Northumberland: Hudson River and Canal History

Northumberland sits on the eastern bank of the Hudson River and brings together riverside scenery and a history shaped by bridges, mills, and the Champlain Canal. After the canal opened in 1823, the hamlet became an important transshipment point for goods. Historic structures and riverside sites bring various chapters of this development to life; at the same time, viewpoints, walking paths, and a launch for canoes and kayaks invite you to explore the outdoors. If you enjoy combining activity with history, you can shape your stay around a variety of experiences.

Traces of the Champlain Canal

At Eagle Point, you’ll find Stratton’s Shanty, a replica of a lock tender’s cabin at the site of the original Champlain Canal Lock 10. The cabin offers a glimpse into work and life along the canal. Original stones from the lock wall are also located at Eagle Point. Together, these remnants give the site a tangible connection to the waterway’s former use.

The history of the mill site can also be placed in context: the site of the John Harris Grist and Saw Mill dates to 1832 and was first used as a mill site in 1772. The Bacon Hill Dutch Reformed Church dates to around 1820 and is now known as Bacon Hill Church. Alongside the canal’s history, visitors interested in the area’s development will find examples of former mill and church sites.

Bridges and Historic Sites

The surviving accounts of Northumberland’s bridges differ in their details about construction dates and methods. Clarks Mill Bridge is a three-span iron truss bridge. It was built in 1899 by R. F. Hawkins Iron Works. Northumberland Bridge is an iron structure dating to 1906. The site of Burgoyne’s Bridge of Boats is associated with the year 1777. These three connections make the bridges distinct points of interest for travelers interested in the area’s construction and local history.

Another historic destination is Stark’s Knob. From there, the view stretches across the Hudson River to Vermont’s Green Mountains. In the fall of 1777, General Stark is said to have used Stark’s Knob as a lookout point. The site thus combines a scenic view with a traditional historical account, without suggesting that the two are the same thing.

Walks and Riverside Experiences

Knox Trail Pocket Park offers picnic tables and information panels; it is also home to the original sculpture The Train of Artillery. Convenient parking is available at the park, and Stark’s Knob is a short walk away. This makes the park a good starting point if you’d like to combine a short walk with information panels and a scenic destination.

Dix Bridge is the local crossing of the N.Y.S. Canalway Trail. It invites cyclists, pedestrians, snowmobilers, and skiers to cross the Hudson River. If you’d rather get out on the water from the shore, Alfred Z. Solomon Kayak Launch provides direct access to the Hudson River for canoes and kayaks. For another walk, Eagle Point is just over a mile from the parking area at Dix Bridge; the walk there is easy. These options let you choose between crossing the river, paddling, and taking a stroll.

Visit the Market and Choose Your Stay

The Farmers Market at Veterans Park is held at the intersection of Leonard Street and Wilton Gansevoort Road. Vendors offer goods there on Tuesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. If a market visit fits your trip, you can take this time into account when planning your day.

When choosing a vacation rental, your personal interests can help you decide: would you mainly like to paddle the Hudson River by canoe or kayak, reach viewpoints on foot, or explore the history of locks, mills, and bridges? Northumberland offers different starting points for these interests without requiring the same itinerary.

Discover More Places

For further inspiration, you can also visit the pages for Ballston Spa, Mechanicville, Clifton Park, Malta, Saratoga Springs, and Waterford.

For the broader travel overview: Saratoga.