Waterford is the oldest continuously incorporated village in the U.S. Located on the convergence of the Mohawk & Hudson Rivers, it is considered the gateway to the Erie Canal system. To access the Old Champlain Canal System's walking trail, hike up the path along the spillway falls and turn right or cross over Lock 2 in Waterford. You will see the old mule trail and pass old locks that date back to the Civil War, lock stations and lots of wildlife. A walk along the Waterford Flight provides a different perspective of how the canal sharply elevates out of the Hudson River Valley.