(
Satellite)
The lift is 40.5' (12.3m)
The above view has the downstream gate partially open whereas the bottom has it all the way open.
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nycanalmap
Lift: 40.5 feet [12m]. Constructed in 1915, Lock 17 was once the highest single lift lock in the world at 40.5 feet. A heavy counterbalanced guillotine gate, hung from overhead chains and riding on rails on the inside of a bulkhead make this lock unique.
WATER TRAIL MILE: 78.99 PADDLING NOTES: Because the large lock chamber holds more than six million gallons of water, locking through here takes a bit longer than usual, about 25 minutes. Facilities are difficult for paddlers to access due to steep canal walls. |
In this view, the downstream gate is closed. Note that the counterweight is up near the top.
I did not appreciate that the downstream gate was a
sluice gate until I saw this photo.
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Dave Budgar posted
Friday 6:22 p.m.: Opened in 1916, Erie Canal Lock 17 (which we summarily dubbed the “Josh Allen” lock) in Little Falls, Herkimer County, replaced four older locks from the 19th-century Enlarged Erie Canal (specifically Locks 36, 37, 38, and 39). It was once the highest single lift lock in the world at 40.5 feet. The lock chamber holds over six million gallons of water. It remains today the lock with the greatest lift (or drop) on the Erie Canal. |
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Ulf Jonsson commented on Dave's post
Had the pleasure of going through a few days ago [Oct 2026]. It is a very cool lock with quite spectacular sounds. |
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Charles Ilardi commented on Dave's post
It's tall! |
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Joe T. Cobbler commented on Dave's post
Passed through eastward yesterday [Oct 3, 2026] at the 4pm opening. They're on a two hour opening schedule and no stopping between 17 and 16 due to canal bank integrity issues. |
My first reaction was AI. But this looks like a postcard and AI was not an issue is the 20th Century. So my second issue was artistic license. But postcards are typically colorized photo by a human being. So my current reaction is confusion. Why would stairs go down into water?
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Hudson River Lightkeeper commented on Dave's post
Dennis DeBruler: Why do the stairs go down into water? |
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Frederick G Teall III posted
Lock 17 Little Falls under construction: my grandfather was a draftsman in one of the engineering offices during construction. He was nearly killed when he was on site one day and a form loosened and fell almost striking him. Peace. |
John Kucko Digital
posted four photos with the comment: "
Footbridge on the Move: The Erie Canal being used for exactly what it was built for. A massive pedestrian bridge that is destined for the Ralph C. Wilson Park in Buffalo is being transported west on this iconic waterway on two barges. This is the bridge arriving this afternoon at Lock 17 in Little Falls, NY—largest lock on the entire canal with a lift of 40.5 feet. The barge was split up and it takes about 35 minutes for one barge to pass through this lock. This bridge, made in Italy, is scheduled to arrive in Buffalo on July 16th, on #716Day nonetheless. This pedestrian bridge will span the 190 there. This move is very similar to the one in 2017 involving the Genesee Brewery “beer tanks” that were transported along the Erie Canal to Rochester. Carver Marine Towing handled that move and are doing the same with this one. Great to see the Erie Canal used the way it was 199 years ago. NYS Canal Corporation"
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Peter Osredkar
posted five photos with the comment: "Little Falls,NY Herkimer County."
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Tom Esmond
posted four photos with the comment: "I found the old man of Lock 17 in Little Falls - very cool!"
Cori Willson: If you get him from and another angle its George Washington.
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Frank Gillette posted
Bring in the big guns Little Falls |
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Donald Neuffer commented on Frank's post
i did that recently |
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| Same reel |
This must be what gave the town the name of Little Falls and why such a tall lock is needed.
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| Same Reel |
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