of 13 feet alongside. A town park and a small-craft launching ramp are about 0.2 mile north of the highway bridge.

A marina, on the east side of the river near Mile 68E, has berths, electricity, gasoline, water, ice, a launching ramp, marine supplies and a 20-ton crane; hull, engine and electronic repairs can be made. In 2001, 17 feet was reported alongside the docks.

, Mile 71E, is the birthplace of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States. The residence and library are about 0.4 mile inland.

 Anchorages

A general anchorage is just west of Hyde Park. (See 33 CFR 110.1 and 110.155, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.)

The Hyde Park Pilot Station () is located on the eastern shore of the Hudson River in Mills-Norrie State Park. Vessels transiting the river to destinations above Kingston, NY, will be required to embark another pilot at this point. The pilot station is manned only while boarding ships in transit and maintains a watch on VHF-FM channel 13 an hour prior to ETA for Norrie Point. The Hudson River Pilot office may be reached at 718–448–3900.

The Poughkeepsie Yacht Club, about 0.5 mile north of the anchorage area, has berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, a 15-ton mobile hoist, ice and a sewage pump-out facility. In 1981, 8 feet was reported available alongside the gasoline dock.

, Mile 73, is marked by a light on the south end. A ledge, partly bare at low water and extending about 300 yards from the north end, is marked by a lighted buoy. The better channel is westward of the island. A prominent large gray stone building is on the west side of the river above Esopus, about 1 mile north of Esopus Island.

flows into the Hudson River at Mile 73.8E. At the entrance to Indian Kill is Mills Norrie State Park Marina. Private seasonal lights mark the entrance to the marina. In 1981, the reported controlling depth was 7½ feet in the entrance channel with 5½ feet available in the basin. The marina has a concrete boat launch ramp, camp sites, showers and a pump out station. Transient boaters are welcome to visit the marina if space allows. 145 slips, both fixed piers and floating docks. Supplies can be obtained nearby.

A shoal about 0.6 mile long and 150 yards wide with a least depth of about 15 feet is just west of the center of the channel, about 1.1 miles above Indian Kill entrance. The shoal is marked by a seasonal lighted buoy about midway along the east edge.

Esopus Meadows Light, Mile 75.8, 52 feet above the water, is shown from a white brick lighthouse on the west side of the main channel. Shoals with depths less than 3 feet extend as much as 0.4 mile from either shore from about 1 mile below the light to Rondout Creek at Kingston; the shoals are marked by lighted buoys.

Rondout Creek is entered from the Hudson River at Mile 79W through a dredged channel that leads between two long, submerged jetties to Eddyville, about 3 miles above the channel entrance. The jetties are marked by lights at the outer ends and by seasonal daybeacons. An obstruction is at The channel is partially marked by buoys. The head of practical navigation is at the lock of the abandoned Delaware and Hudson Canal, 3.3 miles above the entrance. The lower 2-mile portion of Rondout Creek serves as a harbor for Kingston.

Kingston is partly on the lowlands adjacent to the north bank of Rondout Creek and partly on the elevated plateau to the north and westward of it. Waterborne traffic consists chiefly of petroleum products.

 Bridges

Rondout Creek is crossed by a fixed highway bridge with a clearance of 56 feet, about 1 mile above the entrance; a highway suspension bridge with a clearance of 86 feet, about 0.1 mile above the fixed bridge; and the fixed railroad bridge with a clearance of 144 feet, about 2 miles above the entrance. An overhead power cable with a clearance of 75 feet crosses the creek about 0.45 mile above the railroad bridge.

 Small-craft facilities

There are several small-craft facilities on Rondout Creek. Berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, launching ramps, a pump-out facility and wet and dry storage are available as far upstream as Eddyville. Lifts to 35 tons and a 75-foot marine railway can handle craft for hull and engine repairs.

In the Hudson River above Kingston many shoals with depths less than 3 feet are in midriver or extend from the shore on either side. The bottom is rocky at many of the bar crossings. Most of the channels through the critical areas are marked with lights and buoys, but strangers in all except small boats are advised to take a pilot. Pilots are engaged at New York.

An oil terminal is at Kingston Point, Mile 80W. The terminal wharf has 250 feet of berthing space with a deck height of 7 feet and a depth of 13 feet alongside. The terminal receives petroleum products by barge.

Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge crosses the Hudson River at Mile 82.7. The fixed channel spans have a clearance of 135 feet. A private sound signal is at the bridge and a racon is in the center of the west channel span.

is entered at Mile 88.5W. The entrance is between two dikes; both are marked by lights. is on the north bank of the creek about 1 mile above the entrance. A dam crosses the creek about 1.3 miles above the entrance. Just below the dam are many large boulders and several shoals that bare at low water. Small craft with local knowledge sometimes use this area as an anchorage; it should be avoided by strangers.

 Small-craft facilities

Small-craft facilities along the creek can provide berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, outside storage and some marine supplies. A forklift can handle craft to 2 tons for engine and hull repairs; launching ramps are also available.

A rescue vessel of the Ulster County Sheriff’s Department is at Saugerties. The Sheriff’s office can be contacted through the Coast Guard on VHF-FM channel 16 or directly by telephone at 845–338–3640.

In 2004, shoaling to 9 feet was reported at the southern boundary of . Vessels are advised to transit along the centerline of the channel in the vicinity of Hudson River Lighted Buoy 94.

is a dangerous whirlpool on the east side of the main channel about 2 miles north of Esopus Creek.

Several large cement manufacturing plants that have prominent buildings and elevators are near , Mile 92.5W. Another cement factory is at , 2 miles above Cementon. A wharf extends out just south of Dewitt Point and has a surveyed depth of 27 feet at the face (2015). However, two charted obstructions exist 30 yards east of the pier face with least depths of 24 feet and 25 feet. The landing for is across the river opposite this wharf.

, marked at the entrance by buoys, is entered at Mile 97.5W. is about 1 mile above the mouth. A long wharf extends along the north side of Catskill Creek from the entrance to Catskill. A fixed highway bridge, with a clearance of 11 feet, crosses the creek 0.9 mile above the mouth. An overhead power cable with a clearance of 60 feet is about 200 yards above the bridge.

 Small-craft facilities

Several small-craft facilities are on the creek. Berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, storage facilities, water, ice, marine supplies, a sewage pump-out facility and lifts to 20 tons are available; hull and engine repairs can be made.

Rip Van Winkle Bridge crosses the Hudson River at Mile 98.7. The fixed span over the channel has a clearance of 142 feet. A racon is at the center of the main channel span. High-voltage power cables with a clearance of 145 feet cross the river about 2.4 miles above the bridge. Red lights are atop the suspension towers on both sides of the river.

, Mile 102E, is on a slope that rises from the east bank of the Hudson River. Gasoline, berths, electricity, water and a launching ramp are available at a boat club at Hudson.

is on the west side of the Hudson River opposite Hudson. Wharves that receive asphalt and calcium chloride are at Athens. Barges call at these facilities, which have reported depths of 7 to 15 feet alongside. In 1981, shoaling to an unknown extent was reported north of Middle Ground Flats. Barges approach Athens through the channel south of the flats only.

 Small-craft facility

A small-craft facility at the north end of town has berths, electricity, gasoline, water, ice and limited marine supplies and can make minor engine repairs.

is at Mile 108W. Berths, gasoline, electricity, water and ice are available at a yacht club at the north end of town. A state-owned 20-foot concrete launching ramp is also available at Coxsackie.

A boatyard at New Baltimore, Mile 113.5W, can provide berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, storage and marine supplies. A launching ramp and a 20-ton mobile hoist are available; hull and engine repairs can be made. In 1981, a reported depth of 20 feet was available at the fuel dock with 6 feet at the berths.

Coeymans, Mile 115W, has a boatyard that can provide berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice and a 12-ton lift; hull and engine repairs can be made.

Cement and limestone are shipped and gypsum is received at a wharf about 1 mile above Coeymans. The wharf has 666 feet of berthing space with a deck height of 15 feet and 32 feet reported alongside.

A submerged jetty, marked by buoys, is just east of Coeymans.

The fixed railroad bridge with a clearance of 139 feet crosses the Hudson River at Mile 117.8. An overhead power cable just southward of the bridge, has a clearance of 185 feet. The Castleton-on-Hudson Bridge, a fixed highway bridge, about 150 yards above the railroad bridge has a clearance of 135 feet.

, Mile 119E, has a boat club that can provide berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice and a launching ramp. Gin poles are available at the boat club for stepping masts. In 1982, depths of 9 feet were reported alongside the docks.

The Castleton Fire Department maintains a rescue vessel at the boat club for emergency medical assistance, firefighting, lifesaving and damage control. The rescue vessel can be contacted through the Coast Guard on VHF-FM channel 16 or by telephone at 518–272–5501.

 Anchorages

A special anchorage is at Mile 120W, just below Cedar Hill. (See 33 CFR 110.1 and 110.60, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.)

Overhead power cables crossing the river at Mile 122.9 and Mile 123.1 have clearances of 169 and 194 feet, respectively.

, Mile 126W, is the capital of New York State and the principal port on the river above New York City. The port of Albany is the terminus for deep-draft vessels on the Hudson River and serves as a transshipping point for the immediate vicinity, large areas of New England and most of the areas accessible by waterways.

Waterborne commerce at the port is mostly in petroleum products, but grain, automobiles, coal, molasses, scrap iron, aggregates, lumber, wood byproducts, bananas, steel, chemicals and general cargo are also handled.

The Albany Port District includes the lower harbor between points about 0.2 mile below and 1.9 miles above the entrance to Island Creek () and the upper harbor extending northward of this point to the northern limits of Albany on the west side and Rensselaer on the east side.

 Channels

The Federal project depth is 32 feet from New York Harbor to Albany. Above the Port of Albany, the project depth is 14 feet to the Troy Lock and Dam. (See Notice to Mariners and latest editions of the charts for controlling depths.)

 Anchorages

The restricted width of the river at Albany is not sufficient to permit vessels to swing at anchor without interfering with passing craft. However, in an emergency, vessels sometimes anchor in midstream to wait for berthing space.

 Bridges

The Dunn Memorial fixed highway bridge with a clearance of 60 feet crosses Hudson River at Albany at Mile 126.4. The railroad bridge has a swing span with a clearance of 25 feet. (See 33 CFR 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.791, chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) An overhead power cable at the railroad bridge has a clearance of 135 feet.

 Weather, Albany and vicinity

The climate at Albany is primarily continental in character but is subject to some modification from the maritime climate that prevails in the extreme southeastern portion of New York State. The moderating effect on temperatures is more pronounced during the warmer months than in the winter season when outbursts of cold air sweep down from Canada with greater vigor than at other times of the year. In the warmer portion of the year temperatures rise rapidly during the daytime to moderate levels. As a rule, temperatures fall rapidly after sunset so that the nights are relatively cool. Very occasionally, the area experiences extended periods of oppressive heat up to a week or more in duration.

The highest temperature of record is 100°F (37.8°C) recorded both in July and September 1953. The extreme minimum temperature at Albany is -28°F (-33.3°C) recorded in January 1971. The average temperature for Albany is 48°F (8.9°C). The average high is 58°F (14.4°C) and the average low is 37°F (2.8°C). July is the warmest month with an average high of 83°F (28.3°C) and an average low of 60°F (15.6°C). January is the coldest month with an average high of 31°F (-0.6°C) and an average low of 13°F (-10.6°C). An average of 11 days each year record maximum temperatures in excess of 90°F (32.2°C) and an average of 147 days record extreme minimums below 32°F (0°C). An average of 22 days each year will have an extreme minimum below 5°F (-15°C).

Precipitation is sufficient to serve the economy of the region in most years, and only occasionally do periods of drought become a threat. A considerable portion of the rainfall in the warmer months is from showers associated with thunderstorms, but hail is not usually of any consequence. Average annual precipitation totals nearly 36 inches (914 mm) and is evenly distributed throughout the year. The difference between the driest month, February, and the wettest month, June, averages exactly one inch (25.4 mm). Precipitation falls an average 205 days each year with the early winter season being the most likely time. Thunderstorms occur on average 24 days each year with June, July and August being the most favored period.

Winters are usually cold and occasionally fairly severe. Maximum temperatures during the colder winter months often are below freezing, and nighttime low temperatures frequently drop to 10°F (-12.2°C) or lower. Sub-zero temperatures (<-17.8°C) occur rather infrequently, about a dozen times a year. Snowfall in the area is quite variable and over some of the higher nearby areas ranges up to 75 inches (1,905 mm) or more for a season. Snow flurries are quite frequent during the cold months. The average annual snowfall is 63 inches (1,600 mm) and snow can be expected each month October through May. January is the snowiest month averaging over 16 inches (406 mm). The 24-hour snowfall record is 22 inches (559 mm), and occurred in March 1993.

On the whole, wind velocities are moderate. The north-south Hudson River Valley has had a marked effect on the lighter winds and the warm months usually average out as a south wind. Destructive winds occur infrequently.

The area enjoys one of the highest percentages of sunshine that can be found in the state. This is true of the Hudson Valley area from Albany southward to the coast with slightly more sunshine progressively southward. Seldom does the area experience extended periods of cloudy days or extended periods of smog. Occasionally during the warm months, there are short periods when high humidity associated with temperatures above 85°F (29.4°C) is rather uncomfortable.

 Pilotage, Albany

See Pilotage, Hudson River (indexed as such), earlier this chapter.

 Towage

Tugs up to 6,800 hp, based at New York City, and tugs up to 1,800 hp, based at Rensselaer, are available at Albany. Arrangements for tugs are usually made in advance by ships’ agents.

Albany is a customs port of entry.

 Quarantine, customs, immigration and agricultural quarantine

(See chapter 3, Vessel Arrival Inspections, and Appendix A for addresses.)

Quarantine is enforced in accordance with the regulations of the U.S. Public Health Service. (See Public Health Service, chapter 1.)

Albany has several hospitals.

 Harbor regulations

Local rules and regulations for the port are handled by the Albany Port District Commission.

 Wharves

There are about 30 waterfront facilities at Albany and Rensselaer; most are located on the west side of the Hudson River at Albany. All have highway connections and, with the exception of the petroleum berths, railroad connections. Cargo is generally handled by ships’ tackle. Crawler and truck cranes up to 140 tons can be rented. The alongside depths given for each facility are reported; for information on the latest depths, contact the operator. Only the major facilities are listed in the table (Facilities in the Port of Albany.)

 Supplies

Bunkering services for deep-draft vessels are not available at Albany; this service is obtained in New York. Diesel fuel, through metered pumps, is available for small vessels; water, marine supplies and provisions are available.

 Repairs

Repairs to hulls of all types, engine repair and general repairs to small craft are available at a boatyard on the west side of the river just north of Island Creek. A marine railway here will haul/launch vessels of 300 tons, 110 feet (30-foot beam) and a draft of 12 feet.

 Small-craft facilities

A yacht club is on the east side of the Hudson River at Rensselaer at Mile 126.4, about 0.2 mile south of the fixed highway bridge; berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel and water are available. In 1981, reported depths of 15 feet were available on the west side of the yacht club dock with 8 feet on the east side. A municipal launching ramp is at Mile 127.2W.

 Communications

Albany is served by air and rail communications. The Delaware and Hudson Railroad serves facilities on the west side of the river while ConRail serves facilities on both sides of the river. The Albany Port Railroad Corporation, a terminal switching line, serves the waterfront facilities and property owned by the Albany Port District Commission and connects with the main line railroads.

The Patroon Island Bridge, a fixed highway bridge, with a clearance of 60 feet crosses the Hudson River just above Albany at Mile 127.8.

The Troy-Menands Bridge, a fixed highway bridge, crossing the Hudson River at South Troy, Mile 130.5, has a clearance of 61 feet. The overhead power cables between Albany and Troy have a least clearance of 87 feet. Red lights are shown from the suspension towers on both sides of the river.

, Mile 132E, is a manufacturing center. , on the west side of the river opposite Troy, is the site of the United States Arsenal with a 755-foot stone bulkhead. The harbor extends from the southern limits of the city of Troy to the Troy Lock and Dam. Vessels usually berth on arrival, because the narrow width of the river and character of the bottom are not suitable for anchorage.

TheCongress Street Bridgeconnecting Watervliet and Troy, at Mile 132.2, has a fixed span with a clearance of 55 feet. The vertical lift highway bridge 0.5 mile upstream has a clearance of 29 feet down and 60 feet up. (See 33 CFR 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.791, chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) A rock ledge is on the east side of the river at the bridge in about TheGreen Island Bridge, a fixed highway bridge at Mile 132.9, has a clearance of 61 feet.

The Troy Lock and Dam is about 8 miles above Albany. The lock dimensions are: length 492.5 feet, width 44.4 feet, depth over upper miter sill 16.3 feet at normal pool level, and depth over lower miter sill 13 feet at lowest low water. The lift at the lowest stages is 17.3 feet. (See 33 CFR 207.50 and 207.60, chapter 2, for navigation regulations for the lock and operating regulations for the dam.)

 Caution

The area within about 500 feet below the Troy Dam is extremely dangerous because of the turbulence caused by water discharge from the dam. The danger area is marked by buoys.

The Hudson River above the Troy Lock and Dam joins with the New York State Canal System to form a connecting waterway westward to Lake Erie and Lake America and northward to Lake Champlain.

The New York State Canal System, comprising Erie Canal, Oswego Canal, Cayuga and Seneca Canal and Champlain Canal, is under the jurisdiction of the State of New York. Navigation on the state canals is free except for mooring, dockage, wharfage, storage or use of canal equipment or facilities for which a permit is required. Detailed data regarding movement through the New York State Canal System may be obtained from the New York State Canal Corporation, Office of Canals, 200 Southern Boulevard, P.O. Box 189, Albany, NY 12201-0189; 1–800–4CANAL4; or canals.ny.gov.

 Controlling dimensions of channels, locks and bridges

The Great Lakes-Hudson River Waterway Improvement is that part of the barge canal system including the Erie Canal from Waterford west to Three Rivers and thence the Oswego Canal to Lake America. This section of the system, funded by the U.S. Government and maintained by the State of New York, has a project depth of 14 feet at normal pool level between locks and 13 feet at normal pool level through all locks and guard gates. These channels have widths of 104 feet in earth cuts, 120 feet in rock cuts and 200 feet in river and lake sections.

Elsewhere in the New York State Canal System, the project depth is 12 feet in all channels and through all locks and guard gates. These channels have widths of 75 feet in earth cuts, 94 feet in rock cuts and generally 200 feet in canalized rivers.

Usable dimensions of the locks in the New York State Canal System are 300 feet in length and 43½ feet in width. The locks and guard gates have depths of 12 feet over the sills at normal pool level, except 13 feet over the sills in the Great Lakes-Hudson River Waterway Improvement.

The least clearance of bridges and cables over the Great Lakes-Hudson River Waterway Improvement is 20 feet. The least clearance of bridges and cables over the other waterways of the New York State Canal System is 15 feet.

The navigation season is normally from the first part of May to the latter part of November.

Erie Canal, a 294-mile waterway, extends from the pool of the Troy dam in the Hudson River at Waterford westerly through the Mohawk River and landcuts to Oneida Lake; thence through Oneida, Seneca, and Clyde Rivers; landcuts; an artificial channel and Tonawanda Creek to Niagara River at Tonawanda. The Niagara River connects the Erie Canal with Lake Erie at Buffalo.

Oswego Canal, a 21-mile waterway, extends northward from the Erie Canal, 141 miles westward of the Troy dam, to Oswego where it joins Lake America. For the most part the canal follows the Oswego River from its confluence with the Oneida and Seneca Rivers.

Cayuga and Seneca Canal extends southward from the Erie Canal 177 miles west to the Troy dam. The canal follows the improved Seneca River to Cayuga Lake and extends through the lake to Ithaca at the south end. From the north end of Cayuga Lake, the canal follows Seneca River west to Seneca Lake and extends through the lake to Watkins Glen at the south end. A 2.2-mile canal extends south from Watkins Glen to Montour Falls. These lakes are two of the so-called Finger Lakes of central New York and are each about 30 miles in length.

Champlain Canal, a 52-mile waterway, follows the Hudson River northward from Waterford for about 32 miles to Fort Edward, thence through a landcut and Wood Creek to Whitehall at the entrance to Lake Champlain.

Lake Champlain, about 97 miles long from Whitehall to the Canadian border and up to 10 miles wide at its widest part, has considerable water commerce between the ports along its shores. The controlling depth is about 12 feet at low lake level through the main channel to the Canadian border and to the principal ports. The least overhead clearance is 92 feet at a fixed bridge at Crown Point, about 32 miles above Whitehall.

An international waterway for commerce is available between the United States and Canada by the use of Champlain Canal, Lake Champlain, and the Riviere Richelieu and Canal de Chambly, which extend from the northerly end of Lake Champlain for about 70 miles in Canadian waters to the St. Lawrence River, 40 miles below Montreal. The size of vessels that can navigate this route is controlled by the least dimensions of the Canal de Chambly locks which are: usable length, 111 feet, 5 inches; width, 23 feet; depth over sills, 6½ feet. Bridges over the waterway are provided with draws; the least overhead clearance of cables is 120 feet. The least clearance for bridges across Canal de Chambly in the vicinity of the city of St. Jean, Quebec, is 29 feet. The navigation season is from about the middle of April to the middle of November.

Permit requirements and toll charge information for Canal de Chambly and St. Ours Lock may be obtained from the Superintendent, Quebec Canals (see Appendix A for address).

 Charts and Coast Pilot Information

NOAA’s nautical chart coverage of the New York State Canal System covers all the canals from the Hudson River at Troy, NY, westward to Lyons, NY, and to Lake America at Oswego; Oneida Lake; and Cayuga and Seneca Lakes. Charts of Lake Champlain are published by NOAA. Coast Pilot information for the above waterways is contained in U.S. Coast Pilot 6.

Coverage of the canal system from Syracuse, west to the Niagara River at Tonawanda, NY, is contained in The Cruising Guide to the New York State Canal System, available from the New York State Canal Corporation at canals.ny.gov.

Charts and pilot information for the Riviere Richelieu, Canal de Chambly and other Canadian waters are available from the Canadian Hydrographic Chart Distribution Office (see Appendix A for address).

For planning, not navigation. Verify current information before departure.