Lake Champlain boating question

[Keith7481]

Hi,
On Rt. 22, just north of Whitehall NY, there is a public launch ramp that I"m thinking about using this weekend. In looking at a google map pic I notice that there is a railroad trestle that goes over this section of the lake. Before being able to enter the canal and go either north or south, boaters have to go under this trestle and I was wondering if anyone knows how much headroom clearance there is for that trestle. Thanks in advance.
Keith

 

[Expidia]

Re: Lake Champlain boating question

I've been under it. It has decent clearance as its the entrance to the hudson river which runs north and south. If you go right its only a short way the the whitehall lock. So take a left and its really a pretty cruise Northwards. We usually cruise on up the the Ticonderoga area. Have lunch on the boat and cruise back. The leaves should just be starting to change so it should be a scenic trip. Next trip launch at the free NY state ticonderoga launch and head north. Or 5 min or 10 min takes you out to the Lake George free launch site at Mossy Poimt and check out the Rogers Rock area of Northern Lake George.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Lake Champlain boating question

It might be tight for you. .....and you will probably need to lower the bimini. Beautiful cruise up to the new bridge..... see Ft Ti by water and the stinky paper plant......... Some really nice scenery and calm too. WATCH the bouys and the depth and STAY OUT of the water chestnut which is the worst crap in the world. That launch at South Bay is really nice .....great ramp, docks and parking lot. I am about 20 minutes by car from there

 

[ken51k]

Re: Lake Champlain boating question

Kieth you shouldn't have any problems with that railroad trestle bridge it has a clearance of about 15 feet. The Admiral and myself took a month trip this year up the Hudson river through the Lake Champlain canals and into Lake Champlain up to Canada and back. Great trip.

 

[Expidia]

Re: Lake Champlain boating question

I doubt they would have built that 4 lane boat ramp and a huge parking area for the benefit of small boats to use the pond in front of the ramps! Most boaters who launch there go under the bridge and onto the river.

 

[Keith7481]

Re: Lake Champlain boating question

Hi all, thanks for that info, it was very helpful. Had a great trip yesterday. We launced at the free launch at Whitehall, very impressive set of docks as some noted. But I have to say, that is by far the steepest ramp I have ever seen. I had no idea the ramp area was so large, can't see it when you drive by from the road. We made it under the trestle with 3 inches to spare with the Bimini still up, close but fine. Went up to the fort, leaves just starting to change, next week this would be a gorgeous trip!!! Went under the new bridge and over to the little marina in Port Henry and had lunch there. Bob is absolutely right about watching the buoys, very easy to get distracted by the scenery and end up in 4' of water pretty quickly. Highly recommend this trip to local boaters. Am going to take Commanders advice and next year put in at Ti and head to Burlington and Plattsburgh. Thanks again everyone.