Erie Canal Lock 32

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Erie Canal Lock 32 is located in Pittsford, New York and is a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike.


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Summary

The lock is part of the historic Erie Canal system, which operated from 1825 to 1924 and played a significant role in the development of New York's economy and transportation systems.

Visitors to Lock 32 can view the operation of the canal lock, which raises and lowers boats to different water levels as they travel along the canal. There is also a visitor center that provides information about the history of the Erie Canal and the lock system. The area around Lock 32 is a popular spot for walking, cycling, and boating, and there are several parks and trails nearby.

One of the most interesting facts about Lock 32 is that it is the only remaining lock on the Erie Canal that still uses the original 19th-century technology. This makes it a unique destination for history buffs and anyone interested in the history of transportation and engineering.

The best time of year to visit Lock 32 is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the canal is busiest with boats and visitors. However, the area is also beautiful in the fall, when the leaves change color and the scenery is particularly picturesque.

Overall, Erie Canal Lock 32 is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history of transportation and engineering, as well as those looking for a scenic and educational outing in New York State.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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