Pixley Falls State Park and the Black River Canal Towpath

The Black River Canal towpath begins in Boonville and ends below Pixley Falls State Park at the 5 combines. On one visit to the park, we decided to take the trail northwards.




The canal is now completely silted and barely discernable but remains of the old locks are still visible beside the trail. We counted 15 locks along 2.4 miles of gradual uphill climb. No wonder this canal has the record for the most number of locks. From Rome to Lyons Falls, NY, the Black River Canal had 109 locks over 35 miles, the summit being here in Boonville. In contrast, the Erie Canal only had 83 locks along its 350 mile course.